About St. Kitts

In the centre of the island stands a dormant volcano covered with vegetation which dominates the landscape. St. Kitts has an unspoilt atmosphere, and provides a relaxing get away. Beautiful beaches, tropical forest areas perfect for nature trails are among the attractions. Basseterre, the capital boasts many beautifully preserved colonial structures. Historic sites have been well preserved and worth a visit.

St Kitts has an extinct volcano which dominates its landscape, rising 3,792 feet in the air—Mount Liamuiga. Basseterre the island’s capital retains much of it’s old world charm with elegant buildings-remnants of it’s British heritage and French colonial interest. St.Kitts because of its unspoilt nature is a perfect eco tourism destination. Because of the importance of sugar to the island’s prosperity in the past the old plantation houses and sugar mills remain an attraction. The beaches and water related activities are also a drawing point.

Be sure to take a trip on the St.Kitts Scenic Railway which offers a comfortable ride around the island, allowing one to see the glories of the past when sugar was king, travelling along the original railway which was used to transport sugar. Visit the many historical sites such as Brimstone Hill, the fortresses, the old sugar plantations. The beaches provide a wealth of water related activites and for the more adventurous there is hiking and and mountain climbing and discovering the many native plants which are used for medicinal purposes on the island. A variety of experiences await the traveller in St.Kitts

Originally occupied by the Arawaks and Caribs it was discovered by Christopher Columbus and it was originally named St. Christopher.In 1623 the British colonised the island with the arrival of Thomas Warner. It became a source of conflict between the French and British until 1783 when it was permanently returned to the British.St. Kitts is rich in history. The fortress at Brimstone Hill was regarded as the Rock of Gibraltar for the islands and remains as a reminder of the struggles of the past between the foreign powers. St.Kitts ( along with Nevis) because of its exceptional wealth, derived from sugar, and strategic position made it a key figure in the struggles between the European powers at that time. St.Kitts became independent in September 1983 and is in a federation with Nevis, it remains a part of the Commonwealth.