Caribbean · St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts Travel Guide
St Kitts has the dramatic Brimstone Hill Fortress (UNESCO), black and golden sand beaches, and a scenic railway circling the entire island past sugar cane fields and mountain views.
How Do You Get to the Fortress?
Walk into Basseterre from Port Zante. Brimstone Hill is 30 min by taxi ($25-30). South Friars Bay is 20 min.
What Can You Do in 6 Hours?
Brimstone Hill Fortress — UNESCO site. Massive 18th-century fortress with views of five islands. Entry $10.
Scenic Railway — 3-hour tour on narrow-gauge sugar cane tracks. Open-air cars with rum punch and music.
Basseterre — The Circus, the Co-Cathedral, and the Public Market.
South Friars Bay — Calm golden sand beach with beach bars and views of Nevis.
Where Should You Eat?
Stewed saltfish: National dish — salted cod with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and johnnycakes.
Goat Water: Slow-cooked goat stew with breadfruit and dumplings.
Is St Kitts Worth Exploring Independently?
Basseterre is walkable. Brimstone Hill and beaches require taxis, which are affordable. Ship excursions charge $70-100+ for what costs $30 by taxi.
Useful Local Phrases
English is the main language
Kittitian Creole also spoken
(n/a)
Local Tips
- •Brimstone Hill Fortress offers views of five neighbouring islands. Entry $10. Allow 1-2 hours.
- •The Scenic Railway circles the island on old sugar cane tracks. 3-hour tour. Book in advance.
- •South Friars Bay and Cockleshell Bay are the best beaches.
- •EC Dollar is local currency but US dollars accepted everywhere.