Attractions
Beaches on Nevis: Just north of Charlestown is Pinney’s Beach, a white sand beach fringed with palm trees. The north-facing black sand beach and Hurricane Hill offer good views of St. Kitts and Barbuda.
Brimstone Hill: Built in 1690, the fort was the scene of some Franco-British battles in the 18th century and towers over the plains where the sugar mills stood. From here you have a wonderful panoramic view of the neighboring islands of Saba and St. Eustatius.
The tourist center of Frigate Bay offers two beautiful beaches, hotels, a golf course and a casino. Flights to neighboring islands are available from Bradshaw International Airport.
St Kitts
Basseterre: The influence of the British and French colonial times is reflected in the capital in particular in Independence Square. The deep sea port has recently been completed. Major attractions include The Circus, Independence Square and the Church of St. George. The handicraft house is also interesting. Close to the capital, allow time to explore Brimstone Hill Fortress and Black Rock. A visit to the Caribelle batik factory should not be missing from any sightseeing program. The Great Ape Research CenterFrigate Bay Development, the Southeast Peninsula and Mount Liamuiga Crater are other interesting places to visit.
Nevis
In the 18th century, Nevis was called the “Queen of the Caribbean” and over the past 100 years has developed into one of the most exclusive bathing and holiday resorts in the world. Charlestown: The island’s beautiful capital captivates with its ornate wooden houses and large arches of bougainvillea. Reminiscent of the island’s history include the cotton ginning factory, Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace and museum, the courthouse, the war memorial, the Alexandra hospital and the Jewish cemetery. Some of the plantation houses have been converted into excellent hotels such as the famous Nisbet. The philatelic center and the library are also interesting. The Bath House is one of the oldest hotels in the Leeward Islands. A visit to the mansionEden Brown revives a bygone era. The Fig Tree Church, Nelson Museum, Hot Springs and Newcastle Pottery are other attractions.
Shopping
Overview
Carvings, batiks, wall decorations, leatherwork and coconut items. Shop opening hours: Mon-Sat 08.30-12.00 and 13.00-16.00; some shops close earlier on Thursdays.
Nightlife
Introduction
Steel bands perform in some hotels in high season and dance evenings are sometimes held. The Royal St. Kitts on St. Kitts is a casino. There is a nightclub on Nevis and on St Kitts J’s Place at the foot of Brimstone Hill Fortress, the Cotton Club and Reflections offer evening entertainment.
Culinary
Overview
Local specialties are suckling pig, lobster, crab and curry. Restaurants frequented mostly by the islanders offer conch shells (curried, salted or in a salad) as well as rice, peas and goat’s water (a stew). Christophines, yams, breadfruit and papayas are also offered. The smaller restaurants in Nevis and Charlestown cook more for the locals with vegetable soup, lobster, mutton and beef. Drinks: The locally made CSR, a sugar cane liquor, is excellent; but internationally known spirits are also offered.
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotel prices vary depending on the standard and equipment of the accommodation and are much lower off-season (mid-April – mid-December). Most hotels give group and package discounts. A 7% tax and 10% service charge will be added to all hotel bills. There are over 20 hotels on the two islands, although most are on St Kitts. Numerous small hotels are privately owned and offer a high standard. A full directory is available from the High Commission or the Tourist Office. The majority of hotels belong to the St Kitts & Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA), Liverpool Row, PO Box 438, Basseterre, St Kitts. Tel: 465 53 04. (Internet: http://www.stkittsnevishta.
Culture
Religion
Anglicans, Methodists and Catholics.
Social Rules of Conduct
Commercialization has not yet set in on Saint Kitts and Nevis and commercial thinking is not yet part of everyday life. The islanders love the traditional simple, quiet lifestyle and welcome visitors warmly. Calypso and music play a particularly important role in the summer months. Casual attire is generally accepted, but as a general rule, dress appropriately for the occasion. Tipping: A 10% service charge will be added to hotel bills. In restaurants 10-15% is usual, taxi drivers expect 10%.
Climate
Best travel time
Hot tropical climate tempered by trade winds. The dry season lasts from January to April. In summer and at the end of the year, the amount of precipitation is higher and varies depending on the altitude. The annual rainfall is about 125-200 mm, main rainy season from May to October. Cyclones can occur between August and October.
Country data
Phone prefix
+1 869
Area (sq km)
261
Population
53,199 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
199
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
911
