St Kitts and Nevis

The capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre is one of the oldest towns in the eastern Caribbean. Founded in 1627, it retains a certain architectural charm from its period of British and French colonisation. Basseterre is located on the southwestern coast of St Kitts island and is still one of the chief commercial depots of the Leeward Islands. Basseterre is the most common entry point to Saint Kitts and Nevis for travellers arriving by both air and sea. The town has a rather tragic history, punctuated by colonialism, battles, fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Historic buildings are spread throughout, with many of the old structures surviving these perils to the present day.

Nicknamed the 'Gibraltar of the West Indies', the striking Brimstone Hill Fortress sits atop an 800-foot (244m) rise and is protected by 49 guns and immense walls. Built largely by African slaves, it took nearly ten decades to complete since construction first began in 1690. The scale and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is representative of the historic importance of Saint Kitts during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the complex affords incredible views from its commanding position and houses a small museum.

Address : Basseterre

Website : www.brimstonehillfortress.org

As with all Caribbean destinations, one of the most popular things to do on Saint Kitts and Nevis is to try your hand at some scuba diving or snorkelling. The calm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, not to mention its spectacular coral reef formations and its abundant marine life, make it a wonderful diving and snorkelling destination for beginners and experts alike. For those new to diving, Monkey Shoals and Friars Bay Reef provide a gentle introduction to the undersea wonders of Saint Kitts and Nevis, with plenty of reputable diving companies offering full training and guided excursions into the depths. For intermediate-level divers, Sandy Point on Saint Kitts is a National Marine Park known for its beautiful coral heads and colourful sea life. Those who prefer the excitement of wreck-diving can explore the remains of ships such as River Taw, M.V. Talata, and the recently sunk Corinthian. Experienced divers will enjoy the challenge of Nags Head's strong currents and Aquarium, famous for its range of tropical fish.

Pinney's Beach is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The epitome of paradise, its fine white sands are backed by palm trees and lapped by calm Caribbean waters. Lying within convenient distance of Charlestown, Pinney's Beach has a few casual restaurants and beach bars, and is the closest thing Nevis has to a party beach, although the length of the beach ensures that a secluded spot can always be found. The four-mile (6km) stretch of sand is never crowded and entertains a beautiful lagoon, with ideal conditions for swimming. However, Pinney's Beach is not ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling as the water can be quite murky.

Address : Near Charlestown, half a kilometer from The Narrows strait.

Website : www.nevisisland.com/beaches

One of the most popular tourist activities on the island, the St Kitts Scenic Railway is a must for first-time visitors to the Caribbean. It is a fantastic way to experience the beautiful scenery of the island, as well as its history of a major sugar producer in the 17th and 18th centuries. The St Kitts Scenic Railway takes visitors on a three-hour tour of the island, following a 30-mile (48km) circular track. The narrow-gauge train is unique in that it has two levels: an open-air observation deck on the top offering panoramic views, and an air-conditioned parlour below, where complimentary beverages are served throughout the trip. As the train rolls by sugar cane fields, traditional villages, and great sights such as Brimstone Hill Fortress, friendly tour guides contribute to your understanding of St Kitts by sharing anecdotes about the island and snippets of its colonial history. Cruise passengers should note that tickets for the Scenic Railway can be booked while on board most cruise ships.

Address : The train departs from Needsmust Station

Website : www.stkittsscenicrailway.com/

The Strip is the area immediately surrounding Frigate Bay. It is the beating heart of the island when it comes to nightlife and entertainment options. However, visitors should not expect neon lights or chic buildings. Rather, a closer guess would be a series of unpretentious beach shacks located a mere stone's throw from the ocean. Visitors can rest assured that what the Strip lacks in glitz, it more than makes up for in spirit, with numerous bars and clubs offering live music, DJs, fire-eating performances, bonfires, and a steady supply of cold rum cocktails to fuel your dance moves. Although restaurants and bars can be found on some of the most popular beaches, the Strip is the natural entertainment hub for those in search of fun on St Kitts.