This unspoilt treasure reveals so much of authentic island life. Every quintessential Caribbean pleasure can be found here. From relaxing in the tropical sunshine to exploring the rainforest, from snorkelling off Cockleshell Beach to shopping in Basseterre, whatever your idea of the perfect holiday is, you can mix and match St Kitts' many diversions to suit you, surfing, mountain biking, golf, water sports and, of course, simply stretching out and feeling that warm glow of great weather.
St Kitts is also rich in unique experiences. The arts scene is well represented at the Amina Craft Market in Basseterre, while the island's vibrant, world-famous Caribelle Batik fashion prints are still made on the Romney Estate, using age-old Indonesian methods to print sea island cotton. It makes for a fabulous day trip, as does the island's Scenic Railway. The only rail line in the entire Caribbean, it once carried sugar cane to the capital but now it's the ideal way to take in the views at a leisurely pace. There's also Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic, cultural and architectural significance.
For nature untamed, St Kitts has dive sites to suit all level of ability, giving you the chance to see corals, turtles and lobsters at Brimstone Shallows, and explore the large Coconut Tree Reef at your leisure. Sandy Point, a designated National Maritime Park, is a favourite with divers from all over the world. Or if you prefer hitting the heights, take the zip-line instead, an aerial runaway that scoots you over the lush forests at a thrilling 50mph.
Alternatively, sit back on a catamaran cruise around the island or across to nearby Nevis for a barbecue on the beach, or go beach-hopping, from Salt Plage on White House Bay to the Shipwreck Bar and Jam Rock on South Friar's Beach to the Reggae Beach Bar & Grill and Spice Mill on Cockleshell Bay and back to Frigate Bay to see what's cooking on The Docks and The Strip.
All of these unforgettable experiences take you to the heart of what St. Kitts is all about, but the islanders love a sense of occasion too. So whenever you go, you're almost sure to catch one of the busy calendar of carnivals, sports tournaments and music festivals, from February's Annual Pro An Golf Tournament and May's Golf Open to June's landmark Music Festival and Caribbean Premier League T20 Cricket in July to October's Latin Fiesta and Sugar Mas in December. These are just a handful of the highlights that make St. Kitts a vibrant place to experience all year round.