Experience Authentic Caribbean Culture in St. Kitts

The moment you arrive in St. Kitts, you catch the vibe that there’s something special about this island. The destination has topped recent best-of lists from travel authorities including American Express Travel, AFAR and Caribbean Journal who love St. Kitts for its natural beauty and sweeping vistas, but also for the warmth of the Kittitian people who make this island a joy to experience.

Marina at Christophe Harbour

Learning the history of St. Kitts gives an insight into the island’s culture. St. Kitts and sister island Nevis have one of the longest written histories in the Caribbean dating back to 1493 the year Christopher Columbus discovered the islands during his second voyage to the new world. Both islands were Spain and England’s first colonies in the archipelago. Fun fact: the island was originally named St. Christopher, a nod to the patron saint of travelers.

Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens

If you’re a history buff and love to learn about the world through travel, here are three unique experiences you can have only in St. Kitts.

Explore one of the world’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a magical location in St. Kitts. This miliary fortress is an architectural wonder which dates to 1690 and is famous as one of the world’s best preserved historical fortifications in the Americas. Perched 800 feet above sea level the views here are panoramic. Look northwest and see the Sint Eustatius island, behind that you’ll spy the island of Saba. On a clear day if you look directly north you can see Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy. This is unquestionably one of the most iconic locations on island—the sweeping ocean vistas and surrounding green mountains which surround it will leave you breathless.

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Ride on the Caribbean’s last railway

This is one of the island’s most unique living pieces of history. The original tracks of St. Kitts Scenic Railway were laid between 1912 and 1926 and the 29-kilometer stretch was built to deliver sugar cane from island plantations to a centralized mill located in the capital of St. Kitts, Basseterre. In 2003, the 28-kilometer train ride transformed into an attraction to be enjoyed exclusively by tourists. Known as the “Last Railway in the West Indies” this two-hour tour rolls across historic bridges, traverses through rolling green fields, and hugs the island’s northeastern coastline which boasts million-dollar views of the ocean and the rugged cliffs that frame it.

St. Kitts Scenic Railway

Enjoy epic island festivals

St. Kitts is all about positive energy and fun times; we’re talking about the art of limin’ which means embracing easy and effortless life vibes. Kittitians love colourful and spirited celebrations and there are two amazing annual ones in St. Kitts that are incredible to be a part of. Sugar Mas Carnival happens every year beginning mid-December (this year’s dates are from December 13^th through January 2^nd) and is an electric Caribbean party complete with colourful costumes, spirited dance parties, and sweet musical sounds. Summertime in St. Kitts is equally energetic thanks to the St. Kitts Music Festival, a multi-day experience that brings music lovers from around the globe to the island every June. The fest always features an all-star bill mixing local and international talents—past headliners have included Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean, Lionel Richie, and Culture. Make your travel plans for the 2025 edition which will run from June 26^th through 28^th.

Two costumed revelers at Sugar Mas

This content was created by The Kit; funded and approved by the St Kitts Tourism Authority.