This Stunning Caribbean Island Has Cloud Forests, a Volcano, and Pristine Beaches—and You Can Drive Around It in an Hour

St. Kitts is known as the “Cradle of the Caribbean,” the first British colonial settlement in the region, and a stepping stone to islands beyond. Centuries later, St. Kitts “remains an introduction to a new kind of adventurous, action-packed style of travel that many vacationers have no idea they can experience in the Caribbean,” affirms Greg Pereira, a born-and-bred Kittitian and the founder of Greg’s Safaris, an island favorite.

Travelers who have yet to venture beyond sun-and-sand destinations like the Mexican Caribbean or the Dominican Republic will embrace the beautiful, beachy coastline and luxe resorts of St. Kitts that ring true to every Caribbean stereotype. However, just a quick jaunt from the resorts, the island’s raw, rain forest-covered center reveals everything from a volcanic crater to hiking trails hidden beneath cloud forest canopy where vervet monkeys swing. It’s these experiences that make the larger island of the dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis one of the region’s most sought-after destinations these days.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

There’s thoughtfulness in every detail at Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, a 124-room luxury property that feels singular on the island. A backdrop of the golden sands of Banana Bay and uninterrupted views of Nevis ensure there’s no bad room here, though the honeymoon-worthy rooftop suites with plunge pools are particularly dreamy. A design-forward adults-only pool with dramatic stone arches mimics the architecture of the island’s fortress and is hidden far from the kid-friendly amenities that have made this one of the best resorts for a family vacation in the Caribbean.

Koi Resort Saint Kitts, Curio Collection by Hilton

Tucked back from the island’s more rugged and untouched Atlantic coast, Koi Resort Saint Kitts feels set apart and exclusive for a peaceful stay. The oceanfront here isn’t swimmable, but the resort offers frequent shuttles to the nearby beaches on the Caribbean side of the island, offering guests the best of both worlds.

Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort

A collection of charming cottages and villas dot lush landscapes in the shadow of Mount Liamuiga at Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort. The island interior location is unexpected for a luxury property in the Caribbean, but it still delivers sweeping ocean views from almost every room. The resort’s sugar mill-inspired eatery, The Kitchen, features a bar and chef’s table tastings and pairing dinners, making it worth a visit even if you’re staying elsewhere.

Sunset Reef St. Kitts

Skip the oversized resorts for a stay at Sunset Reef St. Kitts, a luxe boutique hotel with just 11 suites. The property got its start as a villa and still guards that intimate, private feel while providing thoughtful hotel amenities like a gym, a yoga deck, and in-room spa services.

Best Things to Do

Visit Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.

A sprawling 40-acre UNESCO World Heritage site, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park crowns a soaring island lookout with what are among the best-preserved fortifications of their kind in the region. “The centuries-old fortress itself is impressive enough, but the views overlooking the island, the ocean, and neighboring Saba and Statia are arguably even more memorable,” muses Juella Gumbs, Marketing Manager of the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, of the island’s most important historical attraction.

Sail around on a catamaran cruise.

Jump on a catamaran to cross “The Narrows” between St. Kitts and Nevis for a day spent anchoring at hidden cove beaches and secret snorkeling spots. Full-day cruises usually include a light lunch and a famous Killer Bee cocktail on one of Nevis’ stunning northern shores like Oualie Beach or Pinney’s Beach.

Take a tour with Greg’s Safaris.

Travelers can “explore beyond the shore” with Greg’s Safaris on adventurous backcountry island tours that cut through forest and coastline in open-sided, modified 4×4 Land Rovers. Curated itineraries across the island uncover the ruins of historic sugar mills, reveal Indigenous petroglyphs in untouched canyons, and trace hidden hiking trails, many of which Greg himself cut into the lush landscape.

Hike Mount Liamuiga.

At the heart of St. Kitts lies Mount Liamuiga, a slumbering stratovolcano coated with diverse rain forest and cloud forest ecosystems that make the four-hour strenuous hike to the top a constant adventure. An expansive crater at the summit and sweeping 360-degree views across the sea are well worth the effort it takes to reach the top.

Ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway.

If a volcano hike isn’t quite your speed, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway is made for a more leisurely encounter with the island’s natural beauty. Originally built to transport sugarcane, this double-decker train now traces a three-hour route across gorges, past historic sugar mills, and along the dramatic coastline for a top-to-bottom tour of St. Kitts.

Nightlife

The Strip on Frigate Bay

The island comes alive after sunset in Frigate Bay, where a collection of bars and restaurants transforms the beach into a live-music-fueled hot spot at night. The Strip is anchored by Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack, the ultimate toes-in-the-sand Caribbean beach bar that draws locals and visitors alike. A night isn’t complete without trying a “Ting With a Sting” made from local sugarcane rum and grapefruit soda.

Best Restaurants

Orchid Bay Beach House Restaurant

A fresh menu of classic Italian dishes makes Orchid Bay Beach House Restaurant an island favorite. Wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta pair perfectly with alfresco dining; thanks to the restaurant’s dramatic cliffside location on the island’s western coast, it’s one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset.

Sprat Net Bar & Grill

Locals and visitors alike rave about Sprat Net Bar & Grill. “It’s a little bit rustic, but in the best way,” says Pereira of this fisherman-owned waterfront dive known for its family-style seafood feasts. Grilled red snapper and lobster are favorites, and live music sets the mood.

Serendipity

Island inspiration meets international cuisine at Serendipity, long considered a go-to for fine dining in Basseterre. The name feels supremely fitting for the location, a colorful Caribbean manor on a hilltop where guests can dine on a breezy patio overlooking the bay.

Marshall’s

“[Chef Marshall] has been around for years, and he’s gotten it right this whole time,” says Gumbs of the chef at the eponymous Marshall’s, perched on a hillside near Frigate Bay. The menu includes a mix of international cuisine with classic Caribbean flavors, and every local we spoke with recommended it.

Fisherman’s Village

A casual coastal eatery at Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Fisherman’s Village highlights flavors from across the Caribbean and a divine selection of seafood. The contemporary overwater dining room frames views of Nevis, while an impressive cocktail menu elevates the oceanfront experience.

Areas to Visit

Basseterre

Basseterre is a Caribbean capital to be savored, not skipped. One of the most historic cities in the Caribbean, it is home to the National Museum of St. Kitts and landmarks like Independence Square and The Circus with its emerald-green Victorian-era clock tower.

Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean side of the island is studded with the beautiful beaches and luxe resorts that make St. Kitts such a desirable destination with winter-weary visitors. Frigate Bay and Friars Bay are always worth a visit, but skip Cockleshell Bay when cruise ships are in port, as it can get uncomfortably busy with disembarked passengers.

Atlantic Coast

Rent a car and drive down the less-visited Atlantic side of the island to escape the crowds. Though these wave-soaked shores aren’t great for swimming, they reward visitors with stunning views of a more desolate, jagged coastline.

Island Interior

The unexpected highlight of a trip to St. Kitts is visiting the island’s verdant interior. Embarking on a 4×4 expedition or hiking Mount Liamuiga is just the start; the culmination of the journey into the island’s heart is an overnight stay at Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort.

Best Time to Visit

Late November through mid-April is when St. Kitts enjoys the most beautiful weather, with warm temperatures and clear, sunny skies tempting the most visitors. For a nice mix of affordability and good weather, locals recommend visiting in May or June, when prices drop at most hotels and resorts, yet the weather remains pleasant.

Travel in June for the St. Kitts Music Festival, an annual three-day fete that brings local artists together with international stars representing a melange of genres, from R&B and soul to soca and calypso.

Though carnival festivities in St. Kitts are smaller than those on neighboring islands, the Sugar Mas Carnival is a colorful six-week celebration worth adding to your itinerary. Stretching from mid-December through the new year, it makes a busy travel season even busier, but offers a festive peek into some of the island’s most beloved traditions.

How to Get There

By Plane

St. Kitts is home to the busiest international airport in the dual-island nation, the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport (SKB). Direct flights from Miami on American Airlines are the easiest way to access the island. However, St. Kitts also connects to other major cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and New York.

Connections to St. Kitts on regional airlines via other Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico, Antigua, and St. Martin are even more frequent. Travelers can fly more seamlessly with Tradewind Aviation on private charter routes from Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas.

By Boat

Makana Ferry Service connects St. Kitts with the nearby islands of St. Martin, Statia (St. Eustatius), and Saba, making island hopping in the Caribbean easier than ever. “Service is…mostly just used by locals at this point, but travelers who want to explore more of the Caribbean will find it comfortable, convenient, and very professional,” says Pereira.

How to Get Around

Taxi

There is one rideshare program on the island, but taxis may still be the easiest option for most travelers looking to explore. Rates are fixed, though it is always best to check the cost with the driver before embarking.

Car

Renting a car is the best way to explore the island more extensively. “St. Kitts has one main ring road around the island, so it’s pretty easy to navigate,” says Gumbs. It only takes about an hour to drive around the majority of the island. “Plus, it usually works out to be more affordable to rent a car for the day than taking taxis across the island.”

Ferry or Water Taxi

Both ferries and water taxis connect St. Kitts and Nevis, making Nevis an easy and affordable day trip destination. Passenger ferries depart frequently from Basseterre, while water taxis depart from the dock at Reggae Beach on the southern tip of the island.