St. Kitts
Description
View cruises with St. KittsJagged volcanoes soaring above azure and turquoise seas, dense rainforests in myriad shades of green, rolling fields of sugarcane--welcome to St. Kitts. Along with its neighbor, Nevis, St. Kitts presents an exotic landscape more common to Polynesia than the Caribbean. The islands' terrain, rich soil, and climate made them ideal locations for raising sugarcane. In fact, St. Kitts and Nevis were once the crown jewels of the Caribbean. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Spain, France and England vied for control of the islands, with the English finally winning out in 1787. Today, British and French heritage is evident on both islands. Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, boasts fine, restored colonial buildings. Impressive Brimstone Hill Fortress, called the "Gibraltar of the West Indies," is one of the most impressive fortresses in the Caribbean.
Points of Interest
- Brimstone Hill Fortress
- Romney Manor
- Caribelle Batik
- St. Kitts Scenic Railway
- Plantations & Great Houses
- Pinney's Beach
- Nevis
- Outdoor Adventure
More about St. Kitts Points of Interest
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Brimstone Hill Fortress -
The Gibraltar of the West Indies boasts expansive views overlooking St. Kitts and Nevis. One of the best preserved military fortresses in the Americas, Brimstone Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Romney Manor -
The oldest sugar plantation on St. Kitts was once owned by Sam Jefferson II, an ancestor of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. The property contains ruins, petroglyphs, botanic gardens, and rainforest.
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Caribelle Batik -
Masters of the ancient Indonesian technique of wax resist dyeing; the artisans of Caribelle Batik transform Sea Island cotton into beautiful garments that are sold in the shop at Romney Manor.
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St. Kitts Scenic Railway -
The St. Kitts Scenic Railway is a vintage double-decker sightseeing train that showcases an historic sugar cane route. Refreshments and live entertainment add to the adventure.
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Plantations & Great Houses -
Wealthy landowners during the early estate days of St. Kitts have left behind grand homes which have been restored and filled with antiques.
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Pinney's Beach -
Pinney's Beach is three miles long stretching from just outside of Charlestown to Cades Bay on Nevis. It is considered to be one of the loveliest beaches on this charming sister island of St. Kitts.
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Nevis -
Once sprawling with sugar plantations, this reef-laden Caribbean gem boasts rainforests and tropical gardens that have enticed the likes of many a suitor, including the late Princess Diana.
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Outdoor Adventure -
Sailing, kayaking and rainforest walks are popular diversions for those seeking adventure.
