Facts about a Vacation in Saint Kitts and Nevis
You want to go on a vacation in Saint Kitts and Nevis! It is a dual-island country. The smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere. To the north-northwest lie the islands of Anguilla, Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten and St Barths. And also Saba and Sint Eustatius. To the southeast is the island of Montserrat. And to the east and northeast are Antigua and Barbuda. Saint Kitts and Nevis has a population of 52,441 (2018 est.). Most inhabitants are Christians. The capital is Basseterre. The cuisine is a mixture of Creole, Chinese and Western. And also Indian. Specialities are mango ginger chicken, rikkita beef (beefsteak marinated in champagne and hot peppers) and goat waterstew.
This is important to know about Saint Kitts and Nevis:
- The official currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- English is the official language
- The time zone is UTC -4
- Driving side is left
- Calling code is +1 869
- There are two international airports. Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport is the larger one. With service to North America, Europe and the Caribbean. And Vance W. Amory International Airport with service to the Caribbean.
Best Time to Travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis
Nevis has a tropical monsoon climate. And Saint Kitts has a tropical savanna climate. It is pleasantly warm all year round (75-80°F / 24-27°C on average). The peak season is December to April. Hotels lower their rates in May and June. The sea is warm enough for swimming all year round. The temperature is 77-86°F / 25-30°C on average.
Towns
The major towns are:
- Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The main port for passenger entry via cruise ships. There are two centres. The Independence Square which contains most of the historical buildings. Like the courthouse and the cathedral. And The Circus, the tourist centre.
- Charlestown, the capital of Nevis. Historical buildings and a modern port for ferries form Saint Kitts.
- Sandy Point Town on Saint Kitts. A tourism centre. Entrance to the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Attractions
The most popular attractions are:
- Visit one of the astonishing beaches. Like Banana Bay, Dieppe Bay Beach and Cockleshell Bay. Or Half Moon Bay for swimming and bodysurfing!
- The Carnival on Saint Kitts (18 December to 3 January)!
- Culturama on Nevis (end of July, early August)
- Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site: a well-preserved fortress
- Bar Hopping along The Strip on Frigate Bay
Enjoy your vacation in Saint Kitts and Nevis!