Imagine cloud-shrouded mountains and lush green forests. Imagine the clear blue water extending to as far as the eyes can reach. Now close your eyes and wonder whether all of this was a dream. Nature has a peculiar way to surprise us. It creates some of the most stunning architecture and places them in a faraway land. That is what makes the planet a discoverer's treasure trove. Saint Kitts and Nevis is one such trove.
Where is Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis is part of the West Indies group of islands and is the only island country within that chain. It is located among the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. St. Kitts and Nevis is the smallest nation to be a part of the Commonwealth as well as the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere, given the area it covers and its meagre population. However, that does not take away anything from the country. It is one of the most visited countries in the world and regularly features amongst the top travel destination. St. Kitts and Nevis are definitely among the top in the honour roles when it comes to the most Instagrammable place on Earth.
Travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis
Now that we know where is Saint Kitts and Nevis, it becomes imperative for us to find out how to reach there. Being an International destination, St. Kitts and Nevis is connected by air to most top airports. There are regular flights from Europe and North America by Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta and United.
Inter-island travel is also made easy through regular flights by Seaborne Airlines and Winair.
The two islands are separated by a two-mile channel, and there are regular ferry services one avail of.
Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport is the largest airport in the island nation and is also a hub for tourists travelling to other islands in the group. There are taxi services that take tourists to and from the airport to other places.
There are cruise ships that have services too. There is a large port at Basseterre, which allows the large ships to docks. For those who intend to take the ferry service, though, they do have an erratic schedule, and I would advise you to take a flight since they are scheduled and fairly regular.
St. Kitts and Nevis being one of the favourite playgrounds of international travellers, expect the air tickets to be fairly high priced. Travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis needs to be well planned and thoroughly researched.
Truth be told, this is a stunning Caribbean island and falling in love with it is not that hard. It also has quite a dichotomous look that confuses travellers. It does look like any of the other Caribbean islands but scratch the surface, and lo and behold, you have a whole different world waiting to be explored. So, apply for Saint Kitts and Nevis e-visa now and get the opportunity to explore the islands!
Tourist places in Saint Kitts and Nevis
And this is what we were all waiting for. The top tourist places in St. Kitts and Nevis. Or, as generation X would suggest, the most Instagrammable places on the island. Let's begin:
1. The Islands
I generally don't sweepingly call an entire place Instagrammable, but St. Kitts and Nevis are hauntingly beautiful. It has a gorgeous landscape that is hard to erase long after the vacation is over. I am not even mentioning the small towns and villages that dot the verdant outback. Some hills merge with the ocean, beaches that end up in a lush green forest and the blue sky, which provides the perfect backdrop. It's magical in the truest sense. St. Kitts and Nevis will never disappoint you, even for a moment. So you may be vacationing here for a day, a weekend or a week; this place has the habit of growing into you and staying there forever. Travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis is incomplete without the local surprises.
2. Mount Liamuiga Volcano
The hike to Mount Liamuiga Volcano is a routine activity that every traveller to St. Kitts and Nevis must undertake. St. Kitts and Nevis are so much more than just beaches and oceans. The view from atop the peak is stunning though the hike is a bit arduous. It is advisable that you hire a guide and take water and wear good quality trekking shoes before you embark on the trail. The path is through dense forest and foliage. The volcano is one of the Instagrammable places and may even end up being one of the most liked photos on Instagram. It is indeed one of the most famous tourist places in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
3. St. Kitts Scenic Railway
Speaking of the most liked photo on Instagram, how can a ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway be missed. This is the Caribbean's most sought after railway and runs across the island nation for quite a distance. It is perhaps the best way to travel and see the country. The historic double-decker carriages offer a wide view of the landscape as well as great comfort. The Scenic railway is one of the best ways to sightsee as well as garner more likes for your photos on Instagram.
4. Wingfield Estate
Until recently, this was a rundown ruin and had no value. However, after extensive renovation, this estate has come to life. It is a historical as well as a pleasant visit. The old sugar refinery does provide the visitor with knowledge of the island's past. After the visit, one can also walk up to the Romney Manor for some sipping of Rum Punch. The Rainforest bar is a must-visit for Rum aficionados.
5. The Catamaran
The vast ocean is often dotted with hundreds of boats. These boats can be hired on an hourly basis. You can also hop on to one of the many catamarans that take visitors on an ocean ride. Sit back idly and watch the Sunset. It is the best thing you can do while at St. Kitts and Nevis. It is also one of the most Instagrammable places around the island. The Sunset might just turn out to be the most liked photo on Instagram.
6. Cockleshell Beach
One of the many beaches, the Cockleshell beach is famous as a rendezvous point. Hire a jet ski and ride to the nearest secret beach and come back. It's a secret get away from the maddening crowd. Though a bit rocky, the secret beach is an ideal place to attain nirvana. However, while hiring the jet ski, do not forget to bargain.
7. Gallery Cafe
An absolute gem in an otherwise cacophonous world. This is one of the often-visited Instagrammable places on the island. The Gallery Cafe is a hot spot as far as tourist places in St. Kitts, and Nevis go. Your most liked photo on Instagram may just be the white-walled, colonial structure exuding old-world charm and a hard to miss aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It is a cute little space that showcases local art. It is also a bit kitschy but then who wouldn't like a rebel amidst monotonicity.
8. Timothy Hill
Another hilltop to visit for the panorama that it offers. It is situated on the southeast peninsula, and on the opposite side lies Frigate Bay. The Island capital of Basseterre also lies adjacent to Frigate Bay. The oceanfront at Frigate Bay is quite rough for swimming though there is a breakwater that has been built in front of the Marriott for the avid swimmer.
9. The Marina
If you keep travelling towards the southeast peninsula, you will reach the Christophe Harbour Development area. This is still under development and, once finished, will provide more facilities to the island of St. Kitts. The Marina is vying for the most liked photo on Instagram.
10. The Friar's Bay
This is the best beach on the island. The combination of golden sand, beach bars, and the setting sand has driven many travellers to wonderland. The Carambola Beach club is at one end of the beach, while at the other end is the Shipwreck Bar. Both the upmarket watering holes are favourites among the weary travellers. One of the highlights of the bar is the visit by the troupe of monkeys who live in the nearby forest.
11. Brimstone Hill
The Brimstone Hill also has the Brimstone Fort. This fort is part of the heritage of St. Kitts and Nevis. It is also among the popular Instagrammable places of the island. This fort is also a reminder of the struggle between the British and the French for the control of the sugar-rich island.
12. Ottley's Plantation Inn
This is a picturesque colonial structure that was the nerve centre of the plantation. The structure has since been renovated and converted into an exquisite inn and exudes an old-world charm. The inn is famous for its well-maintained gardens and the tranquil ambience that prevails all around it. It is a contender for the most liked photo on Instagram. A nearby nature walk runs through a rainforest and is quite a hit among tourists. And it was quite surprising to know that not long ago, most did not know where is Saint Kitts and Nevis. St. Kitts and Nevis is a haven for the weary soul. Its long and silent beaches and the beautifully built landscape offers the visitor not just an Instagram moment but a memory for a lifetime.
