Basseterre Travel Guide
About Basseterre
Kitts, their first Leeward Islands Caribbean settlement, they found white sand beaches, tumbling waterfalls, a lush rainforest, the majestic 1,156m (3,792 ft) Mount Liamuiga (pronounced Lee-a-mweega) and fertile fields to plant their sugar cane.
Today, when cruise ships pull into port, passengers see pretty much the same thing, plus the lively town of Basseterre. If cruise passengers look 3.2km (2 miles) to the southeast, they will see Nevis, St Kitts' sister island. Verdant Nevis is laid back, with deserted, soft sand beaches and old sugar plantations that have become quaint resorts.
When the British landed on St.
Sightseeing:
Both St Kitts and Nevis have horse racing, golf, historic ruins, watersports and extinct volcanoes. St. Kitts' Brimstone Fortress, the Eastern Caribbean's only World Heritage site, has a marine theme park, shopping and larger hotels that are more attractive to cruise passengers and the resorty crowd. Nevis, a short 30-45 minute ferry boat ride away, is the perfect spot to chill out.
The picturesque capital, Basseterre retains the flavour of both French and British occupation, and there are many Georgian buildings surrounding Independence Square.
Highlights
St. Kitts
• Black Rocks
• Caribelle Batik Factory
• Friar's Bay
• Old Road
• Romney Manor
• St. Kitt's Scenic Railway
Nevis
• Botanic Gardens of Nevis
• Charlestown
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Kayaking
• Pinney's Beach
Tourist Information Centres
St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Pelican Mall, St. Kitts
Tel: +1 869 465 2620 or (869) 465 4040.
Web: www.stkittstourism.kn
Nevis Tourism Authority
Main Street, Charlestown, Nevis
Tel: +1 869 469 7550 or (869) 469 1042.
Web: www.nevisiland.com
Shopping:
St Kitts' shopping malls, located in downtown Basseterre, have a variety of duty-free shops and island specialities such as: art, batik jewellery and jams. Nevis, renowned for its honey (that is often difficult to find), also has some interesting pottery.
Restaurants
Island restaurants range from funky beach bars to elegant dining rooms. Many eateries serve West Indian cuisine, including curried mutton and Arawak chicken accompanied by almonds, rice and breadfruit leaf.
When to go:
Though the weather is tropical, trade winds are a welcome relief. The best time to visit is January through to early May. Late May to early November can be stormy as it is hurricane season.
Nearest Destination:
Basseterre.Transfer Distance:
Island restaurants range from funky beach bars to elegant dining rooms. Many eateries serve West Indian cuisine, including curried mutton and Arawak chicken accompanied by almonds, rice and breadfruit leaf.