Things to do in St Kitts range from the relaxing to the adventurous. St Kitts is the larger island of the two-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis. The two islands make up the smallest sovereign nation in the West Indies, but don’t let size deceive you. There are plenty of things to do in Nevis, the smaller of the islands, as well as on St Kitts. In fact, the nation is one of the more popular Caribbean destinations, due to its luxurious white-sand beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and great outdoor and sports activities. There are more things to do in St Kitts than Nevis, partly because there are more St Kitts hotels than there are on Nevis, so more people tend to stay here.

Mount Liamuiga

Of all the St Kitts attractions, its dormant volcano is one of the most famous, and there are many hiking tours to this natural giant. Visitors are invited to hike through the lush rainforests around Mount Liamuiga, and spot such native forest animals as Vervet monkeys on their way to the volcano. Although it is nicknamed Mount Misery, vacationers should set their minds at rest, as this volcano is not expected to erupt again any time in the next several thousand years.

Tours

There are many hiking tours apart from the popular Mount Liamuiga tour. Guides are available to take visitors on rainforest treks in St Kitts and Nevis, and many hotels will arrange these excursions on behalf of their guests. The rainforest is one of the major St Kitts attractions, so it's worth having a good guide, not only so you won't get lost, but also to point out interesting plant and wildlife. Horse riding tours are also available on both islands, although they tend to stick closer to the coast, so visitors can see Nevis and St Kitts attractions from the saddle, including some of the most famous beaches and bays.

St Kitts Beaches

The beaches provide some of the most popular and relaxing things to do in St Kitts. Due to St Kitts’s volcanic past, its sands include stretches of black sand, as well as gold or white sand, providing a perfect contrast to the turquoise blue of the sea. One of the most famous St Kitts attractions is Frigate Bay Beach. This beach is only three miles from Basseterre, the capital of the island, and is typically buzzing with people enjoying snorkeling, swimming, or sunbathing. Friar’s Bay, also on St Kitts, is popular for its laid-back nightlife, made up of a handful of bars that welcome both locals and tourists, and stay open until the early morning.

Nevis Beaches

Beaches on Nevis are popular due to their tranquility, as the island is not as built up as St Kitts. For those wanting their own private strip of sand, the southern end of the island offers a cluster of rarely visited beaches. Pinney's Beach, to the northwest of the island, meanwhile, is heralded as one of the most attractive Caribbean beaches for its long stretch of white, pristine sand.

Plantations

Both islands are home to several plantation inns, many of which have been converted from colonial sugar plantations, and some of which date back to the 1600s. Staying in one of the these plantation inns is one of the most popular things to do in St Kitts and Nevis. Many are famous for their intimacy, such as the ten-room Rawlin's Plantation, on St Kitts, while others, like Ottley's Plantation on Nevis, are known for their elegant decor and sense of history.

Basseterre

Some of the most popular St Kitts attractions are in the island's capital of Basseterre. Visitors can book a tour of the capital, which will typically take in such historical sites as the National Museum, home to fascinating colonial and Kittitian artifacts, St George's Anglican Church, and Independence Square, renamed in 1983 to celebrate the newly gained independence of the islands.

Brimstone Hill Fortress

This fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site, and one of the most important historical sites in the Americas. Designed by the British, and built by African slaves, the fort is the site of many battles and sieges. Travelers can take a tour of the ruins, including the old barracks, and visit the Fort George Museum. The fortress is on Pump Bay on the western coast of St Kitts, a short drive from Basseterre.