St. Kitts and Nevis essentials

ST.KITTS: 69 square miles - population 31,800 - capital Basseterre

NEVIS: 36 square miles - population 10,000 - capital Charlestown

Topography

St.Kitts is a relatively mountainous island starring Mount Liamuiga which towers majestically to 3,792 ft. Lush tropical rainforest, golden to dark sand beaches, rolling cane fields and a plethora of historic landmarks are other points of note.

Nevis is a volcanic island with its peak rising to 3232 ft. Its lush green slopes and rainforest meet the sandy beaches and clear Caribbean Sea. The island is resplendent with all types of tropical vegetation and flowers and has natural hot spring baths.

Weather

Temperatures range from 75 to 81 Fahrenheit year round. During the summer months, from June to October, it's hotter and more prone to tropical downpours. Winter is from November to May - a balmy period of cool Trade Winds, pleasant nights, and dry days.

Language

The official language of St.Kitts and Nevis is English.

Currency

EC dollar, change is given in EC.

Getting Around

There are several rental companies on the islands and driving is on the left. Don't forget to purchase your local driving licence available at the police station. Taxis and buses are readily available.

Ferries

Leave from Basseterre and return from the town dock in Nevis regularly. The car ferry is a 20 minute crossing between Cades Bay in Nevis and Major's Bay in St.Kitts. There are six crossings each way daily.

Airlines, Car Rentals, Hotels and Villas: click here.

Antigua and Barbuda - St.John's

The best way to absorb the distinctive sights and sounds of the lively capital, St.John's, is on foot. In this way you will discover its network of streets, its pedestrian areas and its historic and commercial districts. Shop duty free in Heritage Quay's luxury stores and boutiques and further south find the historic area of Redcliffe Quay which was formerlythe site of the town's slave market. Today it is a peaceful and shady oasis overlooking the sea and the ideal place to rest from the heat and activity of St.John's. To the north is Long Street and here you will find the Court House which contains the museum of Antigua and Barbuda. The museum exhibits archaeological remains of the Siboney people who lived on the islands around 4000 years ago and were the antecedents of the Arawak and Carib Indians. A stroll along Church Street brings you to the Cathedral which was originally built in wood in 1681, then in brick in 1720 and finally in grey stone in 1843. The interior is American pine to resist earthquakes and hurricanes. If you like to savour the local culture, don't miss the market. The best time to visit is friday and saturday morning when it is at its most vibrant and well stocked with fruit and local produce. Next to the fruit market is the Arts and Crafts market also worth a visit. The market is of course at the end of Market street to the far south of the city.

Antigua and Barbuda Lesser Antilles

Among the many islands that make up the Lesser Antilles, Antigua and Barbuda distinguishes herself for her deeply indented coastline, her natural harbours and protective coral reefs, her rolling hills and her relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is made up of the two main islands and uninhabited Redonda, a rocky outcrop 20 miles southwest of Antigua. Antigua's 280 sq km of hills and flatlands is edged with 365 white sandy beaches, one for every day of the year. Barbuda's 60 km perimeter is an almost continuous beach. The perfect beaches are complemented by striking vegetation, exotic fruits and a warm and friendly people.