7 Best Towns and Resorts in St Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre is the biggest town on St Kitts and hums with activity throughout the day. It’s easy to walk around and enjoy the brightly painted buildings, colonial landmarks, and bustling waterside. It’s home to the only deepwater port in St Kitts and welcomes plenty of cruise ships and day-trippers. Stroll from the pier to Independence Square to get an insight into the rhythm of life in St Kitts.

From scuba diving to golf, St Kitts is home to many fantastic activities, and Basseterre is the best place to compare options and book your trips. This being a Caribbean island, you’re never too far from a picture-postcard beach – South Friars Bay is a beautiful stretch of coast just a few minutes’ drive from Basseterre.

Kittian Village is a luxurious, purpose-built resort area on the eastern coast of St Kitts, around 20 minutes’ drive from the capital. With a host of hotels and many restaurants to choose from, this is the most popular place to stay on the island.

Although lacking in local culture, the beach here encapsulates the vacation vibe. The sand is golden and powder-soft, with plenty of activities if you need to burn some energy. You can learn to kitesurf, rent a personal watercraft or even try your hand at sailing. At night, relax at an oceanfront beach bar or test your luck in the casino. Just north of Kittian Village, you’ll find Royal St Kitts Golf Course, which is widely considered the best course on the island. At sunset, take the short hike to Timothy Hill Overlook to enjoy ocean views on both sides of the island and spot the packs of monkeys in the hills.

Cockleshell Bay is a popular stretch of coast on the southern coast of St Kitts. It’s quite remote and pristine, with a back-to-nature feel. Thankfully, you’ll find several beach bars strung out along the sand, popular for couples looking for a relaxing break together. If you want to stay in the area, there are some high-end resorts nearby.

At sunset, head to the Reggae Beach Bar on the eastern edge of Cockleshell Bay. It’s popular with visitors and locals and hosts live music well into the night. For some interesting local dining, head over the headland to the neighboring beach in Banana Bay.

Charlestown is the central hub on Nevis island, the smaller of the 2-island nation. This is where you’ll find the best choice of dining and shopping on Nevis. Everything you need is within 2 blocks of Charlestown Ferry Pier, including the Museum of Nevis and the Cotton Ginnery Mall.

For a local experience, spend a few relaxing hours in Nevis Hot Springs on the edge of town. The simple facilities are free to use – just rock up with a towel. The water is very hot, so this is not recommended for small children. If you’re looking for a nice stretch of coast nearby, head north to Pinneys Beach. Bring your snorkel and mask to enjoy exploring the coral reef just offshore. Sunsets from here are magical.

Sleepy New Castle is surrounded by stunning beaches, making it a great choice for anyone looking for sun, sea, and sand. The small village is on the north coast of Nevis with 5 different beaches to choose from.

Oualie Beach is best for families and large groups as there’s plenty of space beneath swaying palms to find your perfect lounging spot. A selection of watersports is available here, including kayaking, jet skis and snorkeling tours. For some romantic time with your significant other, head to Lovers Beach just to the west of Vance W Amory airport. The sand is white and soft, with nothing but the lapping waves within earshot.

Sand Point Town is the second-biggest town on St Kitts behind the capital. It’s up on the northwest coast and was once the commercial hub of the island. You can still see some remains of warehouses dating back as far as the 1600s. While there has been some development in recent years, it still retains its quiet, relaxed vibe.

The town is surrounded by interesting things to see and do. Start by visiting Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore one of the largest forts ever built by the British Army in the Caribbean. Families and couples will enjoy a few hours at St Kitts Eco-Park on the edge of Sandy Point Town. It’s home to a variety of flowers, historical buildings and beautiful panoramic views.

Dieppe Bay Town is a historical town of note as it was the first settlement on the island. It was destroyed shortly after and was rebuilt by the French in 1625 – hence the name. These days, this sleepy town on the northern Atlantic coast of St Kitts is a place to get away from it all.

With a population of just a few hundred people, it’s certainly not a place for wild partying. You can choose from a modest selection of guesthouses, served by a couple of restaurants along the coast. But this is its charm. Escape the busy resorts on the southern coast and live like the locals in Dieppe Bay Town.