St Kitts: the small, stunning Caribbean gem

Blessed with natural beauty and secluded beaches as well as a rich history and vibrant culture, St Kitts is a small, friendly and perfectly formed jewel in the Caribbean's crown

It may not be the most famous of Caribbean islands, but what St Kitts lacks in profile, it makes up for in beauty, history, character and a real sense of fun. Easily reached on twice-weekly British Airways flights from London Gatwick, St Kitts is a small, friendly and vibrant island with plenty to enjoy from rainforest hikes to a lazy catamaran cruise. Winter temperatures hover around 25C and the landscape is a captivating mix of secluded beaches, soft emerald hills and mighty volcanic mountains.

Beach bliss

St Kitts has sands for all holiday moods, from the gentle, family-friendly waters lapping the mile-long curve of Cockleshell Bay to breezy Atlantic shores much loved by walkers and kitesurfers. Inviting beach bars are never far away, such as the Castaway-style ShipWreck on South Friars Bay, which has live music on Sunday afternoons, and Salt Plage in Christophe Harbour with a smart waterfront deck ideal for sipping expertly crafted cocktails as the sun sets.

Natural splendour

Rising to 3,972ft, Mt Liamuiga is the island's majestic green peak – if you like a challenge, take a guided hike up through the rainforest to admire its half-mile-wide crater. For something more leisurely, sit back on the top deck of the St Kitts Scenic Railway as it trundles round the north coast on a century-old narrow-gauge line originally used to transport sugar cane.

A Kittitian feast

Love lobster? At Sprat Net in Old Road the daily catch is served in cheap and cheerful style to the sound of a live reggae band that gets both locals and visitors dancing. Belle Mont Farm, set on a 400-acre organic estate high in the hills, offers delicious farm-to-fork cuisine under the mango trees. Basseterre, the characterful island capital, is the place to savour authentic Caribbean dishes such as goat water, curried conch and healthy ital snacks.

Historic wonders

Brimstone Hill Fortress, which dates from 1690, is a World Heritage site and national park that astonishes many with its colossal battlements, panoramic views and absorbing military museum. Close by, The Amazing Grace Experience explains the little-known link between St Kitts and this famous hymn, while Wingfield Estate is home to sugar mill ruins and Caribelle Batik, one of the most popular shops on the island selling joyously colourful locally made batiks.

Plenty to do

Fancy hitting a golf ball between two oceans? The palm-dotted Royal St Kitts Golf Club has a championship course that straddles both Caribbean and Atlantic shores. Or for an adrenaline thrill, try zip-lining over the rainforest at Sky Safari. If you visit between late November and New Year get ready to party, as that's when St Kitts celebrates carnival in a vibrant whirl of colourful parades.

Visit ba.com/wintersun to find out more.