Car Hire St Kitts and Nevis - Mini guide to St Kitts and Nevis

These two out-of-the-way Leeward Islands are some of the Caribbean’s least visited, making them appealing to some. Small, and without the dramatic scenery of other Caribbean destinations, they do however attract a few tourists seeking a peaceful escape.

Basseterre, the capital, is the only significant settlement on St Kitts, and is pretty unremarkable except for the everyday Caribbean market bustle and remnants of colonial influence seen in some of the buildings.

The Circle-Island Road does exactly that, and is a good way to see the island in a single afternoon. The settlement of Old Road Town, a few miles west of Basseterre, dates from the British settlement of 1623 and is worth stopping in, particularly to seek out the curious Carib petroglyphs from earlier inhabitants. Located at the 17th-century sugar plantation of Wingfield Estate is the Caribelle Batik factory, with lovely creations on sale.

Also near Basseterre is the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, which was once a major British garrison and now has a fairly good museum inside. Dating from the 18th century, some parts have been recently restored and from the Citadel there are excellent views of St Eustatius and Sandy Point Town.

Frigate Bay, in the southeast, is the main resort area of the Island and its chief attraction is the nearby peninsula, which is wild and starkly beautiful. The bay has a few condominiums and a casino. Nearby North Friar's Bay and South Friar's Bay are also popular, with calmer waters for swimming. Turtle Beach is also good and offers the best views of Nevis.

Nevis is the sister island of St Kitts, and although less developed is worth a day trip. Charlestown is similar to Basseterre with elements of colonial charm, but much sleepier. The bathhouse, on the outskirts, dates from 1778 and has been popular with visitors for centuries.

If you really wish to escape from everyone else, take a stroll along the lovely, deserted stretch of Pinney's Beach, on the north coast. It is lined with coconut palms and the small fortifications of Fort Ashby are worth exploring.

St Kitts has international flights to Miami, New York and Boston via San Juan in Puerto Rico, and local connections from St Martin and Antigua, if you are arriving from European destinations.