Those looking to escape the European rush this summer and opt for pastures new are likely to set their sights towards the Caribbean. Albeit a further trip, the magic of the Caribbean has always lain with its year-round sunshine but more often than not, attempting to escape the heaving tourists is no easy feat. Fortunately there's a new sun-drenched kid on the block that’s being called a hidden Caribbean gem and is both affordable and with fewer tourists.

Vacationing in popular sunny destinations often entails skyrocketing prices with the more mainstream spots rising even higher, herein lies the appeal of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The tiny country is dual-island nation located within a cluster of lesser-known paradises and offers that quintessential Caribbean vibe in a world that feels like your own private adventure.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is found within the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean Sea that measures around 104 square miles (269 square km) of a truly unique landscape.

That’s because much ofits landscape is that of lush forestry and towering volcanoes including the iconic with scatterings of golden sand beaches and nature preserves. 

Many of St Kitts’ beaches even feature black volcanic sand with the island’s waters making them an ideal destination for activities such as snorkeling and diving.

According to TripAdvisor, the top three beaches on the island included Cockleshell Beach, South Friars Beach and South Peninsula with a host of others all offering unique and colourful reefs, walls, and wrecks waiting to be explored.

For truly incredible underwater sights the smaller island of the two, Nevis, is your haven and is a smaller and quieter spot on the island that’s surrounded by stunning coral reefs.

Nevis has its own capital, Charlestown and is a quaint townscape full of charming attractions including the historic site of Fort Charles and Nevis Artisan Village.

There’s also a towering mountain not hard to miss and is known as Nevis Peak and sits a cool 985 metres above and flanked by the lower Round Hill with the Nevis Hot Springs also a must visit here.

What sets St Kitts also apart is the Central Forest National Park and is a dense rainforest home to a variety of wildlife such as rare birds and the green vervet monkey.

The park is a must-visit for hikers and lovers of a scenic walk with secret waterfalls and is the last remaining tropical forest on the island, playing a vital role in regional conservation efforts.

A visit to this small yet stunning island certainly provides all with a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, increasing its appeal as the ultimate vacation destination.

Thanks to the island's history, including its role as a British and French colony, a unique and colorful character adds to this interesting island’s appeal even further.

One review on TripAdvisor wrote: “A can’t miss experience, everything was spectacular.”