Kingstown Travel Guide, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines

Kingstown, Travel guide – Location

The capital city of Kingstown is located on the Saint Vincent Island from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago. Kingstown travel guide offers complete information regarding the city’s natural background, economy and cuisine.

Kingstown, Travel guide – Geography

The city is set on the shores of a tropical volcanic island with a dominating mountainous topography at an average elevation of 1 meter. Being located by the Caribbean Sea and overlooking the great La Soufriere Volcano, which is still active, the city offers spectacular landscapes for the tourists visiting these places. Another beautiful picture in Kingstown is offered by the black sand beaches, color given by the volcanic rocks present here, very appreciated in the construction activities.

The tropical humid climate generates two seasons, a dry one from December to June when it is hotter with chilly nights and a wet one from July to November. Annual average temperatures are between 18ºC and 32ºC, perfect for a relaxing vacation at the equator.

The waters of the Caribbean Sea invite tourists with their turquoise blue color, captivating submerged corals and rich wildlife.

Kingstown, Travel guide – Flora and Fauna

The tropical climate and the fertile volcanic soils are perfect for housing one of the most abounding and diverse vegetation in the world. Among the most common plant species here are the palm trees, breadfruit tree, banana and coconut palms and many others. Forests are populated with colorful parrots, opossums, agouti while the waters of the sea abound in fish, turtles, sea urchins and more. Sea birds are also present here attracted by the favorable climate and abundance of food like the pelicans, frigate birds and many others.

The city also houses a botanical garden, dating back from 1765 when it was founded by Capt. William Blight and housing numerous local exotic plant and tree species.

Kingstown, Travel guide – Transport

Getting to Kingstown can be as easy as ever if you decide to travel by air. The city has its own international airport called E.T. Joshua International Airport and is located just a few minutes away from Kingstown. Another good option is to get here by ferry which makes good connection between the port and the other islands from the archipelago. At the airport you can take a taxi to get to the city and within the city tourists can travel by bus or again by taxi. Also for visiting the city and its surroundings one can rent a bike or a boat for a private fishing trip. Palermo, Italy is really close so you can also chose to land there and visit the city. Catania is 101 miles away and it is a good option if you have some time left.

Kingstown, Travel guide – Population and Economy

Kingstown houses about 24.000 people, representing a quarter of the entire population of the St Vincent Island. The locals are mainly of African origin living together with smaller groups of Europeans, Caribbean and Amerindians and speaking English which is also the official language here. The dominating religions are the Protestant ones along with the Roman Catholic.

The economy in Kingstown is mainly based on tourism and agriculture the first one being more and more profitable. The number of tourists increases with every year bringing important incomes while agriculture is vulnerable due to the changing weather conditions.

Kingstown, Travel guide – Cuisine

Just like the Kingstown landscape, the cuisine is exotic, fresh and incredibly tasty. The main ingredients are the fresh vegetables like the peppers, potatoes, cassava, meat which is usually cooked very spicy, seafood fish and different traditional spices. Meat and fish is served smoked, fried or pickled along with vegetables, chili sauces or rice. The crayfish is very popular in Kingstown being served in different combinations by every restaurant and also the callaloo, a delicious stew made with spinach leaves and coconut milk.

The favorite drinks of the locals are the beer, called “hairoun”, fruit juices, tea, coffee, rum and a traditional sea moss drink.