Things to do in  Nevis

Smaller than its sibling isle St. Kitts, sleepy Nevis has a decidedly more elegant and old-fashioned vibe than its big sister’s capital city, Basseterre. Set on the western shore of the island, Charlestown’s charming narrow streets are lined with colorfully-painted 18th- and 19th-century Victorian and Georgian-style buildings.

With more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) of golden sand fringed with palm trees and clear turquoise waters, Pinney’s Beach is a stretch of classic Caribbean coastline just outside Charlestown on the island of Nevis. Visitors come to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and watch the world go by at one of the beach bars.

Established on land once belonging to the historic Montpelier Estate, the Botanical Gardens of Nevis are owned and operated by a local family and showcases tropical plants from around the world. Within, the 5-acre (2-hectare) sanctuary overflows with fragrant flowers, cascading dolphin fountains, orchid terraces, and water lily ponds.

Built in 1778, the once opulent Bath Hotel and Spring House was the Caribbean’s first tourist hotel, with the international jet set flocking to its therapeutic hot springs. While it’s no longer a hotel, the volcanic baths and the relaxing landscaped gardens are open to the public.

Established in the building once belonging to the parents of Alexander Hamilton, the waterfront Museum of Nevis History is one of the most important museums on the island. The two-story museum features memorabilia from the U.S. statesman’s life on the island alongside exhibits about Nevis’s unique geology and pre-colonial history.

Set within a sprawling 18th-century plantation, Montpellier House is Nevis’s most historic estate, earning its swell reputation by hosting the nuptials of British Admiral Horatio Nelson and Fanny Nisbet and prestigious guests such as Princess Diana and Prince William. While its sugar cane days are over, it’s now a luxury hotel. The restaurant, spa, and grounds are open to visitors.

With its calm, shallow waters and its lovely views of St. Kitts, Oualie Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Nevis, especially for swimming and watching the sunset from the charming beachfront bar. Enjoy water sports and have a meal while soaking up the local culture.

Set within the grounds of a former sugar plantation and cotton ginnery, the Nevis Heritage Village at Fothergills Estate recreates the living conditions and examines the social history of the different peoples that have lived on Nevis, from the Carib Indians to the present day.

The highest point on the island of Nevis, Nevis Peak is a tree-covered, and now-dormant, volcano. Although it has not erupted since prehistoric times, there are still signs of volcanic activity in the area, including jets of steam and natural hot springs. Hiking to the peak is a popular activity for adventurous visitors.

Built in 1740, the Eden Brown Estate is a former sugar and cotton plantation whose great house and outbuildings are in a state of beautiful disrepair. Encroaching wildflowers and overgrown grass surround the ruins, giving this hardly accessed site a magical, haunted feel. In fact, it's the most popular place on the island to spot a ghost.

The Jewish cemetery in Nevis is a poignant reminder of the once-thriving Jewish community that lived on the island. Found in Charlestown, the island’s capital, the cemetery has headstones dating back to the late 17th century, when a number of Jewish families lived on the Caribbean island.

Saddle Hill Fortress stands as a reminder of British Admiral Lord Nelson’s presence on the island of Nevis. Designed as a fallback position in case of invasion, Nelson is said to have used it as a lookout point, though the fort was never equipped with weapons. Today, visitors come to enjoy great views from the observation post.

Built in 1680, St. John’s Figtree Anglican Church is one of the oldest churches in the Carribean. Inside the modest stone structure is one of the island’s most precious artifacts, the marriage certificate of British Navy Admiral Horatio Nelson and Frances Nisbet. Outside on the grounds is a cemetery where some of the weather-worn gravestones date back more than 300 years.