Nevis is the quieter yet beautiful sister island to larger St. Kitts, but its charm and history make it a compelling destination in its own right.
The Nevis Historical Association has identified a list of signature sights around the island as constituting its Heritage trail. The Heritage Trail sights are spread out around the island, and provide a glimpse into the island’s sugar industry past, forts from the days when the French and British battled for control of the Caribbean, its connections to Alexander Hamilton and its many charming churches and buildings.
Nevis’s main road makes a 21-mile circuit through its five parishes. This driving tour makes for a fun way to combine seeing the sites, enjoying a swim or beach walk and discovering some of the most memorable places to eat. To fully enjoy the tour, you need comfortable shoes, as most sites require some walking to reach, sometimes over uneven terrain with no specific paths to follow.
Nisbet Plantation provides a lovely base from which to explore, perched at the northern tip of the island, and is itself one of the Heritage Trail historic sights of Nevis. This is the former home of Fanny Nisbet, who married Horatio Nelson in 1787 here on Nevis. You can spot the beautiful Mt. Nevis perched majestically mid-island.
Your driver will pick you up after breakfast at 10 a.m. The drive heads west from Nisbet Plantation and brings you down the more populated west side of the island, where the best beaches are plus the capital of Charlestown, with its bustling markets, colonial architecture and thriving Nevesian daily life.
Top stops will include:
Cottle Church c. 1824 – First church built for parishioners of any color. Near the village of New Castle. Atmospheric ruin of church in a charming setting, and its four walls still possess a haunting beauty and dignity.
St Thomas Anglican Church 1643 – Oldest Protestant church in the Caribbean, St. Thomas sits on top of a hill offering majestic views of Nevis and St Kitts.
Pinney’s Beach – The best on the island, is located just north of Charlestown. Time for a short stroll or swim, or perhaps a drink at the colorful beach side Sunshine’s Bar.
Charlestown – Capital of Nevis, founded in 1671 and named in honor of King Charles II of England. Let your guide show you the town, and give you a chance to explore the bustling market, open daily except Sundays.
A great lunch option is the colorful Bananas Bistro, just east of town, where you can enjoy delicious local fare and drinks inside the colorful inn or on its scenic deck.
Hamilton Estate – This evocative ruin is what is left was once one of most complete plantation factories in the Caribbean. Closed in 1951.
Museum of Nevis History – This two-story Georgian style building was the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton in 1757.
The Jewish Cemetery, c. 1670 – A Jewish population made up 25% of Charlestown in the 1720s. These were Sephardic Jews who came to work in the sugar industry from Brazil. 19 tombstones have survived.
Bath Hotel and Bath House – Built in 1778 as the first hotel in the Caribbean, and it flourished for about 60 years. The rich and famous came to take the therapeutic waters of its five thermal springs.
Montpelier Estate – Site of the Nelson/Nisbet wedding in 1787. Montpelier has a spectacular view of the mountain, Charlestown, and the sea beyond. Here is a lovely setting for dinner, perhaps at the unique Mill Privee, where you can dine inside the stone tower of the former sugar mill.
Your driver will then escort you back to your island home after your meal.
This tour will give you a good perspective on the beauty of Nevis, its fascinating history, and a chance to interact with the friendly locals at the various sights, in the city and sampling the delicious food at its plantation inns.
