Things to Do in Nevis

Nevis may be smaller and sleepier than its sister isle of St. Kitts, but the capital of Charlestown has a decidedly more elegant and old-fashioned vibe than the rough-and-tumble neighboring capital Basseterre. The local code of conduct seems like something from a bygone era, where everyone smiles and stops to say good morning, afternoon or night, depending on the time of day, and public displays of swearing or complaining are frowned upon.

Walk along Main Street to the waterfront and visit the Museum of Nevis History to learn about the island and its most famous inhabitants, Alexander Hamilton and Horatio Nelson. Along Government Road, you can find a Jewish cemetery with headstones dating from 1684. And just a short walk from downtown takes you to Pinney's Beach, which boasts three miles of soft, palm lined Caribbean sands, along with the Four Seasons Resort and smattering of beach bars. 

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.

 

In the 17th century, the island of Nevis (part of the Leeward Islands) was a thriving sugar-growing region of some 20,000 inhabitants and was under British rule. It also had a sizable Jewish population, some of whom came to the island from Brazil after being expelled by the Portuguese, while others moved from nearby Barbados. The Jewish cemetery is a lasting reminder of their legacy, although only 19 tombstones remain, with inscriptions in English, Hebrew, and Portuguese.

 

The cemetery is located in what would formerly have been Charlestown’s Jewish neighborhood, and although there was once a synagogue and Jewish school, there are no traces left of these buildings today. Visitors can learn more about Charlestown’s Jewish history on a bike tour of the island’s most historic sights.

 

 

The Jewish cemetery is located off Government Road in Charlestown, on the island of Nevis. There is parking available in the town, and the site is accessible on foot from other locations in Charlestown, or via taxi or guided bike tour of the area.

 

The cemetery is open to the public year-round, and there is no entry fee. The site is not usually busy. There is very little shade, so consider visiting earlier or later in the day for cooler temperatures.

 

From snorkeling to sailing to guided kayaking tours, enjoying the wild blue yonder is all part of the experience on the island of Nevis. Waters are calm along the beaches for the most part, making the island ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while a number of sailing operators offer tours or yacht rentals if you want to explore further afield.

Over the centuries, the hotel and the original spring house have experienced cycles of disrepair and restoration—today the hotel is partially used as government offices—but visitors can still take to the waters in the stream itself or in a bathing pool on the grounds. After a soak, take time to explore the once immaculately manicured property, home to the “Garden of Jericho,” where Captain Horatio Nelson’s wedding was held in 1787.

Step into tropical serenity at the Botanical Gardens of Nevis. Created to showcase and preserve tropical plants and animals from around the world, the gardens overflow with sculptures, fountains and fragrant flowers. The centerpiece is the Rainforest Conservancy. Modeled after the Palm House in England’s Kew Gardens, the lush garden has parrots, butterflies and a cornucopia of brightly colored flowers blooming around a Mayan-style temple and waterfall.

After strolling the cactus, fruit and orchid gardens, stop for a meal at the on-site Oasis Restaurant, where the Thai-inspired flavors come straight from the nearby herb garden. Or have an al fresco meal among the blooms at one of the many secluded picnic spots around the grounds. The restaurant and gift shop can be found within the replica great house, designed in the Nevisian colonial style, complete with a massive second-floor veranda offering incredible views. 

Set within a vast 18th-century sugar plantation, the historic Montpelier House is one of Nevis island’s most legendary estates, famously hosting the wedding of Admiral Lord Nelson and Fanny Nisbet in 1787, and welcoming prestigious guests such as Princess Diana and Prince William throughout the years. 

Today, the sprawling property has been transformed into a luxurious hotel, complete with a gourmet restaurant, spa and swimming pool, but non-guests can also visit the site’s 300 year-old sugar mill and distillery, and tour the exquisite botanical gardens.

Many Americans recognize Alexander Hamilton as the face of the $10 bill, and also perhaps as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury who fatally lost a duel against sitting U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr. But few know that Hamilton actually started his life here on the tiny isle of Nevis.

The Museum of Nevis History occupies the building where Hamilton was born. The small museum sits along the waterfront of Charlestown offering visitors a glimpse not only at Hamilton’s life on island, but also memorabilia from Captain Horatio Nelson who also lived on island after marrying the widow Frances Nisbet of Montpelier Estate, and exhibits about the geological creation of the island and the native islanders’ history precolonial times.

One of the oldest churches in the Caribbean, the small stone St John’s Figtree Anglican Church was built in 1680. Surrounding the building are the church grounds, which have long doubled as a cemetery. You can explore the property and examine the gravestones, some of which date back more than 300 years.

Certainly the most notable feature is the prominently displayed marriage certificate declaring the nuptials of legendary British naval captain Horatio Nelson and local widow Frances Nisbet, dated March 11, 1787. The church was the source of the marriage certificate, as the original and historic document was found among the church’s records, but the wedding itself took place at Nisbet’s property, Montpelier Estate. The church also contains a memorial from the now Lady Nelson to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Wollward.