You can easily spend an entire week on Nevis island and have enough things to do without ever stepping foot on a beach (although you should do it at least once, they’re stunning).
Historic places that tell stories about the island’s past, exuberant gardens nested in the hills, and a bountiful natural scene will keep you entertained.
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These are the top things to do on Nevis island, other than going to the beach
Table of Contents
Stroll the Gardens of Golden Rock Estate
Thousands of indigenous plants and flowers of every colour you can imagine wrap the stone buildings of this historic site.
Golden Rock Estate was a sugar plantation that operated up on the hills of Nevis from 1801 until 1815. Some witnesses of its past remain in the form of an old sugar mill, a kitchen building with a beautiful barrel-vault ceiling, and a series of charming cut stone houses that now serve as offices, bars, dining rooms, and guestrooms.
Golden Rock Nevis is now a boutique hotel. If you’re staying somewhere else you can still visit the property for an excellent meal and to stroll in its lush gardens, which are home to hummingbirds (I was delighted to see tons during my visit), bullfinches, and bananaquits. You may also see the ever-present green vervet monkeys.
Golden Rock Nevis: enjoy the garden views from your private terrace in this historic inn and relax in the outdoor pool. Continental breakfast included.
Stay at Golden Rock, with a rating of 9.5 based on more than 20 reviews.
The paths take you through a dense landscape featuring bromeliads, bamboo clusters, palms, mature trees, blooming aloe veras, ponds, cascades, and lovely pavilions.
The icing on this coconut and pineapple cake is the access to The Source Hiking trail, right on the property. A not to miss if you’re into hiking.
Watch the Sunset from St. Thomas Anglican Church
Yes, the view of the sunset over the water and of the golden glow on Nevis Peak and St. Kitts are spectacular, but it’s not the only reason to stop by.
St. Thomas Church is a historic site, as it’s the oldest active Protestant church in the Caribbean, founded in 1643.
The building you see was reconstructed in the mid 1800s after an earthquake, but if you walk to the back you’ll see historic graves from the 1600s (the oldest one is from 1649).
I love old cemeteries, with tombstones that are a work of art. And this one is not the exception.
Go On an ATV Excursion
Hopping on an ATV is a super fun way to explore Nevis’ most popular sites, including old sugar mills, scenic viewpoints up in the mountains, lush gardens, and more. The tour starts and ends at Pinney’s Beach and lasts 2.5 hours. You must have a valid driver’s license.
Book this exciting ATV excursion, with 94% 5-star rating, based on nearly 90 reviews.
Go Back in Time at Old Manor Estate
This is a historic site that will be of interest to you if you’re a history buff and if you like to photograph old abandoned buildings (although the property is currently on sale so that can change any time).
Things started here in the early 1700s, when this was a sugar mill. You can still see the old machinery used in sugar plantations. From a plantation it turned into a successful hotel that kept some of the plantation ruins which you can still see today.
The place has an old time vibe (kind of ghostly) as if time had stood still. I enjoy checking out these types of places. It may or may not be your cup of tea.
Bonus tip: craving Indian food during your trip to Nevis? Check out Indian Summer Nevis in the Cotton Ground area. Delicious!
Learn About History at the Restored Ruins of Cottle Church
The ruins of Cottle Church are an important historical site in Nevis that I found quite moving.
Thomas Cottle, a sugar plantation owner from England, had his enslaved people build this church on his property between 1822 and 1824 as a place where everybody could worship together. It became the first Anglican church in the Caribbean where people of all colours could attend a service under the same roof.
There are posters on site teaching you about the history of slavery in Nevis and about Cottle’s position on the subject.
While he treated the enslaved people he bought better than the other plantation owners did, and improved their living conditions, he wasn’t an abolitionist as his economic interests prevailed.
You can see a plaque listing the name and age of the enslaved people who lived and worked building Cottle church in 1824, who became the first members of the congregation, and who were later buried here.
I was crushed to see on the list children as young as Aaron, born into slavery and forced to work with only four years old, and people brought from Africa like Florette who, at age 79, was still enslaved.
Relax at The Botanical Gardens of Nevis
Looking for peace and inspiration? The Botanical Gardens of Nevis is the place to go. The lush gardens are full of enclaves where statues dwell next to ponds and where artistic fountains pose under the shade of giant palm trees.
A visit to this oasis is one of the best things to do in Nevis.
It’s a fantastic place to see birds flying around the never ending display of tropical plants (I saw monkeys too!), and to admire one of the largest orchid collections in the region.
I felt I was taking a mini trip around the world. The replicas of Mayan stelae in the Rainforest Conservatory, with the soothing sound of a waterfall, transported me to Mexico and to the jungles of Central America. The beautiful deity sculptures in stone brought from Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, made me feel that I had taken a trip to Asia.
The European touch came in the form of formal gardens with parterres bursting with multicolour tropical plants and classic-style fountains, and with the imposing view of Nevis Peak in the background. What a delight.
And for a superb view of the formal gardens and Nevis’ shoreline, go to the second floor of the Great House, where you can find bathrooms and a gift shop selling refreshments.
The Botanical Gardens of Nevis
St John’s Parish; 1.869.469.3509; Open Mon-Fri: 10AM-3PM (seasonal hours, call before to confirm); General admission: US$17; No pets allowed.
CREATE ART WITH THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
Let your inner artist take over and bring to life these hand-drawn colouring pages for adults, featuring imaginary gardens.
Express your creativity and relax by applying your own palette to 50 original illustrations.
Print them at home, download them to your colouring app, or buy them as a gift to your art and nature loving friends.
See a preview and get yours today
See the Old Sugar Mills at the New River-Coconut Walk Estates
These two estates located in the Saint James Windward Parish have what I think are the best preserved abandoned sugar mills in Nevis.
The New River Estate dates back to 1720. In the late 19th century it switched to steam to produce sugar, and operated until the 1950s.
The Coconut Walk Estates is newer (built between 1810 and 1834 with some older stone work). It was the largest sugar mill in Nevis.
You’ll find signs that tell you about the site and the history of the place and signs describing step by step how the old equipment was used to produce the sweet crystals, and rum.
This place is great for an easy, scenic coastal hike, where you can walk from the New River factory to the Lime Kiln. Along the way you may spot rests of ancient pottery as this is an archaeological site that was inhabited by the Arawak, the same indigenous peoples who once inhabited the nearby island of Saba.
Village Food Tour: Want to taste local drinks and dishes and learn about Nevis culture? With this 2-hour tour you’ll learn about local plants and fruits, the island history, and stop at local eateries (vegan options available).
Taste the flavours of Nevis with this tour, with a 90% 5-star rating based on 20 reviews.
Visit Historic Montpelier Estate
Montpelier Estate is another beautiful historical place in the hills of Nevis where you can visit a restored plantation boiling house that is now a luxurious hotel, and enjoy its excellent restaurants and artwork.
As you walk around the gardens you can see the 300-year old sugar mill turned into a dining room (reservation required), and old machinery blending as sculptures with the manicured landscaping.
Among other things, what is special about Nevis is the many historic sites and their location among the bountiful nature of the island.
Montpelier Plantation Hotel: this historic site has spacious and beautiful rooms with a terrace, a spa, a pool, bars, restaurants, and a shuttle to their private beach. Breakfast included.
Stay at Montpelier, with a rating of 9.4 based on more than 65 reviews.
Montpelier Estate is in the Saint John Figtree Parish, in the south side of Nevis.
Step Into One of the Oldest Wooden Houses in the Caribbean at The Hermitage Estate
A not-to-miss if you’re an architecture and design (and history and rum) lover.
This house has been here since 1670, and was one of the 20 buildings that escaped the destruction caused by the French Army in 1706.
When you enter the Hermitage Great House you’ll see the original period furniture, in the same arrangement they were back in the 18th century. It’s like wearing a VR headset that takes you back in time. In 1740, a second bedroom upstairs and a small dining room were added.
How on earth a wooden house can last this long when back then they would fall apart around year seven?
The difference is in the wood. The Hermitage Great House was built using the indigenous lignum vitae, a.k.a ironwood. It’s hard, doesn’t rot, and it’s as heavy as the Titanic. I lifted a small demo piece they have at the house and it was so heavy I swear you could use it to add a few inches to your biceps.
The 17th-century construction method (called “earthfast”) delivered houses resistant to earthquakes and hurricanes. This is the last standing example of earthfast construction in the Caribbean.
You can stay at The Hermitage Inn, which offers studio units, cottages, and villas.
You can walk around the beautiful gardens, enjoy a rum tasting and pick your favourite from the large rum collection at the bar, or taste delicious food while seated in the dining porch with pretty views of the orchard.
Check out The Art House gift shop as they have some lovely things.
The Hermitage Estate is in the Saint John Figtree Parish, in the south side of Nevis.
Walk Around Downtown Nevis
For more historical sites on Nevis island spend a couple of hours walking around Charlestown, the capital. You’ll find old churches, the ruins of a fort, and examples of traditional architecture. One of the most remarkable sites you’ll stumble upon will be the house of Alexander Hamilton, the Nevisian who became a founding father of the United States.
For more details read my post about what to do in Charlestown.
Discover Nevis’ Natural Treasures
Nature lover? Nevis is famous for being an awesome scuba diving destination. I didn’t do any diving on this trip but it’s on my bucket list.
If you prefer to stay above water, explore the hills beyond the gorgeous gardens and step into the hiking trails to feel the embrace of the forest.
To learn about where to go and what you can see, check out my post about where to hike in Nevis.
There are many things to do on Nevis other than dipping your toes in the sand. Other Caribbean islands also have activities different than laying on the beach. To learn more about it, check out my post about what to do in Sint Maarten (other than beaches).
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BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
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We check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights. Also, check Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, (and Skyscanner on the premium service) to find the best airfares.
To find a place to stay for less
Booking.com: you’ll find any type of property you can think of in their massive listing, with one of the most comprehensive filters. We’ve found great deals on boutique hotels, apartments, and private rooms in hostels.
Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%. Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.
House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.
To get travel insurance
SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.
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Watching sunset anywhere is a true blessing. It looks like Nevis is one of those places where you can enjoy the bountiness of nature. Would love to visit one day. Thanks for putting this awesome post together.
If you’re a nature lover you’ll enjoy Nevis. Thanks for reading!
I adore beach vacations! But I also love to see historical places and nature. I have never been to Nevis, but it looks like a nice place. Thank you for the suggestion!
Nevis is the perfect combination of beach, gardens, trails and history. 🙂