Nevis Peak As Seen From The Caribbean Sea
Nevis Island is the smaller of the two islands that make up the small Caribbean island nation of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis. A former British colony, the islands became independent in 1983. They are separated by a 2-mile wide channel known as “The Narrows”.
Nevis is not overly developed, it is still a very quiet and relaxing island, and a lot safer than many Caribbean islands. The local people who live on the island of Nevis are kind and welcoming, but Nevisians who don’t work with tourists on a regular basis tend to be shy at first. Nevis has one of the highest literacy rates in the world; education and religion are very important aspects of the islanders’ lives.
The island of Nevis is divided into five parishes:
- Saint George, Gingerland
- Saint James, Windward
- Saint John, Figtree
- Saint Paul, Charlestown
- Saint Thomas, Lowland
The Caribbean island of Nevis is almost round in outline, with a large dormant volcano (known as Nevis Peak) in the middle. The island divides naturally into three regions: the peak itself, which is so steep that it was never farmed, the coastal plain which rises up towards the central mountain, and hills of various sizes around the island which are the remnants of far more ancient volcanic activity.
Charlestown, the capital of Nevis, is a small, picturesque town, with a Main Street lined with Georgian stone buildings which are examples of the architectural style of the colonial era, sporting breezy balconies and wooden upper floors over a ground floor built of stone.
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Four Seasons Resort, the historic Hermitage, the charming Golden Rock Inn, and the iconic Nisbet Plantation. With so many outstanding places to stay, your island getaway promises comfort and relaxation.
Nevis also offers a delightful array of dining options, ranging from international flavors to authentic West Indian cuisine. Whether you’re sampling dishes at a quaint eatery or indulging in the Indian restaurant at Nelson’s Springs, the culinary choices are truly endless.
Music and the island lifestyle go hand-in-hand, and Nevis is no exception. Since the days of slavery, folk dances and music have been deeply woven into the culture, playing a vital role in celebrations, especially during Christmas, when field workers enjoyed leisure time to revel in these traditions.
Nevis has also made remarkable contributions to Caribbean and global history. Two notable figures, Alexander Hamilton and Lord Horatio Nelson, left their mark on the world. Hamilton, born on the island on January 11, 1757, was a founding father of the United States and its first Secretary of the Treasury. Nelson, Britain’s legendary admiral, used Nevis as a strategic base in the 1780s and married Frances Nisbet, a Nevisian, in 1787.
The island remained part of the British colonial holdings until 1967, when it achieved Associated Statehood with St. Kitts. On September 19, 1983, Nevis became part of the sovereign democratic nation of St. Christopher and Nevis. Its unique constitutional framework includes representation in the Federal Parliament, while also maintaining its own parliament and administration, led by a Premier.
Nevis truly blends history, culture, and natural beauty into an unforgettable experience!