This popular fish-fry spot is the place to try conch – an island delicacy – cooked up in one of the colourful shacks by locals. Make sure you taste conch salad, chopped and doused in citrus in front of you, or opt for cracked (battered and fried) conch fritters. Arawak Cay is also a fine place to try Atlantic-caught mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper and kingfish, either fried or grilled fresh to order. A bottle of Kalik beer is the perfect accompaniment.
Nassau &
Paradise Island
When most people think of this pair of islands in The Bahamas – fringed by pristine sands and surrounded by impossibly clear waters – unsurprisingly, it’s an image of a beautiful beach that’s most likely to spring to mind. And while it is true that Nassau & Paradise Island are home to some of the best beaches in the world, when Wanderlust caught up with some of the local islanders, they quickly revealed that there is so much more besides. Local islander Star, for instance, told us exciting tales of Nassau’s pirate past and reminisced about childhood days spent watching her grandmother weave at the Straw Market. Nicholas spoke about why the food of his home island is so good. And Kelsey revealed that it’s the blend of nature and history that makes Nassau & Paradise Island quite so special.
Join us and the locals as we guide you through Nassau & Paradise Islands’ most surpising and authentic travel experiences.
Photo credits: Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board
Let Wanderlust and the locals of Nassau & Paradise Island lead you through the lesser-known cultural side of The Bahamas
Nassau is the Bahamian capital and spanning the bulk of the island of New Providence. Neighbouring Paradise Island lies less than a kilometre off its coast. Between them, they form the cultural heartbeat of these densely layered islands. And while the pair might still be better known for their warm turquoise waters and silky sands, there is so much more to discover here. A culture shaped by waves of settlers from other lands has left these islands with stories to tell and a complex colonial history to devour.
You’ll find incredible music and crafts, as well as historic buildings and vibrant festivals. There are plenty of ways to connect with the Bahamian way of life, so long as you’re prepared to wander beyond the beaches. For those looking to explore the islands’ nature and wildlife, there are old-growth forests and coastal reserves that offer a haven for myriad birds and marine creatures. And don’t forget about the food. Conch (a muscular sea snail) is a prized island delicacy not to be missed, while the humble fish fry has become a local institution. There is so much to see and do here, so let the islands’ locals lead the way
The incredible history of these islands unravels in tales of explorers, pirates and kings. Before you set out, it pays to learn more about the story of The Bahamas first
History and Heritage
You don’t need to dig too deep beyond the powdery sands and shallow aquamarine waters to discover Nassau & Paradise Island have plenty of history. And a complex one at that. First home to the Lucayan people (Arawak-speaking Amerindians), the islands were claimed by the Spanish in the 15th century and then later by the British, with a fair amount of tussling, swash-buckling and profiteering along the way. This layered history has shaped the identity of this proud nation, which became a free sovereign country in 1973, and it is reflected in a distinct Bahamian culture that blends influences from Africa, Britain and other parts of the Caribbean.
Columbus
It was reputedly in The Bahamas where Christopher Columbus first made landfall in the Americas on 12 October 1492, although the exact island on which he landed is widely disputed. Mistakenly believing he’d reached East Asia, the explorer described it as the “baja mar” (Spanish for shallow sea), which eventually corrupted into The Bahamas.
After the arrival of Europeans, the islands’ Indigenous people were wiped out with shocking suddenness, ravaged by diseases and enslaved to work in mines on Cuba and Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic). However, with Spanish sights set on richer lands, Charles I of England took control of The Bahamas in 1629.
Pirates of Nassau
With its shallow waters, protected harbour and lax laws, Charles Towne (later Nassau) became known as the Republic of Pirates in the 1690s. Close to shipping lanes busy with European merchant ships, the island of New Providence became a safe haven for these privateers as they ploughed the Caribbean and ‘New World’ in pursuit of loot. Among the notorious buccaneers that moored in the harbour were John Rackham (aka Calico Jack), William Catt and Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard), who was a magistrate here during this lawless era. The pirate republic was brought into check by George I when he sent Woodes Roger to Nassau in 1718 as governor to re-establish British law and order.
Loyalists
Decades after its era as a pirate stronghold, American colonists loyal to the British Crown fled to The Bahamas at the advent of the American Revolution. Some were landowners from the Carolinas, who were granted Crown land to establish plantations on the islands and brought their enslaved workforce with them. The population began to grow, and it boomed further following the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807. Thereafter, enslaved Africans liberated from foreign ships by the Royal Navy began to settle in The Bahamas, notably in Nassau’s Over- the-Hill district.
Ask a local
In Nassau & Paradise Island, history surrounds us. It’s woven into the very fabric of daily life. Our islands’ past is rich and complex, full of stories of pirates, rum running, and resilient communities who shaped our identity. One of the most meaningful places for me is Christ Church Cathedral, my home church and a true symbol of Nassau’s heritage. Its naming led to Nassau’s official founding as a city. Inside, the stained-glass windows and plaques share the stories of our ancestors, their faith and their resilience.
Another favourite of mine is the Queen’s Staircase – a true hidden gem.
Named after Queen Victoria, the 66 limestone steps were carved by hand by formerly enslaved Bahamians in what was once a stone quarry. Linking Fort Fincastle to the city, this breathtaking passage is more than a route; it’s a monument to strength and endurance. With lush greenery, cool stone and a quiet calm that feels worlds away from the bustle of Downtown Nassau, it’s a place to pause, reflect and connect with the spirit of our people.
From sacred spaces to serene escapes, Nassau & Paradise Island offers a living history that continues to inspire.
Anastarcia ‘Star’ Palacious
The islands’ history of piracy, revolts, revolution
and colonial battles is writ large across its
landscape in forts, museums and historic Nassau
With its pastel bougainvillea-clad colonial houses, Nassau can look remarkably timeless. You certainly don’t need to venture far to discover The Bahamas’ rich history here, reflected in the buildings of the laid-back capital. Start your wanderings on Nassau’s waterfront, where much of the nation’s story began.
The waterfront is named after Woodes Rogers, the British governor appointed by the Crown in the early 18th century to reclaim the island, which had become a major outpost for pirates. He did so in the bluntest fashion possible, and those who didn’t surrender were put to death. While the buccaneers, seafarers and rum runners are long gone, it’s easy to imagine the harbour during this “golden age of piracy”. If not, you can give your imagination a nudge by visiting the absorbing Pirate of Nassau Museum.
The Pompey Museum of Emancipation and Slavery, situated in an 18th-century building on Pompey Square at the end of Woodes Rogers Walk, examines the role slavery played in the nation. The square was named after an enslaved man who led a revolt against the authorities. Stroll the length of Bay Street, one of Nassau’s oldest and prettiest streets, which is the focus of its Junkanoo festivals.
It is sprinkled with colourfully painted wooden buildings, now filled with shops and restaurants. Walk down to Parliament Square, which is lined with grand Neoclassical Georgian-era buildings – pink with green shutters – and is home to both government offices and the Supreme Court. A statue of Queen Victoria dominates this square – another legacy of The Bahamas’ history as a British territory. Look out for a pink octagonal building at the southern end. Dating from 1797, it was used as a jail and then a workhouse, before becoming the Nassau Public Library. A dungeon still lurks in its depths.
Another imposing building of note is the sugary pink-and-white Government House, an early 19th-century mansion built on Mount Fitzwilliam above Nassau. It was renovated by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Edward and Wallis Simpson) when the former was appointed governor of this overseas territory in 1940, following his abdication. Outside, you’ll find a statue of Christopher Columbus, whose landfall dramatically changed the history of the nation and wider region.
Just next door is the Graycliff Hotel, the oldest hotel in Nassau. This impressive building was originally constructed as a mansion for the infamous pirate John Howard Graysmith in 1740. Wander in for some refreshment or sign up for a wine cellar tour – you’ll notice bars on its windows, a remnant from when Graycliff became a garrison for the American Navy in 1776 following the islands’ brief occupation during the American Revolutionary War.
Other buildings of note include the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral, built in 1841 on the site of the first church in The Bahamas, which was originally constructed in 1670 by order of the Lords Proprietors – several individuals granted the rights to govern the Bahamian colony by King Charles II.
Learn more about the country’s history at the small but insightful Bahamas Historical Society Museum before taking a stroll around the Straw Market to browse wooden crafts and trinkets. This bustling market is so named for the hand-woven Bahamian straw baskets and traps made by women for centuries and originally sold to fishermen.
End your walk by learning about the history of rum – followed by a small-batch rum tasting – at John Watlings Distillery. The distillery is set in a beautiful villa on the historic Buena Vista Estate, which was founded in 1789 and overlooks the harbour.
Other must-visit historic sites
The Three Forts
In the 18th century, Nassau and Paradise Island lay along shipping routes notorious for piracy, so three forts were built to protect the island from invaders and pirates.
The largest is Fort Charlotte, built in 1789 by Lord Dunmore. Complete with a waterless moat, drawbridge, ramparts, and dungeons, it was designed to be an imposing coastal defence.
To the east of Nassau Harbour lies Fort Montagu, dating back to 1725, when the British first constructed defences to ward off the Spanish.
Fort Fincastle was erected in 1793 on Bennet’s Hill, the highest point on New Providence Island.
The Queen’s Staircase
Be sure to walk up to the lookout at Fort Fincastle via the Queen’s Staircase, one of Nassau’s most striking landmarks. However, the stairs and the steep-sided walkway are rooted in the island’s darker past. They were carved from solid limestone by 600 formerly enslaved persons, and were built as an escape route from Fort Fincastle to central Nassau.
Clifton’s Heritage Park
Little trace remains of Nassau and Paradise Island’s pre-colonial history, except in Clifton Heritage Park. Between 1000 and 1500 AD, a Lucayan village stood on the high ground between Clifton Point and Flipper Beach. The park preserves sites that were sacred to the island’s original inhabitants.
Other places of note include the crumbling ruins of Whylly Plantation, a former cotton estate that once featured a grand mansion and slave quarters.
Where better to get a taste of Nassau& Paradise Island than by visiting itsfinest chefs and producers? Here area handful of great ways that you cantake a real bite out of the island
The multi-faceted history of is reflected in its cuisine. Tropical produce and the fruits of the sea are married with traditions and techniques introduced by successive waves of settlers, labourers and enslaved peoples, who arrived from Europe, West Africa and other parts of the Caribbean. They have all added their own accent to The Bahamas’ culinary melting pot.
Gastronomy and wine
The multi-faceted history of Nassau & Paradise Island is reflected in its cuisine.
Tropical produce and the fruits of the sea are married with traditions and techniques introduced by successive waves of settlers,
labourers and enslaved peoples, who arrived from Europe, West Africa and other parts of the Caribbean. They have all added their own accent to The Bahamas’ culinary melting pot.
Eat streets
The best way to learn about the islands’ soulful food is from the people who make it. Join one of Tru Bahamian Food Tours’ small group tours around some of Nassau & Paradise Island’s tastiest spots for a mouth-watering introduction. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit five places where you can chat with chefs, artisan producers and small business owners as you taste some of their produce or cooking. Be sure to arrive hungry.
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle
of (artisanal) rum
After learning all about Nassau & Paradise Island’s rum-swigging pirates and bootleggers, you’ll be ready to take a dram yourself. Where better to learn about the island’s history of rum production than in the charming setting of an 18th-century mansion? John Watling’s Distillery hosts free tours to see the process behind its small-batch spirits, then head to its tavern for some signature Bahamian rum cocktails. You can also buy bottles to take home.
Master some Bahamian classics
Inspired by what you’ve tasted? Master the art of Bahamian cooking at one of Nassau & Paradise Island’s cookery schools. The Kitchen at Baha Mar is a sleek space that hosts a range of classes and demos, including one focused on sustainable local seafood. Or learn about the islands’ culinary traditions from the executive chef of the historic Graycliff Hotel, including a tour of its wine cellar which is the third largest in the world and houses the oldest bottle of wine. End by dining on the dishes you helped to prepare at lunch.
Crack a cold beer and a conch at Arawak Cay
Visit during the islands’ flavoursome festivals
Chef masterclasses, live cooking demos, wine tastings and artisan food stalls are all on the menu at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival Baha Mar (22–26 October), an extravaganza that food lovers won’t want to miss. The tastes of the Caribbean are celebrated at Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival at Atlantis, a bi-annual five-day event that draws food producers, chefs and culinary personalities from the region and beyond every Spring.
Browse the menu
Bahamian breakfast
From stew fish and johnny cake to ‘fire engine and grits’, the traditional Bahamian breakfast is hearty and distinctly savoury. Fire engine is corned beef hash (a legacy of British rule), with the name possibly originating from the red Bahamian goat peppers used to flavour the meat.
Conch salad
Fresh and zingy with a zip of chilli, conch salad is a true Bahamian delicacy. Fresh conch meat (a type of sea snail) is diced along with peppers, tomato, scotch bonnet chillies and, sometimes, tropical fruits before being drenched in lime and orange juice. It’s a revelation.
Chicken-in-da-bag
This is the ultimate Bahamian street food and exactly what you’d expect from a dish called chicken-in-da-bag – only more delicious. Think perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken with hand-cut fries, a soft bread roll and sauces, all served in a brown bag to eat with abandon.
Ask a local
If you come to Nassau & Paradise Island hungry, you’re doing it right!
What makes our food scene special is how it blends bold Bahamian flavours with global culinary influences.
You can grab conch – a Bahamian staple – grilled snapper, and peas and rice at the fish fry on Arawak Cay, or sit down to a fine-dining experience from one of the many internationally renowned chefs who’ve set up shop here – such as Nobu Matsuhisa at Nobu, or Marcus Samuelsson at Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House.
And you can’t leave without trying our unofficial national drink, ‘Sky Juice’ – a mixture of gin, coconut water, and sweet milk that’s cool, creamy, and has just the right amount of kick.
I always recommend trying the conch salad at any local spot – it’s fresh, spicy, and full of citrusy zing.
For something more elevated, DUNE by Jean-Georges Vongerichten offers dishes that are as appealing as the views.
For rum lovers, The Lucerne is a hidden gem with curated tastings and a nod to our rum-running history.
And for oenophiles, the historic Graycliff Hotel is a must. Its world-renowned wine cellar is home to one of the most impressive collections around.
Nassau serves up unforgettable meals rooted in tradition and layered with global flair.
Another favourite of mine is the Queen’s Staircase – a true hidden gem.
Named after Queen Victoria, the 66 limestone steps were carved by hand by formerly enslaved Bahamians in what was once a stone quarry. Linking Fort Fincastle to the city, this breathtaking passage is more than a route; it’s a monument to strength and endurance. With lush greenery, cool stone and a quiet calm that feels worlds away from the bustle of Downtown Nassau, it’s a place to pause, reflect and connect with the spirit of our people.
From sacred spaces to serene escapes, Nassau & Paradise Island offers a living history that continues to inspire.
Nicholas Mitchell
Explore Nassau & Paradise Island through their history of crafts and their bustling art scenes, unearthing a side to the islands that few travellers take the time to see
Wander anywhere in Nassau or Paradise Island and you’ll soon be struck by the traditional crafts and skills that have been passed down through generations of Bahamian islanders.
Straw work is one of The Bahamas’ most cherished traditions, woven into its cultural heritage since the 19th century, when the islands’ women began using dried leaves from the ubiquitous thatch (or silver) palms to make fishing traps and household items. It’s a skill that has endured in the islands’ intricately weaved and plaited bags, fans, baskets and hats, which you’ll often find for sale in artisan stores and markets.
One of the best places to pick up one of these high-quality handicrafts is the open-air Straw Market. This long-running marketplace in downtown Nassau is heaving with handmade Bahamian crafts, colourful accessories and more.
The Bahamas also has a rich tradition of wood carving, with local artists creating some incredible pieces, ranging from figures and masks to hand-carved serving dishes and drums. To be sure you’re buying authentic island-made pieces, there are a handful of stores that are well worth visiting.
The Bahama Art and Handicraft shop, set in an adorable replica of a traditional Bahamian home on East Shirley Street, is a reliable place to pick up wood carvings, paintings and even a flamboyant Junkanoo mask. It has a fascinating collection of antiques and historic books too, along with a seriously addictive hot sauce, made with local fruits.
You can learn more about the islands’ traditional crafting techniques from local artists as you admire the art and artefacts on display at the Craft Cottage Bahamas in East Nassau. Set in Doongalik Studios Art Gallery, this charming shop and gallery will give you a sense of the passion behind the pieces that catch your eye.
For bold prints, head to Bahama Hand Prints. Both stores – one in Nassau Cruise Port and another at Harbour Bay Shopping Centre – are a riot of colour offering bright clothes and bags. You can even visit the factory to see how they are made.
National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
Set in a buttercup-yellow 1860s villa in Nassau, this gallery houses an eclectic collection of art from across the nation. It also features an impressive open-air sculpture park surrounded by indigenous flora.
Heritage Village Artists’ Studio
Hillside House
Opened by leading Bahamian sculptor and painter Antonius Roberts, this creative community hub sits in a collection of restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings in Nassau, with a gallery, studios for workshops and an art cafe.
The D’Aguilar Art Foundation
Home to 2,000 pieces of art, the D’Aguilar Art Foundation was set up to support Bahamian-based artists. Step inside the pretty blue-and-yellow painted house on Virginia Street in downtown Nassau to peruse some thought-provoking exhibitions.
Doongalik Studios
Free to visit, this artistic enclave was founded by the late artist Jackson L Burnside in the 1970s and his works can be seen on permanent display here alongside those of other Bahamian artists who he championed.
Ask a local
“Bahamian culture is vibrant, expressive, and proudly handmade – and you feel that in every corner of Nassau. From the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas to intimate spaces like Doongalik Studios, creativity thrives here. But the Straw Market is especially close to my heart. As a little girl, I’d visit with my grandmother, watching her weave and sell straw goods crafted using skills passed down through generations. Every basket and doll tells a story. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the real heart of our island. When you explore Nassau’s broader art scene, you’re stepping into a community that is preserving tradition while pushing creative boundaries. It’s where the heart of our island beats loudest. And speaking of beat, nothing captures the pulse of Bahamian culture like Junkanoo. It’s more than a parade; it’s an explosion of colour, music and soul that fills the streets with energy in the early hours of the morning. The rhythm of the goatskin drums, the sharp blow of brass horns and the rustle of hand-glued crepe paper costumes create a sensory experience like no other. It’s where artistry, tradition and community come together in motion. Whether you’re dancing in the parade or taking it all in from the sidelines, Junkanoo sweeps you up with its joyful rhythms. It’s the ultimate celebration of who we are, and it stays with you long after the last whistle blows.”
Anastarcia ‘Star’ Palacious
You can’t experience Nassau & Paradise Island without encountering its traditional music and festivals. They are woven into any visit here, especially during the Junkanoo
Music and dance are an expression of identity and community in The Bahamas. Nowhere is this better experienced than in Nassau & Paradise Island where Bahamians hold their traditions close and love to embrace their heritage. Experiencing the traditional music of the islands gives an insight into their culture and way of life. After all, there’s a reason that The Bahamas is nicknamed the ‘Islands of Song’.
Many of the islands’ deep-rooted music and dance traditions can be traced back to West Africa. British and European influences have also added to the mix down the years, and together this fusion plays out across the islands’ bars and festivals.
Goombay is the earliest form of music in The Bahamas, a largely drum-based rhythm linked to the enslaved Africans who used everyday objects for their drum gatherings.
The rhythmic beat of the goombay goatskin drum is also a key instrument in rake-’n’-scrape music. This joyful Bahamian folk sound blends African beats with some European traditions.
Thought to originate from Cat Island, it was central to the social dances that were held to mark special occasions within the islands’ communities in the 19th century. As well as the drum, the saw and a rustic form of the accordion were often played as an accompaniment to dances like the quadrille, the plaiting of the maypole and other folk celebrations.
The islands’ best-known festival is the Junkanoo, a colourful and riotous clash of music, dancing and costumes. It captures the spirit of The Bahamas and lies at the centre of its culture. The roots of this lively and long-running parade – also known as a ‘rush out’ – are not clear, although it’s largely accepted that it can be traced back to the formerly enslaved people who gathered on the days around Christmas to socialise. As one of the few holidays they were allowed, they met to play drums, dance and dress up, with some wearing masks.
Now a bi-annual event, the grand parade is the focus of the Junkanoo celebrations and takes place in the early hours of Boxing Day and New Year’s Day morning, bringing an intoxicating energy to Nassau & Paradise Island. Many hotels offer Junkanoo experiences year-round. Watch the parades and dance with abandon on Bay Street to the hypnotic beat of goombay drums (accompanied by cowbells, horns and whistles) as dance troupes ‘rush’ past. The parade progresses in a rhythmic dance known as ‘rushing’, with groups judged on their costume theme, music and overall performance.
While most eyes are on the grand Junkanoo parade in Nassau, this exuberant festival goes beyond a single event. As a celebration of people and culture through its Indigenous music, storytelling and traditional crafts, it is marked by communities across 16 of the islands. Just like the everyday objects first used to create music here, creativity, resourcefulness and community are integral to the elaborate Junkanoo costumes that take several months to make. Simple materials like cardboard, crepe paper, feathers and beads are transformed into works of art.
Outside of the Junkanoo, Bahamian folk music still thrives at social gatherings and celebrations across the islands. To watch performances by traditional rake-’n’-scrape bands, head to Cat Island (a short flight from Nassau) for an annual festival every June that includes a battle of the bands and quadrille dancing.
In Nassau & Paradise Island, traditional Bahamian beats can be enjoyed alongside cold beer and freshly grilled fish at Arawak Cay as well as at most beach bars, resorts and hotels, which host music nights long into the balmy evening.
There are more than just white sands to savour. The islands offer primeval forest, coastal wetlands, crystal-clear waters and a host of wildlife to spot in their natural habitats
S lip away from the silky sands and step into the green embrace of some of The Bahamas’ most enchanting natural enclaves. There are flowerfilled gardens heady with the scent of the tropics and veils of foliage where the vibrancy of birds and butterflies astounds. As do the kaleidoscopic colours of the fish and corals revealed by snorkel trips just offshore. It’s a breeze to bypass busier beaches too, with plenty of footprint-free sands for a quiet day on the shore.
Escape into the Restreat Garden
With tropical blooms, spiky cycads and rare towering palms, this botanic garden in central Nassau is a gorgeous place to escape. Stroll around the shady paths of this serene spot, which covers 4.5 hectares and was the first national park on the island of New Providence. Admire a historic Bahamian cottage and look out for some of the park’s bountiful birdlife (both endemic and migratory) as you roam. Or simply pedal off to explore the island on one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes.
Have an adventure in Primevel Forest
Luscious foliage laced with boardwalks, steps and bridges that rise over dramatic limestone caverns make the Primeval Forest National Park in south-western New Providence a fertile place for mindful meanders. You can imagine yourself in the Bahamas of old as you explore this untamed tangle of early tropical hardwood forest that once covered many of the islands. It is alive with birdsong and croaking frogs.
Birdwatch at Bonefish Park
Fringing the southern shores of New Providence, this critical coastal wetland habitat is teeming with life and makes for a fascinating visit. As the last remaining tidal mangrove ecosystem along this stretch of shoreline, its waters provide a vital haven for both juvenile and adult marine species, including groupers, snappers, grunts, bonefish, barracuda, crawfish, and queen conch. With more than 50 bird species to discover, the nature-spotting opportunities are especially rewarding. Stroll along the boardwalk to soak in this peaceful wilderness at your own pace.
Snorkel at Clifton Heritage Park
Swim just off the shore on guided (or self-guided) snorkelling tours that take you out to drift in the warm, clear waters of this preserved and historic stretch of the coastline. Gaze in wonder at the rainbow hues of tropical fish and corals. Among the mesmerising sights in this heritage part of the coast – which also features an underwater sculpture park and a sunken film wreck – are blue tangs, clownfish and eagle rays, which arc elegantly through the waters.
Relax on secret beaches
It’s a doddle to drift away from other people and discover your own solitary stretch of sand for snorkelling or snoozing here. Jaws Beach in Clifton Heritage Park is an uncrowded spot where you can laze at leisure or wade into the ocean with your mask and fins to seek out sea creatures. Elsewhere, Paradise Beach offers a stretch of silky sand just a barefoot walk from the more bustling areas. And on the north shore of Paradise Island, Caves Beach is a quiet white-sand escape edged by a series of shallow limestone caverns.
Ask a local
“Many people know Nassau & Paradise Island for their beaches — with their powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, who could blame them? But if you’re looking for a deeper connection to the island’s natural beauty and cultural story, I always recommend a visit to Clifton Heritage Park. It’s one of my favourite places on Earth. You can hike peaceful nature trails through native coppice forest, spot sea turtles just offshore, and unwind on one of the island’s most serene and secluded beaches.
But what really sets Clifton apart is the way it blends nature with history and art. You can explore the ruins of a Lucayan village and learn about the enslaved Africans who once lived and worked on this land. There’s also a powerful art installation by renowned Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts, honouring our ancestors and reminding us of the resilience and strength that run through these islands.
And then there’s the underwater sculpture garden — an experience that’s both moving and magical. You can snorkel through the world’s largest underwater sculpture, Ocean Atlas, along with other coral-covered creations. Clifton Heritage Park isn’t just a destination; it’s an unforgettable experience that deepens your connection to The Bahamas.”
Kelsey Marie Nottage
For more information and inspiration, head over to the official Nassau & Paradise Island website
Legendary Bahamian hospitality and lively, rhythmic celebrations await in this colourful world just waiting to be explored. Rejuvenate on pristine white sand beaches and in crystal-clear turquoise waters. Feed your happiness at five-star resort restaurants or relaxed local cafés. And with daily nonstop flights from London Heathrow, paradise is closer than you think.
