lighthouse – Villa Mar y Sol Nassau

5 Things to Do in Nassau During Your Stay at Villa Mar y Sol

Chase Gregory on June 5, 2025

Nassau is a vibrant city filled with history, charm, and island energy, making it the perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. While Villa Mar y Sol offers a luxurious and peaceful retreat, the surrounding area is packed with must-see attractions that showcase the spirit of The Bahamas. Here are five incredible things to do nearby that will make your stay unforgettable.

🏴‍☠️ 1. Pirates of Nassau Museum

Get ready to set sail into the past at the Pirates of Nassau Museum, one of the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions. This immersive museum is in the heart of downtown and takes you on a journey through the Golden Age of Piracy. As you walk through detailed exhibits—including a life-sized replica of the pirate ship “Revenge”—you’ll discover the stories of infamous pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny, who once ruled the seas around the Bahamas. With interactive displays, sound effects, and informative exhibits, it’s entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages.

🏞 2. The Queen’s Staircase

Visiting The Queen’s Staircase is a chance to walk through history. This impressive 102-foot limestone staircase was hand-carved by enslaved Bahamians in the late 18th century and later named in honor of Queen Victoria. The 66 steps are shaded by thick vegetation, and a cascading waterfall adds a peaceful ambiance to the climb. As you make your way to the top, you’ll be rewarded not only with a sense of historical appreciation but also with access to one of the highest points on the island, leading to the next stop—Fort Fincastle. It’s a meaningful and scenic way to connect with Nassau’s past.

🏰 3. Fort Fincastle

Towering above Nassau on Bennet’s Hill is Fort Fincastle, a historic stone fortress built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore to help defend the island against pirate attacks. Its paddlewheel steamer shape and striking stonework make it an architectural gem. From the top, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Nassau, the harbor, and Paradise Island. Guided tours offer fascinating insights into the fort’s role in the island’s colonial defense system. It’s a great stop for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys scenic lookouts with a backstory.

👜 4. The Straw Market

Located along the bustling Bay Street in downtown Nassau, The Straw Market is a shopper’s paradise and a staple of Bahamian culture. This open-air market is packed with vendors offering handcrafted goods like woven straw hats, baskets, wood carvings, conch shell jewelry, and other locally made souvenirs. It’s a wonderful way to support local artisans while bringing home a piece of The Bahamas. Whether you’re looking for gifts or love browsing through unique crafts, the Straw Market offers a colorful, lively experience you will not want to miss. Be ready to haggle—it’s all part of the fun!

🌅 5. Nassau Harbour Lighthouse

The Nassau Harbour Lighthouse—also known as the Hog Island Lighthouse—is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the Bahamas, dating back to 1817. Though it’s no longer operational or open to visitors, it remains a striking sight at the western end of Paradise Island. Many visitors enjoy viewing it from nearby beaches or while on a boat tour around the harbor. It’s beautiful at sunrise or sunset when the soft light hits the white structure and the surrounding sea glows. For those looking to capture the essence of Nassau in a photo, this historic landmark provides the perfect backdrop.

Experience Nassau Like a Local

From rich history to cultural landmarks and stunning coastal views, Nassau offers something for every kind of traveler. These five attractions are all within easy reach of Villa Mar y Sol, making it simple to combine relaxation with exploration. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or your special someone, these destinations promise to add fun, discovery, and unforgettable moments to your stay.

📧 info@villamarysol-nassau.com

🌐 www.villamarysol-nassau.com

Beacon of the Bahamas: Discovering the History of the Nassau Harbour Lighthouse

Chase Gregory on May 15, 2025

Standing proudly at the western tip of Paradise Island, the Nassau Harbour Lighthouse is more than just a picturesque landmark—it’s a symbol of maritime history in the Bahamas and across the New World. With its iconic white structure and prime location at the entrance to Nassau’s harbor, this lighthouse has guided countless vessels over the years. But beyond its beauty, the lighthouse holds stories that many visitors never hear. Here are some remarkable facts that shine a light on this historic beacon.

🕯️ A Legacy Since 1817

The Nassau Harbour Lighthouse, also known as Hog Island Lighthouse, was constructed in 1817, making it the oldest surviving lighthouse in the Bahamas. Built by the British Imperial Lighthouse Service, its purpose was to guide ships safely through the narrow, shallow entrance to Nassau’s port, which was rapidly becoming a vital hub for Caribbean trade and travel.

🔦 One of the First to Use a Fresnel Lens

One of the lighthouse’s most notable technological distinctions is that it was among the first in the New World to be equipped with a Fresnel lens. Invented by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel in the early 1800s, this lens dramatically improved a lighthouse’s ability to project light over long distances. The unique design used concentric rings of glass to create a powerful beam without requiring a massive light source, revolutionizing maritime navigation. This innovation made the Nassau Harbour Lighthouse a cutting-edge facility in its time.

🌊 A Guide Through Dangerous Waters

Navigating into Nassau Harbour wasn’t always easy. The surrounding waters include reefs and sandbanks that posed a serious threat to approaching ships. The lighthouse helped reduce shipwrecks and boosted Nassau’s reputation as a safer port of call—especially important during the age of wooden sailing ships and limited navigational tools.

🏝️ Strategic Location with a View

Perched on Paradise Island, formerly known as Hog Island, the lighthouse was positioned perfectly to mark the entrance to the harbor. Today, although the structure is no longer operational, it remains a beloved historic site. Visitors often spot it from boat tours or from nearby beaches, especially at sunrise or sunset when it casts a romantic silhouette against the sky.

🛠️ No Longer in Operation, But Still Standing Tall

While modern navigation systems and automated lights have replaced many traditional lighthouses, the Nassau Harbour Lighthouse has been preserved as a historic structure. Though you can’t enter it, its presence continues to inspire and remind locals and travelers of Nassau’s seafaring legacy.

A Timeless Symbol of Nassau’s Coastal Heritage
Whether you’re viewing it from a catamaran cruise, a coastal trail, or through your camera lens, the Nassau Harbour Lighthouse is a must-see. Its quiet strength and historical importance make it more than a backdrop—it’s a storybook of Bahamian maritime history waiting to be discovered.