Top attractions in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is home to some stunning natural attractions, as well as a host of fascinating historical sites. You'll find plenty to keep you occupied on a sightseeing tour if you fancy spending a day or two away from your hotel in the Bahamas.

Among the most incredible natural sights to visit is Hamilton's Cave on Long Island, which is one of the largest subterranean chambers in the country. It also combines nature with history, as Amerindian and pre-Columbian artworks have been discovered on its walls.

In the capital, Nassau, there are plenty of historical sites worth exploring, such as Fort Charlotte - a military enclave that was constructed at the end of the 18th century - and Rawson Square. This plaza in the heart of Nassau is where you can see the Churchill Building, which is used by the prime minister, and a couple of interesting statues. The most notable of these is that of a Bahamian woman that was commissioned to acknowledge the role of women during the 'years of adversity'.

Of course, the biggest draws for travellers to the Bahamas are its beaches and indeed there are some truly wonderful seaside spots to visit. Saddle Cay in the Exumas offers you the chance to feel as though you're on your very own desert island, while Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island is truly breathtaking.

Water sports in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a paradise for any water sports lover, as there are so many different things to try, not to mention near-perfect weather conditions for the majority of the year. One of the most popular is sailing, which not only allows you to get out on the water, but also to explore a number of the Bahamas' islands.

Similarly, wind and kite surfing are popular pursuits, with the consistent trade winds that make the islands great for sailing also making it possible to try these sports whenever you're on holiday in the Bahamas. Other water-based activities that don't rely on the wind include kayaking, jet skiing and water skiing, all of which are also on offer all year round.

Scuba diving and snorkelling, meanwhile, are other options for adventurous travellers and with the Bahamas being home to some stunning coral reefs and wonderful wrecks, there's no shortage of brilliant dive sites for you to explore. There's even the chance of encountering sharks while you're diving - an amazing and thrilling experience that won't make your forget your Bahamas holiday in a hurry.

Another option you can try if you'd rather stay above the surface is surfing, with a host of surf schools based around the islands.

Land-based activities to try

If you'd prefer to stay on dry land during your holiday in the Bahamas, there are plenty of things for you to do - not least of all sunbathe on the glorious beaches. There are several national parks within the archipelago where you can hike and look out for some of the unusual native wildlife.

On the Exumas Islands, for instance, you can spot Bahamian iguanas and hutias (a kind of large rodent), while in Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama you can see all six of the islands' native ecosystems. Incidentally, this is also where you'll find one of the world's largest underwater cave systems.

There are a host of other national parks you can visit on excursions from your hotel, while you may also want to head to one of the ruined cotton plantations in the Exumas Islands. Rolleville, Williams Town and Forbes Hill are among the places where you'll find reminders of this dark period in the Bahamas' past.

Rest and relaxation in the Bahamas

If you want your holiday in the Bahamas to be all about rest and relaxation then you don't need to stray far from your hotel. There are numerous high-class establishments that have excellent bars and restaurants onsite, so you can grab some food or a cocktail without having to ever leave your sun lounger.

There are also a number of spas spread across the islands, where you can indulge in all manner of treatments, from massages and facials to pedicures and body scrubs. If you want to focus your break on your wellbeing, you can also attend the likes of yoga and pilates classes (a few hotels offer these) to ensure you're truly refreshed when your trip comes to an end.