To Many, Eleuthera Is Freedom.
In 1649, English dissidents in search of religious freedom shipwrecked on the shores of this enchanting island and called it Eleuthera, from the Greek word for Freedom. Centuries later, Eleuthera is liberating to all who come.
Located 200 miles from Florida and only 60 miles east of Nassau, Eleuthera is the site of three major annual sailing regattas:
* South Eleuthera Homecoming and Regatta - in April
* All Eleuthera Regatta, in Governor's Harbour - first week of August
* North Eleuthera Regatta - Discovery Day, October 12th
These races bring visitors to Eleuthera to watch the fast and exciting events and enjoy onshore activities in a carnival-like atmosphere.
Easily reached, with direct flights from the U.S. to all three airports, Eleuthera is just over a mile wide and 110 miles long. Blessed with pink-white beaches, dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves and a natural bridge; the Glass Window, that divides the pounding Atlantic and the clear calm Gulf, few areas in the world can rival the natural beauty of this island. The storybook settlements in Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are equally inviting drawing thousands of tourists each year.
The place to start exploring Eleuthera is where it all began - Preacher's Cave, where the first settlers took refuge and held religious services.
A short ferry ride takes you to pastel Cape Cod cottages and palm lined streets. This is Spanish Wells, named for galleons that once replenished their fresh water here. Aside from the sightseeing, the fishing and diving are excellent. There is even an unusual sunken train wreck.
Harbour Island is also close, a captivating town with homes dating to 1790, The Bahamas' longest established churches, white picket fences, stunning pink beaches and residents who extend a friendly wave to passerby. With tennis, fishing, diving, water-skiing and bicycling, the pace is always lively. Homes here begin around $150,000 and rise into the millions. There are properties available with spectacular views of the ocean and the bay. Prime beach front lots are also available.
Back in Eleuthera, Gregory Town, set atop a cliff is home of the sweet, juicy Bahamian pineapple. Try it! To celebrate it's pineapple history, Eleuthera has a yearly pineapple festival where you can tour pineapple farms, enjoy craft displays and pineapple recipe contests. Try a glass of Gregory Town Special, fine pineapple rum.
During the festival a PINEATHALON is held. Athletes compete in a difficult swim, bike and road race. Visitors become wrapped in the excitement of the entire island as it prepares for the festival.
Nearby, descend into The Cave, where magnificent columns and intricate passageways appear as underground cathedrals. Governor's Harbour is to the south, once a thriving farming community and now a charming Victorian village with homes dating to 1850 (and a few of them are for sale). Between Palmetto Point and Tarpum Bay lies Windermere Island, a pristine retreat for the well to do with miles of what many consider to be the best beach in The Bahamas. The only access is over a bridge which is monitored by 24 hour security. Here there are a few beach front homes and condos for sale. And by the way, when you get to Tarpum Bay, don't be surprised if you see goats roaming the streets. They are at home wandering down the lanes that wind around weather worn pastel homes and two island art galleries.
In contrast, Rock Sound is thoroughly modern with well provisioned stores, fine dining and one of the most elegant resorts in The Bahamas. It is reopening soon with an 18 hole golf course. The Rock Sound Airport has just be resurfaced and refurbished too.
Together with Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, Eleuthera is easy to get to and hard to leave.
