"It's really amazing here—it's like the quintessential Caribbean, Victorian little town that has frozen in time."
David Barlin, EleutheraEleuthera & Harbour Island
From endless pineapple fields to white- and pink-sand beaches to secluded coves and miles of coastlines, Eleuthera & Harbour Island define The Bahamas. Much of the architecture and way of life was influenced by British Loyalists who settled here in the 1700s. This style has since been adopted by the other Bahamian islands, making Eleuthera & Harbour Island the birthplace of the entire country. In addition, the islands continue to charm visitors with tropical flair, as Harbour Island is known as one of the best islands in the Caribbean. If you’re visiting The Bahamas, Eleuthera & Harbour Island are not to be missed.
Discover more about Eleuthera & Harbour Island
Eleuthera is the fourth most populated island of The Bahamas, with approximately 11,000 residents. Most who live here either fish for bounty or farm the rolling acres of pineapple plantations. Eleuthera is an island of casual sophistication, housing isolated communities, well-developed resorts, rocky bluffs, low-lying wetlands and massive coral reefs that create magnificent backdrops. Harbour Island on the other hand was once the capital of The Bahamas. It was ranked as "The Best Island in the Caribbean" by Travel & Leisure magazine back in 2005, and boasts lush tropical greenery and magical pink sand beaches.
Pineapple Capital Of The World
Eleuthera boasts of having some of the sweetest pineapples in the world. Pineapple farming began here in the mid 18th century, a tradition honored by the annual Pineapple Festival held each June in Gregory Town.
Pink Sand Beaches
Everyone's list of the world's top 10 beaches includes Harbour Island's famed Pink Sands Beach, but pink-sand beaches are spread over 35 miles on the Atlantic Ocean side of Eleuthera, as well as the Exuma Sound (Caribbean Sea) side, and the mainland.
The Current
One of the oldest settlements, this small village gets its name from the tide that boils through the channel. It is believed that Captain William Sayle of "The Eleutheran Adventurers" brought settlers here on his way to discovering Cupid's Cay.
New England Architecture
Much of Eleuthera & Harbour Island's way of life was influenced by Loyalist settlers in the late 1700s. A reminder of their presence is the quaint New England architecture lining the narrow streets.
Bahamians love meeting new people and making friends. When you join our complimentary People-To-People Experience, you'll be paired with a Bahamian ambassador who will ...
Read More