The Bahamas actually includes over 700 islands spread across 100,000 square miles in the Western Atlantic Ocean, so if you’re planning a visit you’ll have to make some hard choices. Surely there are other places in the Bahamas that might be worth a try, but Eleuthera and Harbour Island are two of my favorite destinations – and that says a lot since I’ve been searching the islands for years

Eleuthera is about two miles wide and 110 miles long, with about 11,000 people calling the island home. Gregory Town and Governor’s Harbour are a couple highlights with plenty of pink and white sandy beaches and water sports of every kind. Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent their honeymoon very near here – on nearby Windemere Island.

The name “Eleuthera” is actually taken from the Greek word for freedom and it’s a concept still important on the island – especially since the founding of the place started with just 70 people who set out from Bermuda in 1648 to found a colony where religions freedom was acceptable.

The most popular land attractions on Eleuthera are Haynes’s Library, a historical landmark built in 1897 and the oldest government complex on the island. Glass Window Bridge is two miles east of Upper Bouge and is at the narrowest point of the island – just 30 feet wide. It is a striking rock formation and you can see where the land falls away to nearly sea level, almost dividing the island in two. Preacher’s Cove is a large cave 10 miles outside the settlement known as Bluff. This is where the island’s founding fathers were shipwrecked on their way to religious freedom, at a coral reef called Devil’s Backbone.

Pineapples are also big business here and there is even a festival held the first weekend of June. A Junkanoo parade, crafts and a pineapple recipe contest are all the schedule that day, as is the half-mile swim, three-mile run and four-mile bike ride followed by dancing and, of course, eating.

Tiny Harbour Island offers big delight
From Eleuthera, take a boat ride over to Harbour Island. Here you will find Dunmore Town, not too big since the entire island is only three miles long and a half a mile wide. The powdery, pink sand beaches and New England style inns and hotels won’t be the Caribbean “business as usual” because, while certainly laid back, the staff here will really take care of you. It might be a little island and not big on the map, but it is certainly big on hospitality nonetheless.

The quaint little town is tree-lined with narrow streets, and golf carts are a primary mode of transportation here, along with biking and strolling. Fill your leisurely days with a snorkeling adventure, bonefishing in the waters off Harbour Island’s coast or some shopping along the waterfront. Divers also find this place to be a real jewel since the Plateau and the Arch are two giant coral structures nearby that are densely populated with marine life.

These locations are small but perfect for a honeymoon to remember. Spend some time on Eleuthera and then make your way over to Harbour Island for a classy night or two in one of the eight local inns or properties – there’s one calling your name right now.