There are more than 700 islands in the Bahamian archipelago, ranging from tiny and uninhabited cays in the 14 Out Islands to New Providence, home to the capital Nassau, and its glitzy neighbour Paradise Island. Here are half a dozen of my favourites.
NEW PROVIDENCE
Loved of old by royalty and the jet set, in recent times Nassau has become known as a “Vegas of the Tropics”. But look beyond the casinos and the cruise ships and Nassau proves to be a charming and surprisingly historic colonial town.
Nassau is also experiencing a return to some of its former glamour with the revival of such events as the Bahamas Speed Week Revival.
ABACO
Abaco was settled by English colonists who remained loyal to the crown after the American Revolution, which is why the settlements such as Hope Town on Elbow Cay and New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay have the look of New England fishing towns, complete with picket fences and fine gingerbread trim.
BIMINI
Some say the fabled lost city of Atlantis is located on Bimini while others claim it is the big-game fishing capital of the world, with catches such as marlin, sailfish and wahoo.
HARBOUR ISLAND
Its pink-sand beaches of Harbour Island are world famous… Its colourfully painted, New England-style architecture is set against lush palm trees, while its flower-dotted streets are lined with pretty shops, along with art galleries and cafés.
ELEUTHERA
With sweet pineapple farms dotting the landscape, Eleuthera also has miles of secluded beaches and waves just made for surf-lovers. The Glass Window Bridge – from where you can see the deep blue of the Atlantic on one side and the calm turquoise of the Caribbean on the other – is a spectacular stop-off on the drive to pretty seaside Governors Town.
GREAT EXUMA
The reefs and island environments are so pristine here that the Bahamian government set aside a 176-square-mile section as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, one of the world’s most successful marine parks.
