The idyllic island of Eleuthera is a curious place, free from the crowds, herds of cruise ship passengers, casinos and high-rises that plague many of its more popular Caribbean neighbors. It seems to make sense considering the island’s name is derived from the Greek word “eleutheros,” meaning freedom—something you’ll feel almost instantly as you arrive and begin to take in the laid-back vibe.

Located just 50 miles east of Nassau in the Out Islands of the Bahamas, Eleuthera is a slender slice of beach heaven for travelers seeking a peaceful escape. Running 110-miles long, but just two miles wide, the island is home to beaches of white and pink sand, rocky bluffs, charming colonial cottages, turquoise waters and pineapple plantations.

 Here’s your guide to 72 hours in the unspoiled Bahamian oasis of Eleuthera.

Day 1:

Once you’re in Eleuthera, we recommend renting a car (a jeep, preferably) as the best way to explore the island. Most hotels on Eleuthera can easily help you set up a rental car reservation, with recommendations on various rental car companies (and there are always taxis if you can’t wrap your head around driving on the “wrong” side).

One of the first sights you’ll come across on your journey southbound from North Eleuthera International Airport is the famed “Glass Window Bridge,” where the dark blue Atlantic Ocean meet the calm aqua-hued waters of the Caribbean. Often called the “narrowest place on Earth,” this man-made bridge (which replaced a natural bridge rock formation that was wiped out by a hurricane) has steep cliffs on both sides that drop down dramatically, revealing breathtaking panoramic views of the striking contrast between the two bodies of water.

Farther down the road, you might want to steal a peek at the Queen’s Bath (or the Hot Tubs)—natural pools formed out of rock formations that fill with water from the Atlantic Ocean. The water in these “moon pools,” as they’re locally known, is clear and heated by the sun, creating tidal pools for soaking. But you can hike down to the Queen’s Bath only when the tide is low (the rough Atlantic waters make it dangerous during high tide).

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72 hours in Eleuthera (from Ajc.com)

July 13, 2017