Stretching for 100 miles across the Great Bahama Bank, Eleuthera harbours a dark past - a history written in blood by Spanish invaders. Yet the time of trials here has long passed and this paradise of crystal air, warm sunshine and sugar-soft sandy beaches now rightly enjoys its reputation as a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Eleuthera is a special place. Derived from the Greek eleutheria, meaning freedom or liberty, that's just what this island offers. It's a world away from the stresses of civilisation - yet has all the comforts of home.

Eleuthera is different from its neighbours. Just off the tourist map, it's a little more relaxed, a little friendlier. That doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Quite the opposite in fact. You can stalk schools of bonefish across the sand flats, take a boat out to the reef or catch a wave at Surfer's Beach.

If you'd rather be under the water than on it, then the reefs and wrecks just offshore offer some of the finest dive sites in the world. Prefer to keep your feet on terra firma? Then drive up through the old colonial villages and pineapple plantations and take in the breathtaking views. And if you see people waving to you on the road, that's ok - wave back, they're just saying hello.

Come evening-time, the choice of restaurants on the island covers just about every taste, from the incredible local-caught seafood to beachfront grills and pizza restaurants, even gourmet á la carte.

You won't find any neon-nightclubs or shopping malls on Eleuthera. In fact, just as it managed to escape the attentions of marauding pirates 300 years ago, so it continues to keep invaders at bay today.

See here for a map of the island - click on some of the places to see more information.

See a 5-day weather forecast for Eleuthera.

There is no public transport on the island so we would recommend hiring a car or jeep for the duration of your stay - contact Naaman Rolle Car Rentals or Freddie Ferguson Car Rentals.

Getting here is easy, there are direct flights from Florida and Nassau plus a ferry service from Nassau. Eleuthera has 3 airports - Rock Sound, Governor's Harbour International Airport and North Eleuthera Airport.

From the UK, British Airways operate a daily direct flight from London Heathrow to Nassau.

From Florida, Continental or US Air operate flights from Miami and Ft Lauderdale to North Eleuthera Airport; Twin Air fly from Ft Lauderdale to all three airports on Eleuthera; Lynx Air fly from Ft Lauderdale to Governor's Harbour International Airport; Island Express Airlines fly daily from Ft Lauderdale to North Eleuthera Airport.

From Nassau, Southern Air and Bahamas Air operate flights to North Eleuthera and Governor's Harbour International Airport. Bahamas Ferries sail to North Eleuthera and Harbour Island as well as Governor's Harbour.

You can find more information at the following sites:

eleuthera.com | eleu.net | bahamas official tourism website | eleuthera living | discover eleuthera | elusive beaches of eleuthera