About Eleuthera Eleuthera’s first claim to fame stems from its historic ties to Captain William Sayle, a former Bermuda governor, who fled the island in 1648 with a group of Puritan Pilgrims known as the Eleutheran Adventurers in search of religious freedom. Derived from the Greek word “eleuthero” or “eleuther,” Eleuthera means freedom. Nowadays, second homeowners, visitors and locals still escape to this popular destination, distinguishing Eleuthera as one of the islands with the highest repeat-visitor rate. Renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility, this idyllic island lies 60 miles (80 km) east of Nassau and has a fascinating topography of rocky bluffs and low-lying wetlands; massive coral reefs; 350-plus years of colorful history and warm hospitable people. Certainly, the people of Eleuthera are proud to boast of their island’s unique place in the history of The Bahamas. With so much to explore on this 110-mile-long mainland island, picturesque towns, and villages dot Eleuthera from north to south, and there are two small islands offshore at the northern end: the resort island Harbour Island, with its world famous three-mile pink sand beach; and Spanish Wells, a quaint fishing village. Other points of interest on Eleuthera are Preacher’s Cave where Captain Sayle and his companions held religious services. There’s also the Glass Window Bridge, which is recognized as the “narrowest place on Earth,” the Hatchet Bay Cave, Ocean Hole in Rock Sound, the Queen’s Baths or the Hot Tubs, The Cliffs at Rainbow Bay, the famous Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, and the 25-acre sanctuary known as the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. Also of special note, Eleuthera is home to more than 17 annual homecoming festivals, including the Rock Sound Homecoming, Bay Fest, Pineapple Festival and Governor’s Harbour Festival, which feature local fashion and culture shows, Bahamian cuisine, and of course, live music performances and Junkanoo.