Bahamas
An island world for explorers
Whether pirates, Puritans, slaves or the British - they all left their mark. For example, a white cross on the beach of Guanahani commemorates October 12, 1492, when Christopher Columbus set foot on an island - to later give it the name San Salvador. In the belief that he had discovered India, he called the peaceful natives Indians, and he named the archipelago Baja Mar (Spanish for shallow sea) - the Bahamas.
Island hopping in the Bahamas
The Caribbean island state of the Bahamas with its 700 islands is located 80 kilometers southeast of Florida and 100 kilometers north of Cuba. From Nassau and Grand Bahama, the most touristically developed islands, you can travel by ferry or plane to the so-called Out Islands: little-known gems such as Eleuthera, Exuma, Abaco or Bimini offer variety and plenty of space for your own discoveries in addition to crystal-clear turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. The majority of the 350,000 Bahamians live in the capital Nassau, and only 30 of the 700 islands are permanently inhabited. The numerous small uninhabited cays are also worthwhile destinations for a day trip by boat and convey a real Robinson Crusoe feeling. On each of the islands, guests can feel the "Bahamian way of life" with its mixture of different cultures and warm hospitality.
Music plays a major role for Bahamians. It can be heard on every street corner at the many festivals, especially in summer and around Christmas. Bahamian Goombay music is a mixture of African rhythms, Caribbean calypso and English folk songs. During the Goombay Holidays (July, August) there are parades, folklore shows, concerts, exhibitions and music everywhere. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely experience the Junkanoo, the Bahamian carnival. It begins on Boxing Day, when the locals parade through the streets of Nassau and Freeport in imaginative costumes made of colorful crepe paper to the sound of African rhythms.
Blue Holes and Hole in One
With its six marinas, the island of Abaco and its offshore cays in the north of the archipelago are considered a sailor's paradise. Numerous regattas take place here in summer, which also fascinate non-sailors. The underwater world is even more exciting: Andros is home to the third largest coral reef in the world, an attraction for divers and snorkelers. Andros is also home to spectacular blue holes, funnel-shaped underwater caves. Dean's Blue Hole off Long Island is the deepest of its kind in the world and a popular meeting place for apnoea divers. However, fishing is a real national sport in the Bahamas. Bonefishing, where the fish is allowed back into the sea after the souvenir photo, is possible on almost every island. Deep-sea fishermen are drawn to Bimini because the chance of catching a big fish is particularly high here. To date, almost 100 world fishing records have been set here.
Ernest Hemingway lived on Bimini from 1935 to 1937 and was inspired to write his novel "The Old Man and the Sea" after catching a 500-pound marlin.
But the Bahamas also have a wealth of discoveries in store for landlubbers. Grand Bahama, Abaco and Exuma are home to scenic 9- and 18-hole golf courses. Tours through the mangrove forests of Andros and Grand Bahama, for example, offer a welcome change from the beach and sea. Visitors can hire bicycles for island tours on almost every island. Particularly pleasant: there are hardly any inclines; the highest point in the Bahamas is the 63-metre-high Mount Alvernia on Cat Island.
A day trip from Great Exuma to Big Major Cay is an animal-friendly experience. Here, visitors can splash around with feral pigs in the crystal-clear water. The pigs kick at the boats with their trunks stretched upwards, grunting curiously and are happy to eat any kind of treat.
The sound of the sea on your plate
The cuisine of the Bahamas mainly features fresh fish and seafood. Probably the most famous ingredient is the conch (pronounced konk): The fencer or sea snail can be found on every menu as a salad, soup or pickled in lime juice and with hot chilies (scourch conch). Side dishes include onions, peppers, tomatoes or apples, chili, lemon and orange juice. Conch salad can be found on every corner, especially in the small street pubs known as "fish fries". For dessert, a juicy piece of rum cake or the typical Bahamian guava duff is a must.
Hollywood set jetting and jet setting
Crystal-clear water, dream beaches and glorious sunshine - Hollywood has long since discovered the Bahamas as a top location for filming blockbusters. Johnny Depp, Pierce Brosnan and Jessica Alba have worked here, while other stars use the islands as a retreat and source of inspiration. Harbour Island and Eleuthera are popular destinations. Especially the pink coral beach of Harbour Island, which is one of the "World's best beaches for romance" according to the Travel Channel. Julia Roberts and Mick Jagger regularly vacation here, Mariah Carey got married there, Richard Gere and Elle Macpherson own vacation villas. And Lenny Kravitz, whose mother is from the Bahamas, is a frequent visitor to his homeland and even dedicated a song to the island of Eleuthera.
www.bahamas.de
Giant fish, swimming pigs, endless sandy beaches, glittering seas, hundreds of islands, mysterious caves, lively music - the island nation of the Bahamas has many faces.
Bahamas food - Unique delicacies
Although you can find almost any type of international cuisine in the Bahamas - from sushi to lasagna - some dishes are unique to the Bahamas.
Bahamians are lovers of fresh seafood. Crawfish conch, land crabs and fish such as grouper, yellow tail and red snapper are local and tourist favorites.
A typical meal in the Bahamas consists of crab and rice, delicious steamed fish with baked macaroni and cheese and a large helping of potato salad. This is followed by desserts such as coconut or pineapple upside down cake, bread pudding or guava duff - a delicious dessert made in a laborious process and served with a sauce. Each meal is served with a large glass of ice cold "switcha" (a mixed drink of lemon, sugar and water) or beer
Sightseeing Bahamas - The beauty of nature A colorful selection of sights in the Bahamas awaits you near Paradise Island Harbour Resort. Make friends while diving with stingrays or take a leisurely stroll across Atlantis, which offers an upscale shopping experience and a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a world-class casino. Marvel at the beauty of rare tropical birds and lush green surroundings. Step back in time to 1793 when pirates stalked the harbor at Fort Fincastle, which boasts a 126-meter high water tower, making it the highest point above sea level. Or let your gaze wander through the stained glass window of Christ Church Cathedral - which forms a wonderful contrast between the white columns and dark wooden beams.
Shopping Bahamas - A unique experience
Shopping in the Bahamas is a unique experience. Here you will find distinctive authentic Bahamian products that reflect the country's heritage, creativity and passion. Nassau offers stylish boutiques and the famous Straw Market, where handicrafts, ceramics and spices make nice souvenirs. Grand Bahama has large shopping centers with stores, straw vendors, hair braiders and artisans. And the Out Islands also have a variety of stores with local crafts and jewelry.
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