Bahamas Islands, Vacation Paradise. Caribbean.

Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas, is a wonderful vacation destination because you're not far from the bustling hub of a city, but you still have the relaxing and glorious beaches at your doorstep. Nassau is located on the island of New Providence and the main harbour is protected by Paradise Island, which is accessible via Nassau bridges.

Nassau is known for wonderful snorkeling and diving and the adorable pastel-coloured British Colonial buildings in town. It should come as no surprise that the Bahamas encompass the most beautiful islands in the world all 700 of them actually.

That's right, there are 700 glorious islands and over 2,000 rocks and cays that form this archipelago haven, which spans 100,000 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the clearest blue water in the world is here, as are magnificent coral reefs, natural sand bars and the finest white sandy beaches.

Of course, of the 700 islands most are uninhabited, but some are packed with luxurious resorts just waiting to welcome excited visitors to this tropical paradise. Below are some of our favourite places to visit while on the island.

Renowned as a maritime playground for sun-starved Americans, this stunning string of subtropical islands is so much more than a cruise-ship stopover. Stretched between the depths of the North Atlantic and Florida's eastern coast, the Bahamas comprises more than 700 islands and 2400 cays, most uninhabited, and all fringed by spectacular coral and fathomless ocean trenches.

From the grit and bustle of funky Nassau to the vast mangroves of Andros, there's an astonishing array of beaches, reefs, forests and historic towns to be discovered, all within the compass of an hour's flight. There's sailing around the Abacos' history-filled Loyalist Cays.

Partying til dawn at Paradise Island's over-the-top Atlantis resort. Diving the spooky blue holes of Andros.

Kayaking the 365 Exuma Cays. .