Barbados
In the eastern Caribbean lies the wonderful island of Barbados. A famous holiday destination, it offers sea, sand and memories of a luxurious tropical paradise.
Barbados travel guide
World-famous for its beauty, unspoilt charm and paradise offerings, the small island of Barbados is one of the Lesser Antilles, the most eastern of these Caribbean islands. It boasts a strong Creole, Indian and West African culture and its capital, Bridgetown, is a quaint colonial town, on the south-west coast, the heart of the island’s nightlife and dining options. Barbados itself is known for its rum, sugar and molasses exports, all of which feature in the island’s cuisine.
Barbados offers numerous beautiful beaches where visitors enjoy swimming, snorkelling and diving to explore shipwrecks. On the island itself there’s the UNESCO-listed historic parts of the city center to explore and a stunning interior to discover. The island boasts numerous world class resorts where stars and celebrities come to stay, several championship golf courses, quaint villages, plantation houses and lush gardens, the latter both evidence of its British colonial heritage.
The Mount Gay Rum distillery is one of the tastier places to visit in Barbados.
Best time to visit: To avoid the crowds and enjoy a less expensive vacation, visit from mid-April to November. Peak season is from mid-December to mid-April.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Downtown The downtown area of Bridgetown is an historic gem, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit Independence Square, cross over Chamberlain Bridge and spend time exploring National Heroes Square before getting lost in the narrow streets lined with colonial buildings.
Shopping in Barbados: There are stunning shops in Bridgetown, in the city center, especially along Broad Street as well as historic Swan Street. Head for the Hastings Farmers Market in the town for traditional food, handicrafts and souvenirs. You can also buy gifts in Chattel Village, situated in Holetown.
Food & Restaurants in Barbados: Bajan cuisine has many global influences including Creole, Indian and British cuisines. You’ll find plenty of places to sample these dishes in Bridgetown, especially in the downtown area and along the coast.
Nightlife: Nightlife is vibrant in Bridgetown, especially in Careenage and St Lawrence Gap. You’ll also find beach lounges and rum bars around the island.
Beaches: There are so many gorgeous beaches to laze on or enjoy a variety of water sports. Pebbles Beach is actually a sandy beach overlooking Carlisle Bay with safe waters for swimming. Nearby Brownes Beach is located along Carlisle Bay, close to the city center, and is home to the Barbados Yacht and Cruising Clubs and the Boatyard Club. Then there’s Paradise Beach, also a great swimming spot, and Dover Beach in the center of St Lawrence Gap on the island’s south coast, popular for jet skiing and wind surfing. Brighton Beach to the north of the city center is tranquil and picturesque and Bottom Bay Beach on the east coast is relatively secluded, but not ideal for swimming. Also on the east coast is spectacular Bathsheba Beach, a haven for surfers. Shark Hole Beach on the southeast coast is very busy on weekends but secluded during the week. It’s a great spot to relax and sunbathe, but not ideal for swimming.
Things to do in Barbados:
- Stroll along the boardwalk on Bridgetown’s marina, the Careenage.
- See the historic Parliamentary Buildings and National Heroes Square, part of the UNESCO-listed site in Bridgetown.
- Explore the Garrison Historic Area, another part of the town’s World Heritage Site, HQ for the British West India regiment in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Visit St Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest surviving plantation buildings on the island.
- Discover the island’s only accessible sea cave, Animal Flower Cave, as well as Harrison's Cave, filled with caverns, stalagmites and stalactites.
- Sample a local speciality at the Mount Gay Rum distillery.
Best way to get around: Rent a car to explore further than Bridgetown, which is easily accessible on foot. There are also buses and taxis.