Awaken your senses in Barbados, from the rugged coastline and wild surf of the east coast to the relaxed luxury and calm Caribbean Sea in the west, Barbados has something for everyone. A jewel in the crown of the Caribbean, Barbados is home to some of the best white-sand beaches and water sports facilities in the Western hemisphere, crystal-clear waters, luxurious hotels and world-class dining, and of course not forgetting the best rum in the world! A warm welcome awaits as the locals are well known for their welcoming charm and sophistication, and with year round sunshine, Barbados is the ideal holiday destination if you are looking to soak up the sun.
Barbados is known as a breathtaking Caribbean island surrounded by pristine, golden beaches and glistening turquoise waters, a peaceful haven where you can lounge on the beach and relax while sampling coconut water, cocktails and the country’s finest cuisine. With over 80 picture-perfect beaches on the island, it’s no surprise that Barbados is one of the most popular destinations for beach lovers, as every beach has its own idyllic ambience that’s sure to delight with Caribbean charm. Many are great family friendly options that will guarantee unforgettable memories while others hold a more rustic and peaceful charm. There are also beaches where it is possible to swim with the turtles whilst others offer the quintessential Barbadian experience with excellent watersports facilities, a lively atmosphere and vendors serving up Caribbean treats!
Make sure you don’t miss visiting Shark Hole on the island’s southeast coast, a small strand of beach that is almost completely encircled by rocks with a gap revealing vistas of the reef and beyond. As the reef keeps the water calm and clear, this makes it ideal for swimmers to enjoy.
Although it may seem tempting to stay by the haven of beautiful beaches, there’s more to be discovered inland where there are delightful treasures waiting to be explored – from old plantation houses and quaint villages with their Anglican churches and cricket pitches, to beautiful botanical gardens, and colourful rum shacks giving you a sense of the real Barbados.
Barbados has over 400 diverse restaurants and eateries to choose from taking you on a culinary journey like no other. Indulge in the fabulous quality of restaurants ranging from fine dining establishments to friendly beach bars and bistros. With such a wide range of options there’s something to suit every taste, including an abundance of fine restaurants offering local cuisine, seafood and continental cuisine.
Bajan cuisine is a mixture of African, Indian, Irish, Creole and British influences and is known for putting a unique spin on traditional Caribbean classics - whether it’s cassava bread or macaroni and cheese - to create a flavour profile that is all its own. Flying fish is an emblem of the island of Barbados, and is part of its iconic national dish that visitors must try at least once during their stay. This won’t be hard to accomplish, however, as some variation of the seafood is served at nearly every restaurant on the island, whether it’s a beach-side shack or a fine-dining restaurant. A visit to Oistins on the southernmost tip of the island and the smallest town in Barbados, is also a must for food lovers as this small town is full of character and offers some of the best local food on the island.
The annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival is one of the most sought-after festivals in the world and takes place in October this year. This is the ultimate weekend for food lovers, and showcases why Barbados truly is the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Any Barbados experience is incomplete until you've sampled their oldest and greatest export, rum. One of the island’s most popular excursions is The Mount Gay Rum Tour where you can hear the untold stories and discover the mysteries and secrets behind the island’s finest and most celebrated spirit. The 300 year story of how a plantation in Barbados’ northern parish of St. Lucy became home to one of the world’s most famous rums is told through presentations, artefacts, photo galleries, a video show, a visit to the bottling area and, of course, not to be missed tastings. The sweet flavours of Mount Gay Rum taste even better with a greater appreciation and understanding of what has gone into this Caribbean spirit.
One of the island’s greatest adventures is to be found within the corridors of Harrison’s Cave, one of the natural wonders of Barbados. Intrepid explorers can weave in and out of the marvellous crystallised limestone formations. View the extraordinary beauty that is seen on the tram tours of this popular attraction as you go on a relaxing drive on a paved road which displays the spectacle of coral stone stalactites and stalagmites sparkling in the calming, orange glow of the cave’s lights, all while you are serenaded by the music of the underground waterfalls and streams. The brilliantly named Great Hall measures some 15 metres high and makes this an unmissable stop on any Barbados itinerary.
If you are looking to experience the network of the caves as the first explorers did, then an Eco-Adventure Tour is not to be missed! This three and a half hour underground adventure begins with a leisurely walk through the surrounding beauty of the natural gully before you enter the cave, where the level of difficulty drastically increases. Once inside, you are guaranteed an unforgettable hike as you climb, crawl and maybe even swim through the area’s otherwise unseen and undeveloped caverns, using nothing but your headlamps to light your way, creating magical memories on your underground adventure.
If over-ground activities are more your thing, then expert-led hikes are available through the Barbados Hiking Association and the Barbados National Trust’s historical hikes, where you can participate in weekly early morning treks, afternoon or full moon hikes. This is a fantastic way to take in the natural untouched beauty of the island with walks that cover the length and breadth of Barbados. There are varying levels of hikes ranging from easy to more advanced treks so there is no need to worry if you’ve never hiked before. Take a cool stroll along the path of the old railroad line, venture through the gardens of Jack in the Box Gully, explore the terrain around historic forts and plantation houses. Discover the nature reserve and thick forestry at Graeme Hall swamp, climb the jagged edges of Chalky Mount and enjoy the east coast view after ascending Hackleton’s Cliff. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert hiker, there will be a trail suitable for you to explore the natural beauty of Barbados.
Barbados is the best place for watersports in the Caribbean. If you’re looking to get your heart racing, then visit the beaches on the south and west coasts in particular where you will find jet skiing, kite-surfing and parasailing available against shades of blue you don’t even recognise. Alternatively, adventure-seekers can satisfy their inner curiosity with scuba diving attractions that take you down to the majestic natural reefs where you can even spot shipwrecks and make friends with the adorable sea turtles. Windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding are also available along the outstretched coasts and of course surfers are not to be forgotten. There are always waves to be conquered in Barbados, and if you will be on the island during the winter months, surf lovers can head over to the world-famous Soup Bowl in Bathsheba to battle with some impressive giant waves.