Barbados epitomises the best of the Caribbean, serving up great weather, white-sand beaches, laid-back charm and, of course, cricket.
From the historic capital of Bridgetown to the beautiful resorts of the west coast, the birthplace of Rihanna is a place full of music and happiness
The beautiful beaches are a major attraction for those enjoying holidays in Barbados. The best beaches are considered to be along the west coast, where many resort hotels and luxurious private villas can be found. The major towns along the west coast are Speightstown and Holetown, which was the first settlement of the British in Barbados.
The capital city is Bridgetown and even if you are not staying here it is definitely worth a day trip. At the Barbados Museum visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the island and a tour of a rum distillery gives you the flavour of the region's favourite drink.
It is considered to be the Mecca of West Indian cricket and if you are lucky you may catch a game at the Kensington Oval. Bridgetown is also home to its very own Lord Nelson statue that is in fact older than the one in London's Trafalgar Square. From Bridgetown there are several boat trips a week that take you out to swim with turtles, usually running two trips a day; an early morning trip and the other from around 2 p.m until the early evening.
To the south of the island is the resort area of St. Lawrence Gap, known for its great nightlife and good range of accommodation. The famous Ship Inn has now closed however there are still plenty of restaurants and bars where you can experience Bajan food and party with the locals. For those wishing to stay somewhere a bit quieter, the resort of Worthing is close. A visit to Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday or Saturday allows you to taste the fresh local catch of the day, usually the signature dish of the island - flying fish.
Visitors looking to do something a bit more active than sunbathing could head to Bathsheba on the east coast for a spot of surfing. The east coast is also home to the Flower Forest at Saint Philip, where visitors can wander through the smells and sights of beautiful tropical flowers.
A day trip to the St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation House is a great way to learn about the history of rum distillation on the island and perhaps even an opportunity to taste some.
When to go
Weather
The climate of Barbados provides perfect holiday weather. It is generally warm and year-round average daily temperatures range from 25 to 28 Celsius, but can get as high as 32 in September and October. There is often a slight breeze which stops it feeling too hot. The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to June, although good deals on Barbados holidays can be found outside of these times.
Events
The Barbados Jazz Festival has become a major music event in the Caribbean and sees big names in jazz perform in open-air and historic venues.
Holetown Festival is one of the island's biggest celebrations and is held during February each year. It celebrates the first settlement of the island.
Crop Over is a five-week festival which starts in July and celebrates the end of the sugar-cane harvest. It culminates in a huge street carnival.
Best of Barbados holidays for...
- Romance: Loved-up couple? Spend your Barbados holidays wandering through the Flower Forest in Saint Joseph, on the eastern side of the island. See if you can spot bird of paradise flowers, which bloom in shades of blue and fiery orange.
- Grown-up families: Everyone - from grandkids to grandparents - will get a thrill out of swimming with turtles at Godings Bay. Drop into the aqua-blue water, and then wait for the majestic leatherbacks to come and have a nose around.
- Nightlife: Start the night with a dazzling dinner show at one of the waterfront restaurants on Brandons Beach and, after a few rum cocktails, dance barefoot on the soft golden sands.
- Free & cheap: Want to get back to basics? Pack a bag for the day and head out to Foul Bay, where you can bronze yourself under the tropical sun before splashing about in the fresh ocean waves. Just make sure you bring some sun cream!
- Active types: Leave the beach behind and jump aboard a banana boat for an adrenaline-pumping buzz off Heywoods Beach. When the waves are up, hire a surfboard and wait for the perfect barrel to roll in.
- Relaxing: There's nothing more soothing than taking to the water around Douglas in a catamaran. When you reach a sheltered bay, stop to go snorkelling in the shallows - or just lounge on the beach. On the way back, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins.
- Kids & teens: Look out for Nemo as you sink below the waves on a submarine adventure near Bridgetown. Kids will love pressing their noses against the windows as they try to spot sharks, rays and other big marine critters.
Related Links:
Flights to Barbados
Car Hire in Barbados
