Barbados is known for its clear, warm waters and soft white sands. The beaches in the Eastern Caribbean are some of the best in the world, with sand so white you will need sunglasses. There are more things to do on this culturally rich island.
There are first-class adventure sports, historic hikes and dramatic caves to explore, along with legendary rum distilleries that produce the fuel for boisterous nightlife and fun-filled festivals. One of the most fascinating destinations in the Caribbean has a lot to offer.
Immerse yourself in the best experiences the world has to offer with our email newsletter delivered weekly into your inbox.
The back of a horse is a great place to look at the wilderness on the Atlantic coast of Barbados. You can ride a horse on the beaches of Barbados.
Bath Beach has golden sands backed by farmland strewn with boulders, clear running streams and tracts of forest populated by monkeys. While the scenery is memorable, the highlight of a ride here is heading into the calm waters to cool off with your mount, while the waves crash into the reef.
The romantically inclined can take an evening ride to see the ocean. Ocean Echo Stables is a great place for horses and guides.
The western shores of the country are called the Platinum Coast. Some of the most enchanting stretches of sand on the island can be found north of Payne's Bay past Holetown.
Visitors can get to know this flashy part of the country on sailing trips from the island's lively capital, Bridgetown. Cocktail and gourmet snacks are included on many sailing voyages. Small group tours are offered at the Calabaza.
The Crop Over Festival is the most important cultural event on the island and should be experienced in August.
This two-century-old festival has grown into a three-month marathon of concerts, performances, and parties, supported by a booming calypso and soca soundtrack.
The main event is the Grand Kadooment, a massive parade with 15,000 brightly costumed musicians and dancers. Festivalgoers can find mobile bars at the festival. A frequent attendee of the annual bacchanal is the biggest star in the island, Ri Ri.
You'll need to register with one of the dozen or so participating bands to purchase a matching costume and book a spot in the parade if you want to join in the celebrations.
Half of the island goes to Oistins for the legendary fish fry on Friday nights. The island's favorite meal is fresh fish, cold beer and top tunes and it's the winning formula.
There are dozens of small kiosks that serve up everything from grilled fish to chicken and pork chops. Don't forget to include the macaroni pie. As you watch local musicians get the crowd moving with a cold beverage or cocktail, wash it all down with a cold drink. The party goes on even after the plates are removed.
With five wrecks in shallow waters, a plethora of reef and predatory fish, and a lot of turtles, the Carlisle Bay Marine Reserve is a great place to snorkel. The Berwyn, a 70ft tugboat that sank in 1919, has a coral-encrusted hull. There are a lot of colorful fish in the coral that covers the wreck.
The majority of the top snorkeling sites are close to the shore. Many of the beach clubs lining the bay offer free boat transport out to the reefs if you have trouble dislodging yourself from your sun lounger.
You can rent Snorkeling gear from water sports shacks along the beach, but it's best to bring your own.
This barrel breaks in seven feet of water just offshore from Bathsheba, the largest town on the Atlantic Coast. Non-surfers will get a kick out of watching riders take on the wave from the safety of the beach.
The island has great waves for beginners, such as those at Freights Bay, which is good news for anyone who wants to hone their skills before taking on the soup bowl. There are many excellent surf schools on the island.
Surfing at Bathsheba is best in August to March. Ride the Tide in Freights Bay is one of the best surf schools on the west coast.
You can get to know some of Bridgetown's larger-than-life characters by visiting the rum shops. The Bajan take on the dive bar have been part of the country's popular culture for generations.
There won't be much in the way of music inside. Vendors and little stalls that line the roads nearby can be used to source more treats.
The Pink Star Bar is open all night and serves traditional island favorites such as "steppers" and "liver cutters".
Speighttown is a traditional seaside village that is fast becoming one of the best restaurants in the country. With little traffic and an inviting promenade, this fun outpost has a dynamic dining scene that includes gourmet cafés such as Juma's and the Orange Street Grocers.
It is a great spot for a walk and a bite to eat. The island's most perfect pastries can be found at the PRC Bakery. The big seller is the coconut slice, and the off-menu rolls are amazing.
The seaside grotto in the craggy cliffs of St Lucy in the remote north is more relaxing than Harrison's Cave. There is only one way down the cliffs and that is via a set of stairs.
The cave's name comes from the shallow pools in the first chamber. It opens out to the sea through a diamond-shaped hole in the rocks that makes for a great backdrop for a selfies.
There is a natural rock pool with calm waters cut off from the world but also for the crashing of the waves below the narrow opening. One of the Caribbean's most magical swims will take place.
The cave's restaurant has tables against the edge of the cliffs that give a stunning sea view.
The world's oldest operating distillery, Mount Gay Rum, is located on the island and was founded in the 17th century. The Mount Gay distillery is best known for its blended rums. Visitors can see the process of making rum up close during a tour of the facility, which covers both the history of the site and modern distilling processes.
You should eat a filling breakfast before you go on the tour because the tastings include nine rums. The tasting center in Brandons Beach is not as atmospheric as the distillery.
The British established an economy based on the farming of cane, a crop that devastated the native flora, but provided the raw ingredient for the island's famous rum. Only a small portion of the forest remains today.
A good place to get a sense of how the island used to look is Welchman Hall Gully. The site is home to a troop of green monkeys and is said to be the birthplace of the best-selling export in the country. There is a paved path for strollers and rabbits and tortoises to amuse the younger walkers.
One of the island's most magnificent views can be seen from the lookout on the way out. You will be able to see all the way to the Atlantic.
About 8 hours ago, this article was updated.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
