Barbados travel guide
It may have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but Barbados is also the perfect location for snorkelling, hiking and watching cricket
For many, this tiny Caribbean island conjures up the image of lazy afternoons, relaxing with a cocktail in the comfort of a resort. But for those who dare venture off-track an island scattered with historic sites, dramatic scenery and exhilarating activities awaits.
Most travellers will head to the west coast – the place to see and be seen – if they are wealthy and the south coast if they are on a budget break. But it is the north and east coasts and inland that make Barbados an intriguing and unique destination.
Great hiking terrain can be found in the north, from the unspoilt Stroud Point to North Point – a dramatic coastline of cliff formations and caves that are perfect for a well-deserved picnic.
The pace of life drops considerably along the east coast where surfing, hiking, horseriding and cycling tempt visitors back time and time again to its virtually uninhabited shores.
Inland you can explore fields of sugar cane, where Barbados’ rich soil has produced sugar for more than 360 years. In some ways, the landscape reflects plantation life from grand agricultural estates to signal stations.
Bridgetown is the capital and commercial heart of the island, and well worth a visit. The Careenage, where ships used to dock, is the focal point of the city and most of the older buildings are clustered around the waterway. For a local feel stroll down Swan Street where the Barbadians do their shopping.
North of the city you’ll find the Deep Water Harbour, where massive cruise ships dock and the nearby Kensington Oval – one of the most famous cricket grounds in the Caribbean. South of the city is Carlisle Bay, a natural harbour and great location for wreck-diving.
Here you will also find the Garrison Savannah and the Barbados Museum, Barbados Gallery of Art, the National Cannon Collection and George Washington House.
Wanderlust recommends…
- You can catch an exciting game of cricket all year round in Barbados. It could be an international Test Match, a local First Division game, or a friendly bit of banter on the beach. Either way, it’s a great way to experience the culture and mingle with the locals.
- Each Sunday the Barbados National Trust sponsors a walk to places of historical and cultural importance to the island. Find out more at www.hikebarbados.com.
- A 4x4 safari tour of Barbados is an adventurous way to learn about the folklore, culture and history of the island with the direction of a professional guide.
- Go diving in Carlisle Bay – one of Barbados’ best wreck-diving sites. Here you will find a graveyard of over 200 ships and underwater treasures, including cannon balls, anchors, buckles and buttons that have been lost to the sea over centuries.
- Take a tour of the Mount Gay Distillery, which is believed to be the world’s oldest surviving producer of rum. A guided tour will take you through the later stages of the rum making process, including refining, adding, blending and bottling, and ends with a complimentary cocktail in the tasting room.
Wanderlust tips
The Crop Over summer festival is Barbados’ most popular and colourful traditional harvest festival and party-goers come from near and far to sing, dance and indulge in the local food and drink. If you're planning to travel between July and August be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
Barbados may be considered a sunbather's heaven but swimsuits should only be worn on the beach – it is considered disrespectful to wear them around shops or in town.
A 10-15% tip is customary in restaurants, but be sure to make sure it hasn’t already been included in your bill. Taxi drivers also customarily receive a 10% tip and extra $2 BBD for any luggage they may handle.