Barbados Travel Guide

Barbados is a deservedly world-famous tourist destination. Home to the popular cruise port of Bridgetown, the island has a breath-taking coastline and some of the world's finest diving, surfing and snorkelling conditions.

Often referred to as the Platinum Coast, the pear-shaped island's western half is dominated by deluxe beach resorts. The central highlands have some interesting cultural sights (including distilleries and plantations), picturesque villages and some amazing walking and hiking trails. The east gives way to the Atlantic Ocean and is commonly referred to as the 'Soup Bowl' because of its big waves. Surfers and backpackers tend to relish the region's assortment of lively beach-side bars and low-cost accommodation.

Barbados's strong ties with English culture have bequeathed it a genial atmosphere and good infrastructure. The sun shines year-round, and the famously friendly locals only enhance the island's glorious ambience. Barbados is rightly one of the most popular winter-sun holiday stops in the world.

Best Time To Visit Barbados

Barbados is sunny and fair, and can be visited at any time of year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from January to June, making it the perfect winter-sun holiday destination for travellers from the northern hemisphere. The hurricane season in Barbados runs from June to October, but the island is not generally prone to these natural disasters. Visitors are far more likely to experience short and spectacular tropical rainstorms during this time.

What to see in Barbados

-Head to the Platinum Coast and drink in the sight of the azure water gently lapping at the golden sands.

-The scent of tropical flowers hangs heavy in the air in Andromeda Botanical Gardens.

-Capture some memories by taking photos of the spectacular coastline of Bathsheba.

-Take a tour of the Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park, located on the site of an old sugar plantation.

What to do in Barbados

-Try surfing in the 'Soup Bowl' on the island's eastern coast.

-Explore sunken ships in the clear depths of the Caribbean Sea.

-Socialise with travellers from all over the globe in the backpacker bars that line Barbados's east coast.

-Indulge in some authentic island food, such as breaded flying fish and the Barbadian speciality known as 'pepperpot'.

Getting to Barbados

Travellers can find direct cheap flights to Barbados from the US and the UK.

Read

The Polished Hoe by Austin Clarke

Watch

Hit for Six (2007)

Eat

Breaded flying fish, served with spicy yellow sauce made from Scotch Bonnet peppers; 'pepperpot' (spicy pork stew served in a dark brown sauce), the island's national dish.

Drink

Drink rum cocktails, and sample the local Banks Beer.

Buy

Haggle with beach vendors for handmade jewellery, colourful fabrics and folk art; and be sure to pick up a bottle or two of the excellent Mount Gay Rum.

Pack for Barbados

Pack plenty of sunscreen for a holiday in Barbados, as well as some effective insect repellent. A lightweight rain slicker is a good idea, in the event of a storm.

What's on in Barbados

Surfing competitions are held throughout the year in Barbados's 'Soup Bowl' area, on the island's east coast. Witness an island-style cultural celebration at the Holetown Festival, held just north of Bridgetown. The Barbados Food, Wine and Rum Festival is a delight, featuring top cuisine from world-renowned chefs and the best produce from the island's many rum distilleries.

Some random facts

-Barbados's Mount Gay rum is the oldest still-functioning rum distillery in the world.

-The island's literacy rate is 99.60 percent.

A final word

A quintessential Caribbean paradise, travellers to Barbados can anticipate a relaxing, sun-soaked holiday, full of idle hours spent in perfect tranquillity.