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Barbados Travel Guide

There's so much to love about the Caribbean island of Barbados: the beaches are breathtaking, the weather's near-perfect, the food is top-notch, the history is fascinating and the people are warm and welcoming.

There's a lively nightlife scene on the south coast, wild surf on the untouched east coast and some of the world's finest resorts on the fashionable west coast: Barbados has it all.

Barbados is famous for its picture-perfect beaches, but there's lots to see and do right across the island. As one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, you can happily explore everything it has to offer. Stick to the coast and you'll have access to all kinds of watersports, from snorkelling to surfing and sailing. Head inland and you'll come across old plantation houses, magnificent gardens, quaint chattel villages and limestone caves.

Things to do in Barbados - The highlights

Barbados Holidays

Barbados offers a superb Caribbean holiday experience. You'll feel right at home from the minute you step off the plane. The Bajan people are very welcoming, but there's more to it than that. Everything has a British tint to it, whether it's glimpsing cricket being played on village greens or sipping tea and nibbling scones in the afternoon. When Barbados gained independence in 1966, it chose to keep Elizabeth II as the Queen of Barbados. The rolling countryside of the island's interior is reminiscent of Devon and Somerset, and you'll see familiar place names like Scarborough, Worthing and Scotland. There's one crucial difference: the weather in Barbados is far superior.

Activities

A sunset catamaran cruise is an unforgettable experience that we highly recommend you do on your Barbados holiday. Sail past some of the most luxurious properties on the island's exclusive west coast. Pause to jump into the crystal clear Caribbean sea and swim with turtles. Sip a rum punch and gaze at the incredible shades of ochre, orange and pink as the sun sets into the ocean. Glimpse flying fish leaping out of the ocean and gliding alongside the boat as you speed back to Bridgetown - it's simply magic!

Take time to visit St Nicholas Abbey. Nothing to do with monks (just re-named on a whim by a former owner), it's a Jacobean mansion filled with antiques spanning it's 350-year history, with beautifully tranquil grounds and a lovely cafe. Even better, there's a working rum distillery. You can witness the whole process, from grinding the sugar cane to sampling the end product.

If you feel like an adventure, hire a car and head over to the undeveloped, windswept side of the island - it's a big contrast to the lavish west coast. Watch the unforgiving Atlantic ocean pound the shores at Bathsheba, and witness pro surfers take their chances in the world-renowned soup bowl. See quaint wooden chattel houses dotted amidst lush hillsides and banana trees lining the roadside. Keep your camera handy in case you spot a cheeky green monkey peeping out of the greenery.

Best time to visit Barbados

Weather in Barbados

Barbados has a near-perfect climate for most of the year. The summer months (June - August) are more humid, although temperatures remain pretty constant all year round, with average daytime highs of 30°C. There are occasionally tropical storms between August - October, although (given Barbados' easterly position) it's rarely affected by the hurricanes that bother the rest of the Caribbean at this time of year.

December - March is Barbados' high season. Prices spike around Christmas, especially over the school holidays. Early December is a good time to pick up winter sun deals. If you're tied to school holidays, May half term is usually the best time to go in terms of value.
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Rainfall (cm)

Dining in Barbados

Barbados boasts some of the best (and most expensive) restaurants in the Caribbean, including The Tides and The Cliff. As you might expect with the island setting, seafood features on most menus, but you'll also find Thai fusion, Italian and international cuisine in abundance.

There are also lots of decent, down-to-earth dining options - a trip to Barbados wouldn't be complete without sampling the island's national dish: flying fish. Traditionally, it's fried in breadcrumbs and served in a cutter (bread roll) with a good dollop of Bajan hot pepper sauce.

Where to stay in Barbados

West Coast

Blessed with soft sands bordered by the (usually) mill-pond waters of the Caribbean sea, it's easy to see why the west coast of Barbados is often called 'The Platinum Coast.'

It's where you'll find all the luxury resorts, such as The Fairmont Royal Pavillion, Sandy Lane, as well as the upscale all inclusive offerings such as Tamarind, An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort .
West Coast

South Coast

The lively south coast is the best place to stay if you like to do more on holiday than simply lounge by the pool. By day, there are watersports aplenty, with gentle waves perfect for learners progressing to larger surf in bays like Long beach and Silver Sands.

After dark, St Lawrence Gap is a popular nightlife hotspot in Barbados, with a handful of bars, rum shops, nightclubs and restaurants.

There's also plenty of choice on the accommodation front, including the highly recommended all inclusive hotels, Sea Breeze Beach House and Turtle Beach, A Tribute Portfolio All Inclusive Resort.
South Coast
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Key Information
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Flight Time: 9 hours

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Time Difference: GMT - 4 hours

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Currency: Barbadian Dollar, US Dollars

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Language: Bajan, English

Recommended Barbados hotels

Special offers on holidays to Barbados

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