Barbados

Barbados Information

Beaches Lapped by calm Caribbean waters, long ribbons of golden sands broken only by coral outcrops, line the glittering Platinum Coast on the west of the island. Barbados' most luxurious and upmarket hotels also cluster here so it is difficult to find an uncrowded spot. By contrast on the surf-splashed Atlantic shorelines to the east, you'll find beautifully rugged coastal cliffs concealing remote bays and beaches and large ocean swells more suited to surfing than swimming. Out and About In Barbados' capital of Bridgetown, Lord Nelson stands in National Heroes Square, the statue erected in 1813 and older than the one in London's Trafalgar Square. Another attraction in the capital is the massive Baobab tree, supposedly brought over from Africa in the 1700's and for shopping the busy port brims with duty-free shops. The islands Mount Gay rum distillery is the oldest in the world, its produce the main constituent of Barbados' excellent rum punch. One of Barbados' most visited attractions is the unique phenomenon of Harrison's Cave; an amazing gallery of stalactites and stalagmites, spectacular pillars, crystal-clear waterfalls and deep emerald pools. Dining and Entertainment The luxurious oceanfront restaurants of the Platinum Coast offer some of the island's finest gourmet, creole and seafood dining. Often mooted to be Barbados' most expensive restaurant, The Cliff boasts staggering ocean views and visitors flock to Payne's Bay for a taste of the Blue Monkey's coco shrimp and lobster burgers. But if you just fancy chilling out with the locals, check out the Bajan staple of fried chicken or head for St Lawrence Gap and along Bay Street for some of Barbados' coolest nightclubs where local bands play calypso, reggae and R&B most nights of the week. Activities Barbados boast the perfect conditions for a full raft of holiday water sports; swim with the turtles, feed tame tropical fish, or descend to the depths on an Atlantis submarine dive expedition viewing the coral reef and a sunken shipwreck. Trek out to some of Barbados' hidden bays and beaches on a 4x4 adventure touor across to the eastern and north eastern coast with swimming stops and visits to Edge Cliff, the pretty fishing village and surfing spot of Bathsheba and Joes River Forest, home to the Barbados Green Monkey. The furthest east of the Windwards, this very British island combines spectacular pink-hued sandy beaches with a rich cultural heritage. The western side of the island sits on the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea and contrasts superbly with the rugged Atlantic cliffs of the east where the surf crashes on to the shore. Visit rural sugar plantations, rum factories and the beautiful 300-year-old colonial buildings of Bridgetown. Only 21 miles long by 14 miles wide, Barbados is a surprisingly diverse island with a beautiful, calm west coast known for its fantastic beaches and an east coast known for it's natural beauty plus lots more to see in between. Affectionately known as 'Little England', a certain British-ness pervades daily life, from place names (Clapham, Dover, Hastings & Lancaster are a few) to driving on the left, roundabouts and afternoon tea! The quick witted, chatty and very friendly Barbadians welcome visitors to their island and quickly make them feel at home! There’s also plenty of happening nightlife on the south coast for those keen to party, particularly in St Lawrence Gap. Many families and couples come back year after year to enjoy the laid back friendly atmosphere and whether its your first or tenth time here you will be sure of an holiday to remember.