The laid-back island of Barbados combines pristine beaches, crystal clear water and vibrant flora with great music, delicious food and a strong sense of history and culture. The handsome colonial buildings of the capital, Bridgetown, date mainly from the 18th century. Many of the island's mixed race population are descendants of the African slaves, brought over to work the colonial sugar plantations.
The dramatic differences between the east and west coast must not be missed. The east (Atlantic side) is less developed and ruggedly beautiful. The Caribbean west coast has more hotel development, but the coastline remains elegant and attractive. The sea is calm and clear and watersports come into their own. The warm Caribbean waters teem with colourful fish swimming in vibrant coral reefs. Visit underwater caves, lush tropical gardens, sugar-cane factories, rum distilleries or plantation houses.
Nightlife is lively with floorshows of limbo dancers and pulsing reggae music - a perfect accompaniment to the Bajan cuisine of spicy seafood, tropical fruits and vegetables, washed down with rum cocktails and fresh fruit juices.
Little is known of the early history of Barbados – it was probably occupied by Arawak Indians from South America until the arrival of the Spanish in 1492. The earliest European arrivals were the Portuguese in the early 16th century. The British established the first settlements in 1627 and declared Barbados a British colony in 1663. African slaves were brought to the island to work on the sugar plantations until the abolition of slavery in the mid 19th century. Barbados joined the West Indies Federation in 1958 and was granted internal self-government three years later. Full independence within the British Commonwealth was achieved in 1966.
The best time to go to Barbados is during the cooler, drier months of late winter and early spring (December through May). Mid-December to Mid-April is also the peak tourist season when prices are higher and hotels most crowded.
• Barbados’ coral reefs host a variety of marine life and shipwrecks which makes for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling. Sea horses, frog fish, giant sand eels and the hawksbill turtle are among the creatures to be found around the island.
• Immerse yourself in a range of easily accessible watersports. The south and west coasts have the best conditions for windsurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing and water-skiing. Great regular surfing is at the Soup Bowl, South Point and Rockley Beach.
• Get close to nature at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Indigenous and introduced creatures including green monkeys, tortoises, deer, racoons, pelicans and otters roam free in a mahogany forest. There is also an aviary with peacocks, turkeys, toucans, macaws, lovebirds and parrots.
• Drive on the East Coast Road, one of the most exciting drives on the island. The Atlantic crashes over treacherous reefs on to the dramatic, rugged coast. The inland road goes through sugar-cane country with little churches and tiny towns with pretty houses.
• Take a hike with the Barbados National Trust. Free guided hikes, which last around three hours and cover distances of 8 to 22km (5 to 14 miles), are divided into three categories: stop’n’stare, where’n’there and grin’n’bear. Moonlit walks are also held.
• Indulge in the local tipple. There are 1,000 rum bars in Barbados, the birthplace of rum. The world’s oldest rum manufacturer, Mount Gay Rum (website: www.mountgayrum.com), is situated on the west coast. Taste tests are a standard component of any visit.
• Enjoy a game of cricket, the national obsession. The island enthusiastically hosts international and local club matches, and friendly competitions are frequently played on open fields. Many of the great names of West Indian cricket are from Barbados, most notably Sir Garfield Sobers.
• Saddle up: horse riding is available and canters along the beach at sunset can be arranged. The Garrison Savannah hosts 20 horse racing meetings during the two main seasons (January to March and May to October). Polo is also played to a high level.
• Visit Crane Beach. This stretch of pink sand surrounded by high cliffs is well-established as the island’s most beautiful beach. A lifeguard is always on duty during the day and the moderate waves are perfect for body-surfing.
• Charter a boat for game fishing, spin fishing and inshore fishing. Game fishing tournaments are held regularly.
Discover Bridgetown: the island's colonial history and English character are strongly reflected in the capital, which even has a miniature of London's Trafalgar Square (now known as National Heroes Square), complete with a statue of Lord Nelson.
• Feast your eyes: for incredible views of the east coast go to St John's Parish Church. For great views of the east, west and north coasts head to Mount Hillaby, the island's highest point, at 343m (1,125 feet).
• Glimpse the underbelly of Barbados: visit the colourful Animal Flower Cave, a cavern of coral rock covered with sea anemones. In the eerie, luminous Harrison's Cave, a special tram journeys for 1.6km (1 mile) past abundant stalactites and stalagmites, deep emerald lakes and a crystal-clear waterfall.
• Visit some of Barbados' plantation houses. Although now in ruins, Farley Hill is still covered in hibiscus and poinsettias while the Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey is graced with Persian arches and well-kept gardens.
• Go bargain hunting in Chalky Mount Potteries. The village clings to the slopes of the mountain and is famous for its ceramic artworks, which have been made there for about 300 years.
• Visit Codrington College (website: www.codrington.org), the oldest school of Anglican theology in the Western hemisphere. The school was built in 1743 and the grounds feature a lily pond, a drive lined with cabbage palm trees and spectacular views of the east coast.
• Experience one of only two of the Caribbean's intact sugar mills. Morgan Lewis Mill has been completely restored as a splendid example of a Dutch windmill from the days of the sugar cane planters.
• Discover an array of exotic plants in the pretty Andromeda Gardens. Alternatively, many rare fruit and spice trees are found in the Welchman Hall Gully, a botanic garden. Almost every plant that grows on Barbados can be seen in the Flower Forest, a 20-hectare (50-acre) botanical garden.
Main Airports
Barbados (BGI) (Grantley Adams International) is 16km (10 miles) southeast of Bridgetown, in Christ Church. To/from the airport: There is a regular bus service to the city (journey time – 45 minutes) which departs every 10 minutes, and a 24-hour taxi service (journey time – 30 minutes). Please note that airport porters are ubiquitous and charge for transporting luggage between the luggage claim area and the street. Facilities: Bank, post office, bureaux de change, bar, shops and restaurant. The outgoing duty-free shop carries a range of items including jewellery, perfumes, china, crystal, cameras, shoes and clothing.
Departure Tax
Ferry
Road
Traffic drives on the left. A good network of roads covers the entire island, but there are many potholes (except on the main highway). In rural areas, roads are often in poor condition.
Bus: Buses are frequent and provide comprehensive, cheap coverage of the island charging a flat rate for all journeys. They are crowded during rush hours.
Taxi: Taxis do not have meters but fares are regulated by the government. It is advised to check the fare before travel, which can usually be paid in US Dollars as well as in Barbados Dollars.
Mini vans: Licensed mini vans, identifiable by their ‘ZR’ licence plates, operate around the island and can be flagged down. There are no fixed schedules, but service is frequent. Rates are the same as for buses, but mini-vans are usually quicker.
Car hire: Anything from a mini-moke to a limousine may be hired at the airport, at offices in Bridgetown and at main hotels. Petrol is comparatively cheap.
Regulations: Speed limits are 40, 60 and 80kph (25, 37 and 50mph).
Documentation: A Barbados driving permit is required. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport, the airport or some police stations. A valid national licence or International Driving Permit and a small registration fee are required.
Travel in Towns and Cities
Bridgetown has a local bus network and taxis are available.