Barbados is a beautiful eastern Caribbean island and is home to 92 kilometres of stunning golden coastline. Beach after beach offers palmed shade, rows of sun-loungers and crystal-clear water that’s ideal for strolling along the shallows or diving through the waves with a snorkel.

The western coast is a firm favourite for relaxation, with the resorts of St James and St Peter having earned Barbados the nickname of the platinum coast. This is where you’ll find a lot of the All Inclusive hotels and luxury accommodations.

The eastern side of the island is a little more lively, with just as gorgeous beaches, but with more options for watersport enthusiasts and picnickers. St Lawrence is the most lively pick, with Holetown following closesly behind but with a more sophisticated vibe, then Oistins and Maxwell Coast are relaxing by day, but come alive at night.

Barbados holidays offer you both relaxing beach days where you can soak up the scorching sunshine – perfect for couples seeking a luxury retreat – as well as, adrenaline packed days of watersports and sightseeing ideal for families. It’s a dreamy holiday destination for every kind of holidaymaker – even those looking to tick off their bucketlist with a cheap Barbados holiday.

The platinum coastline

Barbados is renowned for its stunning beaches, offering a diverse range of coastal experiences for all holiday-goers. With over 70 miles of coastline, the island boasts golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes that really highlight why Barbados holidays seem like a dream.

• One of the most famous beaches in Barbados is Copacabana Beach which is in the heart of Bridgetown. It’s a lively spot with a range of watersports, beach bars, and restaurants, and the clear, calm waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• A similar bustling beach with a vibrant atmosphere is Dover Beach in St Lawrence. Known for its soft sand and gentle waters, it’s perfect for families and those who enjoy a social and active beach day.
• Paynes Bay is a family favorite with shallow, calm waters, perfect for paddling around and snorkeling. The highlight here is that it’s home to the famous swimming with turtles experience, which is certainly a must do on holiday in Barbados!
• For those who love to be away from the crowds for their beach days, Alleynes Bay in St Peter is the perfect pick. It’s known for it’s secluded charm and is one of the most peaceful beaches perfect for those seeking tranquility and soft white sands.

The quirky capital

Bridgetown is the vibrant capital of Barbados and is a must-visit for all holidays in Barbados. The city showcases a rich blend of history, culture, shopping, and entertainment, offering something for everyone. It’s the perfect blend of cultural heritage and modern ammenities.

•  Bridgetown and the Garrison area are a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for their historical significance. There’s serveal key buildings dating as far back as the 17th Century, including George Washington House, where the U.S. president stayed in 1751. There is also the Barbados museum which showcases an indepth looking into the island’s history from its indigenous roots to its colonial era and modern-day achievements.
• Shopping is also a great experience in Bridgetown, head to Broad Street, which is the heart of shopping in Bridgetown. You can explore a wide range of stores, from international brands to local boutiques selling handcrafted goods, clothing, jewelry, and even some luxury duty-free items. On the other hand, for a more traditional shopping experience, the Caribbean Craft Market near the waterfront offers handmade crafts, local art, and souvenirs, so you can take home a piece of Barbados.
• The waterfront is a lively area where you can enjoy scenic views of the harbor while strolling along the promenade. Numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes line the area, offering everything from local Bajan cuisine to international dishes. It’s a great spot for sightseeing and dining, and makes a great evening out.

Places to go

Barbados is an island full of natural beauty, cultural richness, and fun activities. Whether you’re into relaxing on pristine beaches, exploring historical sites, or enjoying local culture, there’s something for everyone with a holiday to Barbados.

• Mount Gay Rum Distillery is a must visit, afterall, Barbados is the birthplace of rum! Take a tour of the distillery to learn all about the history of rum production, see the rum making process and even smple some different rums. It’s a fun and educational experience, whetehr you’re into your rum or not.
• Carlisle Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Barbados, offering calm, crystal-clear waters, which makes it the perfect place to go for a relaxing beach day with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The bay is home to several shipwrecks, making it a great spot to explore the diverse marine life, and then there are also plenty of bars and restaurants nearby to relax after a day in the sun.
• For history buffs, a visit to the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum in Bridgetown is a great stop. It’s one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, with a fascinating story about the Jewish community in Barbados dating back to the 17th century. Dive into the island’s Jewish heritage and learn soemthing new and fascinating. It’s great for a day out of the sun before hitting the shores again tomorrow.

Things to see

Barbados holidays are hugely popular because this post-card worthy island is simply beautiful. If it’s not the breathtaking white sand beaches then it’s the picturesque views, the luscious wildlife or the stunning natural attractions.

• Harrison’s Cave is one of those most stunning natural attractions across the island and makes for a sight to see for all. It’s an underground limestone cavern with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing streams. You can take a guided tram tour through the cave, which is both informative and awe-inspiring. Interestingly, you can actually get married in these caves!
• Located on the east coast of Barbados, Andromeda Botanic Gardens is a lush, serene paradise with a variety of tropical plants and flowers. It’s a peaceful spot for nature lovers with well-maintained gardens and offers stunning views of the coastline where you can spend a few hours exploring and snapping impressive photos.
• For a mix of natural beauty and adventure, head to the Animal Flower Cave on the northern tip of the island. This cave is known for its stunning sea views and natural rock formations. You can also walk along the cliffside and enjoy the waves crashing below and even head in for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot for a photo opportunity and an all round lovely and unique day out.

Cuisine in Barbados

The food in Barbados, also know as Bajan cuisine, is a fusion of African, Indian, and British influences, meaning you’ll find all sorts of dishes with bold and incredible flavours. There’s a huge focus on fresh and local ingredients, just like its fellow Caribbean islands, so you’re really in for a treat.

• Barbados is known for its abundance of fresh seafood, in partiuclar flying fish, which is the national dish – a quintessential Bajan meal. Flying fish is often served steamed or fried and alongside cou cou, which is a Caribbean staple made from cornmeal and okra. Lobster, king fish and shrimp are also popular, as well as cod fish cakes.
• The famous rich Bajan flavours often come from the use of scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, ginger and onion which are added to almost all dishes for truly mouthwatering results.
• A staple side dish that often complements the served meat or fish, is Bajan Macoroni Pie. It’s a rich and cheesey baked macaroni pie with helpings of thyme and mustard – similar to your home favourite mac ‘n’ cheese, but simply on a whole nother level.
• If you’ve got a sweet tooth you’ll love Tamarind Balls, which is a popular sweet dish made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and spices, rolled into small, tangy, and sweet balls. They’re a great bite-sized treat that you’ll be saving a recipe for at home!

Nightlife in Barbados

Barbados has a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to a variety of tastes, so whether you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere or a laid-back spot to relax with a drink, you’ll find plenty of options. With that said, let’s just say it’s still easier to order a rum punch in Barbados than a tea or coffee.

• St. Lawrence is the epicenter of nightlife on the island. Lined with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, it’s the go-to spot for those looking to party, especially for those who love a lively bar scene with live music and reggae. You’ll find popular places like The Reggae Lounge and Harlequin where you can dance into the early hours of the morning.
• Despite being the island’s capital, Bridgetown’s nightlife is a bit more low-key but still offers an array of options. Head to Harbour Lights for beach parties and live DJs where you can dance on the sand, or enjoy a day of cocktail drinking at The Boatyard then soak up the relaxing vibe as the evening rolls in with some live music. The later the night gets on the livelier it becomes so it’s a good venue to test the waters and see what you fancy!
• The Oistins Fish Fry is a must-do for anyone while on holiday in Barbados, especially on Friday nights. It’s one of the most iconic nightlife experiences on the island where locals and tourists alike gather in the Oistins Bay Gardens area to enjoy freshly cooked fish, delicious local food, and a festive atmosphere with live music and dancing.