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 kids and adults alike. The western coast is a firm favourite, with the beaches of St James and St Peter having earned Barbados the nickname of the platinum coast.

It’s not just the west that has all the fun, however. The eastern side of the island is a little more lively, making the beaches a more attractive option for watersports enthusiasts and picnickers.

The Soup Bowl at Bathsheba is a surfers paradise, with huge Atlantic waves crashing into the sands, while along East Coast Road you’ll find a great spot for a bite to to eat with a spectacular view of the ocean.

Barbados holidays offer you both relaxing beach days to soak up the scorching sunshine – perhaps perfect for couple seeking a luxury getaway – , as well as, adrenaline packed days of watersports and activities perfect for families It’s the ideal holiday destination for every holidaymaker and even those seeking out a cheap holiday in Barbados.

A quiet getaway

It’s not all tourism on the west and high-octane activities on the east, but if you are looking for a true escape to a peaceful resort, then the east is your best bet. Harrismith beach on the south-east coast, between Bottom Bay and Sam Lords Castle, is a genuine hidden treasure that is protected from the winds by coved rocks and certainly provides that true escape you so deserve.

Maxwell Coast is another haven for isolation, but by night it can be a bit of a firecracker. Ideal for those who are looking for a quiet retreat by day but with a vibrant party atmosphere by night, this is the place to go if you’re keen to sample the best of both worlds on holiday to Barbados.

Maybe the utmost luxury is what you’re looking for, then Barbados is certainly the right destination with a variety of spectacular, luxury holidays at great value. However, if you want to experience the luxury of Barbados, but you want to do it on a budget, there’s plenty of cheap Barbados holidays too.

Eat and drink, dance and sing

Barbados is home to some of the most magnificent dishes you’ll find throughout the Caribbean. Bajan cuisine is a mixture of African, Indian, and British influences, meaning you’ll find all sorts of dishes to suit a broad range of tastes.

The restaurants in Barbados are similarly varied, with fusion, international and local delicacies on offer. If you’re opting for an All Inclusive Barbados holiday then definitely get stuck in at the hotel buffets and try everything you can – even head out for a night or two to soak up a new atmosphere.

As for drinking, let’s just say it’s easier to order a rum punch in Barbados than a tea or coffee. With that sort of stimulation, you’re going to need some real opportunities to let loose. There’s plenty of options for all, with chilled out bars and cocktail bars, as well as dance floors and nightclubs just waiting for you to bust a move. St Lawrence leads the way for Barbados’ nightlife, but the capital of Bridgetown certainly holds its own in the party scene.

Festivities are common in Barbados too, and there are some which really ought not be missed. For example, the tiny fishing village of Oistins throws a street party every Friday evening, complete with live music, dancing and of course, open air grills with slabs of swordfish smoking away. Yes, every Friday evening! Be sure to book your holiday to Barbados over a Friday – or two –  to get the full experience.

The quirky capital

Bridgetown isn’t just a nightlife hotspot, it’s also home to a more artistic side of Barbados, and being the capital, it’s certainly a must-visit on holiday to Barbados. The colonial British rule goes head-to-head with Caribbean culture here, and the result is live reggae set to the backdrop of cricket games and a statue of Nelson.

The Bridgetown Gallery exhibits local painters’ scenes of bustling markets and beautiful coastal landscapes. Meanwhile, market traders can be found gathered in the last weekend of the season at the biggest street fair of the Crop Over Festival. If you choose to holiday in Barbados at this time, it’s the ideal place to get all your souvenirs and local handicrafts. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, taking part in the festivities of Crop Over is completely free, and more importantly, so much fun!

There’s plenty of shopping in Barbados’ capital, especially on Broad Street, which is the main strip with huge department stores, jewelry stores and you’ll even find duty free shops.

Enjoy the landscape

There are plenty of ways to soak in the verdant surroundings of Barbados, from horseback riding and long treks in nature, to games of golf on the rolling courses. You have eight championship courses to choose from in Barbados, including holes designed by the infamous Tom Fazio and Ron Kirby. For any avid golfers, a tour of Barbados is not just a possibility, it’s a necessity.

You can also explore the truly remarkable floral offerings of the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, which has more than 600 varieties of tropical plants in a space of just six acres. Located in the town of Bathsheba, you’ll find more beautiful nature here than you can shake a camera at. Be sure to take plenty of pictures everywhere you go – a photo from your Barbados holiday is bound to make your Instagram pop.

Admission to the Botanical Gardens is extremely cheap, and includes entry for a whole month, so you can keep going back as much as you like. A cheap holiday to Barbados with mornings spent soaking up the sun, followed by an afternoon in a beautiful garden, could it really get more peaceful?