Barbados travel guide

Bathsheba Beach

This stunning beach is one of the many best beaches in Barbados. A paradise for surfers, massive foamy white waves endlessly lap on beautiful golden sands. 

Sit and watch experienced surfers ride the “Soup Bowl,” if you fancy your chances, have a go yourself. Either way, this is an ideal spot for anyone who just loves to stare at the sea and let time pass by.

Bridgetown

You must visit Bridgetown, the island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can feel the rhythm of the Caribbean flowing through the streets as you explore colonial architecture and plantation houses, stark reminders of empire and the slave trade. 

Check out the Barbados Museum and St Michael’s Cathedral, or just head downtown and indulge in some retail therapy.

Crane Beach

If it’s beachside relaxation you’re after, head to pink sanded Crane Beach, lay down your towel, and just relax. Enjoy some authentic Bajan cuisine among the tiny villages dotting the area and head to nearby Saint Michael for a spot of sightseeing.

Harrison’s Cave

One for the adventurous visitor, Harrison’s Cave is one of the island’s best areas for diving. This incredible living cave has crystal pools, mesmeric limestone formations naturally moulded by the water and readily flowing streams. I recommend getting on a guided tour and ensuring you have comfy footwear!

Mount Gay Distillery

Rum connoisseurs will be well aware of the delightful taste of Mount Gay rum (believe me, it’s the best!). Don’t take my word for it; check it out for yourself with a tour of the distillery and rum-tasting session. You won’t regret it.

Swim with Turtles at Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay is the best spot in Barbados to indulge any interest in marine life. Head on a Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure to go beneath the sea to meet some of Barbados’ native turtles, find some coral reef, and discover an eerie shipwreck.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Created almost 60 years ago by Barbados’ best horticultural experts, the Andromeda Botanic Gardens spans six acres and is home to more than 600 species of flora and fauna from the Caribbean and further afield. 

Its lofty location invites cooling breezes and can provide welcome relief from the otherwise stifling heat.

Kensington Oval

Cricket and the Caribbean are inextricably linked. Some of the West Indies’ finest players, including Malcolm Marshall, Gordon Greenidge, Gary Sobers, Joel Garner and Des Haynes, cut their teeth at the Kensington Oval. 

While West Indian cricket is in the doldrums right now, the atmosphere for a Caribbean Premier League match still sizzles beautifully to the sound of leather on willow.

Best of Barbados Itinerary

5 days

Bridgetown >> Carlisle Bay >> Speightstown >> Bridgetown

This five-day tour takes in every corner of the island. Take in the Fish Fry and Oistins, a vast range of beaches, and explore the charms of Bridgetown.

Relaxing Barbados

3 days

North Barbados >> East Barbados >> Bridgetown >> South Barbados

The perfect way to take in all Barbados has to offer without rushing around. This is an excellent short itinerary from Morgan Lewis Windmill and Flower Cove on day one to beach hopping on the island’s south.

Cultural Barbados

5 days

Bridgetown >> East Coast >> South Coast >> St Lawrence Gap

Hunt out Barbados’ cultural charms with a five-day jaunt around the island, beginning with Bridgetown, taking in the rugged Atlantic East coast, enjoying the beaches of the South and ending up in the party capital of St Lawrence’s Gap.

A Week in Barbados

1 week

Bathsheba Beach >> Mullins Beach >> Holetown >> Pebbles Beach >> Carlisle Bay >> Oistins >> Bridgetown

This leisurely beach-hopping itinerary takes in all of Barbados’ major tourist attractions at a snail’s pace. Experience the island’s rich and diverse marine life and beaches while meeting friendly faces at every stop.

Mallalieu Motor Collection

Explore the most extensive collection of historical motoring treasures at the Mallalieu Motor Collection. This collection of autos belongs to Bill Mallalieu and includes Bentleys, rare Daimler Roadsters, and a 1963 Volvo 1225 with which he broke rallying records. Great for a rainy day.

Bushy Park

Continuing the motoring theme, indulge your need for speed with a visit to Bushy Park’s Ultimate Driving Experience, which caters to all the family. From karting experiences for those aged 5+ to high-powered Swift Cup racers and Radical SR3s, this is a superb high-octane must-visit for anyone with a driving passion.

Coco Hill Forest

For those wanting something more eco-friendly and sedate, this 53-acre forest overlooking the East Coast consists of hundreds of palms, ferns and acres of Bamboo groves. This forest’s incredible haul includes coconuts, bananas, cocoa, pineapples, herbs, spices, coffee beans, and tropical fruit trees.

Earthworks Pottery

Another excellent thing to do with the kids during inclement weather, this pottery is full of noise and colour as a team of talented local potters shows off the pottery process and their stunning finished creations. There are also incredible photo opportunities from its hillside overlooking Bridgetown.

Dishes to try

Flying Fish – Flying fish is the most popular fish catch on the island and a tasty must-try

Cou Cou – A perfect side for Flying Fish. Cou Cou is cornmeal and okra or breadfruit and green bananas.

Paw Paw – A wild fruit with echoes of bananas, mangos and citrus. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this is one of the best fruit experiences ever.

Drinks to try

Sorrel – A popular Christmas drink on the island, Sorrel is made from dried hibiscus petals. It is believed to help lower blood pressure while high in vitamins and minerals.

Rum punch – You haven’t been to Barbados unless you’ve tried an authentic and stunning rum punch.

Based on a mid-range experience, expect to spend between £50 and £70 ($61 – $87) per day in Barbados. Expect to pay at least double if you want to experience the best Barbados has to offer.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range (£80 – £100 / $100 – $125)
  • Luxury (£160 – £500 / $200 – $600)
• Food – (£17.50 – £25 / $22 – $31)
• Public Transport (£10 – £15 / $12 – $19)
• Attractions – (£10 – £20 / $12 – $24)
• Tours – (£10 – £30 / $12 – $36)

Safety

Barbados is considered a safe holiday destination and I’ve never felt unsafe. Keep your travel documents and valuables safe, ideally locked in a safe at your hotel.

While out and about, be wary of accepting food and drink from strangers just in case they’ve been spiked, which has been known to happen.

Health

Insect bites are the most significant risk to health on Barbados, with Zika virus and Dengue fever endemic to the wider Caribbean. Minimise the risk of being bitten by using bug spray regularly.

Wash your hands thoroughly before eating to minimise the risk of diarrhoea and stomach complaints.

Tipping

Tipping in Barbados is discretionary. Some hotels and restaurants will add 10 to 15% as a gratuity to your bill, so check before you pay. 

Tips for travelling

• Be aware of pickpockets around the island preying on tourists. Keep your documents and valuables secure at all times.
• Many roads in rural areas are narrow and have poor lighting. Be careful and carry a torch if walking at night.
• Beware of strong currents when swimming, particularly on the island’s eastern side.
• Only use licensed taxis and confirm the fare with the driver before setting off. Taxis in Barbados do not run on a meter.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended in case they get spiked.

How to see the best for free

Barbados is a small island, yet packed with incredible trails for hiking free of charge if you’re curious-minded and don’t mind a walk.

Other things to explore without needing to pay include the stunning Barbados Wildlife Reserve, one of the beautiful living caves at Harrison’s Cave or Animal Flower Cave, or St. Nicholas’ Abbey and steam railway.

Packing

Wondering what to pack for your visit to Barbados? Here are five absolute essentials.

• You won’t be visiting Barbados and not hitting the beach. Make sure you have beach towels with you.
• And while you’re at it, ensure you’re appropriately beach-attired with a swimsuit.
• Stay fully charged with a USB and USB-C power bank.
• Help stay bite-free overnight with Anti-Insect Sleepwear.
• With plenty to see and do across the island, bring a Daypack to carry all your essentials.

Travel insurance

My mantra when heading away on holiday is to expect the unexpected. No matter how meticulously you plan your break, something unforeseen can always crop up. Buying travel insurance is a non-negotiable to help you navigate these tricky and sometimes upsetting occurrences.

I usually use AXA Travel Insurance because of their comprehensive coverage and competitive pricing.

Suggested guidebooks

• Rough Guide to the Caribbean
• Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands
• Fodor’s InFocus Barbados & St Lucia

Interesting facts

• Barbados takes its name after the Bearded Fig Tree. 
• Barbados has the third-oldest democratic parliament in the Western Hemisphere.
• The Barbadian flag design was chosen after an open competition that attracted thousands of entries.
• Barbados is second to Japan in the world’s highest number of centenarians per capita.

Time zone

Barbados observes Atlantic Standard Time (GMT -04:00) all year round with no clock changes for Daylight Saving Time.

Electricity and adapters

Barbados has two plug types: Type A, with two flat parallel pins and Type B, with two parallel pins and a grounding pin. 

Make sure you back a universal adapter before travelling to ensure you can keep your devices well charged.