Barbados – called a paradise, the culinary capital of the Caribbean, idyllic for sports – in the water and on land – a cultural delight…Home of the super talented Rihanna the list goes on and on and on.
 
166 square miles of treasures. People who are friendly and welcoming, educated and fun loving. We are the ideal holiday destination. 
Not a beach and sun lover? Not a problem! Let’s see what Barbados has to offer to keep everyone happy….
 
FUN SUN AND BEACHES
 
Yes, for the Beach lovers, there are plenty to choose from. If you like activity in the water such as boogie boarding, surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing etc you go south and east. From the popular Accra Beach with Chefette across the road to satisfy hunger pangs to the wild and scenic Soup Bowl where you will catch the waves and meet many a local surfer. This corner of the island has produced world class surfers and is the home of many competitions. Read our feature on Chelsea Tuach and the surfing fraternity that has grown out of our excellent water conditions. 
 
In the South East corner you can meet Action Man Brian Talma at his place in Silver Sands. Brian is world reknown for his windsurfing skills and is an Ambassador for the island. 
 
On Carlise Bay you can enjoy a relaxing beach day with both Harbour Lights and Savvy on the Bay – drinks, food, showers, chairs, umbrellas etc. And when the sun goes down, as the sign says with Harbour Lights ‘ this must be the place’! The party capital of the island!!!
 
On the west coast you will find a more tranquil atmosphere. The water is calm and this is the home of the catamaran cruises, diving sites and jet skiing. It’s known as the platinum coast as luxury villas, beautiful hotels such as the world famous Sandy Lane Hotel and gorgeous restaurants line this coast. All the beaches are public and you can find beach chairs for rent at popular spots along almost all the coasts. A perfect day out during the day on a Catamaran is the ultimate holiday special memory for most! Swimming with the turtles and stingrays, enjoying rum punch and local fare on board. 
 
Of course, there are dozens more beaches dotted around the island, some completely deserted. Hire that car and go exploring. 
 
HISTORY, ART AND CULTURE
 
If you like to delve deeper, we have an Interesting rich history and culture. In the UNESCO Garrison site around the Garrison race course, you will find George Washington House, the underground tunnels, the military cemetery, the Barbados Museum. It’s a fascinating area dating back to the 18th century. In Bridgetown, the Museum of Parliament, Golden Square and the Jewish Synagogue and Museum are well worth visiting. You can join a walking tour or you can explore on your own. 
 
Barbados was a plantocracy and remnants of this past era are still around with beautiful plantation homes open to the public. You can visit Sunbury Plantation in the South and St Nicholas Abbey in the North. They are snapshots of what went before and they have lovely cafes and shops. Nicholas Abbey also has a steam train that can take you on a ride from the property out along the cliff to Cherry Tree Hill where you can see across to the spectacular east coast of the island. 
 
Crop Over celebrates the end of our Sugar season. We have a king and a queen of the crop and a number of events, fetes (what we call a party) and soca competitions in the run up to the big climax Kadooment Day on the first Monday in August. It’s a spectacle not to be missed!!! With music, costumes, food, drink it’s the ULTIMATE party and Bajans and visitors love it. They dance in the street from early morning until late at night in a colourful Carnival that you will never forget once experienced.  Barbados is home to many talented artists in many disciplines. The Caribbean Art Gallery in Speightstown is well worth a visit as is the gallery on the first floor of the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown and the Gallery at Champers Restaurant. You will find wonderful images of the island done by the now deceased Jill Walker at Best of Barbados Gift Shops. Her daughter Sue Trew and granddaughter are also artists and carry on the talent. Visit Earthworks pottery in St Thomas to see David Speiler in action at his potters wheel and experience the amazing atmosphere of this local gem. 
 
And if you are looking for adventure – head up to the center of the island to the CHUKKA Harrison’s Cave Eco Adventure Park. This is a fun place for all the family. You can explore the beautiful Harrison’s Cave, do the monkey zipline and challenge course adventure, go on a hike on the Pride of Barbados nature trail, relax around the Green Monday pool bar and grill with a cool drink or taste the wonderful Mount Gay Rum in their special area where you can learn about the history of rum. This wonderful place has it all and is great for the whole family. 
 
FOOD AND DRINK
 
We love food in Barbados and we have such a variety. From fine dining restaurants like Champers,Tapas , Buzo, Cocktail Kitchen and The Grill at the Estates on the south coast to Michael Hinds on the West, sports bars like Bubbas, fast food at Chefette. You can go on a food tour with Lickrish Food Tours and sample local delicacies such as fish cakes and pulled pork. The standard in Barbados is extremely high wherever you decide to dine and the choices are endless and suit every pocket.
 
And who mentioned Rum? It’s the home of Rum. Take a tour at the Four Square Rum Distillery and Mount Gay Visitors Center to learn more. We have a thriving Food and Rum festival in October that attracts thousands. Celebrity chefs and mixologists arrive on island and a number of events are planned at various venues and hotels over a week. It’s not to be missed. Literally a mouthwatering experience!!!
 
And let’s not forget Oistins. What is a trip to Barbados without a visit to this FAMOUS fish market? It’s on every night but Friday’s are the most popular with live entertainment. There is also an Oistins Fish Festival if you are here around April. This is the place for a generous plate of food at a great price. And meat lovers – they don’t just serve fish!!!! 
 
Don’t miss Savvy on the Bay on the beautiful Carlisle Bay. This popular beach facility has expanded with eleven food trucks serving everything from classic Bajan to pizza and vegetarian. There’s plenty of parking and nightly entertainment. 
 
SHOPPING
 
There is so much to choose from in Barbados! If you are in the market for big ticket jewellery brands, look no further than Diamonds International,Colombian Emeralds International and the Royal Shop. 
 
The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre has a wide array of shopping from jewellery to clothes, from cigars to chocolates, from shoes to art. And when you get tired of shopping there is a plethora of restaurants, bars AND cinemas! 
 
Quality souveniers can be bought in the Best of Barbados and Ganzee stores around the island and at the ports. You will find terrific choice and some innovative quality momentoes of the island. 
 
Head to Brighton Market on a Saturday morning early to meet local crafts people as well as enjoy plenty food treats for breakfast and beyond. 
 
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
So many that we created a whole brand to embrace this important aspect of the island. I invite you to read on…