Barbados is a tropical island paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant sea life and an exciting mix of old historic attractions. Whether you want to sample the rum, dance to a calypso or enjoy British staples like cricket and horse racing, there’s something for everyone here. barbados travel
According to UNWTO data, the number of international tourist arrivals in Barbados declined by 29 percent in 2019, in comparison to the previous year. The largest drop was recorded the number of same-day cruise passengers, with a decline of 34.4 percent. In the previous years, the foreign visitor arrivals in the Caribbean country was above one-million and it even surpassed 1.3 million in 2017 and 2018. barbados travel
With more than 70 miles of beaches to choose from, it’s easy to find your perfect spot for swimming and relaxation. The south coast has sheltered stretches of flawless white sand and calm waters, while the east has rugged shores that attract surfers with world-class waves.
Must See Places barbados travel
There are many things to see and do in Barbados, so it’s important to plan a trip that covers them all. To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up our top 10 must-see places.
Harrison’s Cave: The most stunning natural wonder of the island, this grotto is crammed full of dazzling rock formations, including hundreds of shining stalactites and stalagmites. You can either take a walk-in tour, or opt for an epic underground tram journey through its vast subterranean labyrinth.
Bathsheba Bay: Set along the rugged Atlantic coast, Bathsheba Bay offers a dramatic glimpse into the erosive power of the ocean. A popular surf spot, it’s also a great place to view some of the island’s most striking rock formations.
Farley Hill National Park: Located between the cliffs of the east coast, this national park preserves the remains of a ruined colonial mansion. With vines and trees surrounding the shell of the building, it’s a picture-perfect setting for taking photos or visiting the old fort and lighthouse.
Andromeda Garden: One of the most popular attractions in Barbados, Andromeda is a stunning landscape garden featuring flowers and tropical plants. The gardens cover 6 acres and are filled with a beautiful assortment of plants, including orchids, ferns, hibiscus, bougainvillea, and begonias.
Hunte’s Garden: Another popular attraction in Barbados, this botanical garden is home to a stunning array of exotic flowers and other beautiful plants. You’ll find orchids, ferns, hibiscus, and yellow-tipped craboo trees here.
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve: If you’re after something a little more low-key, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a must-visit. It’s the island’s closest you can get to a bona fide zoo, and it’s a great way to interact with a variety of native animals. barbados travel
A visit here is a must for all tourists, especially families who want to spend time together. With green monkeys, rose-coloured flamingos, iguanas, turtles, and snapping caiman, you’ll have the chance to get up close to some of the region’s most beautiful creatures!
Bridgetown: If history is your thing, a stroll through the capital of Bridgetown is a must. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic downtown area is packed with old buildings. There are also several museums, including the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, which has an impressive collection of artifacts.
Beaches
Barbados is home to a stunning array of beaches that are a treat to behold. Whether you want to relax and unwind on soft sands or explore some of the best surf spots in the world, there is something for everyone.
From the rugged east coast to flawless sands and reef-protected waters, beaches in Barbados are as unique and diverse as this island itself. Along the eastern shoreline, you’ll find impressive coral sculptures carved by incessant Atlantic trade winds and thunderous waves, while the west coast is lined with long curves of picture-perfect sand and calm waters perfect for swimming or snorkelling.
You’ll also find a great selection of secluded stretches of beach; Harrismith (or Harry Smith’s) Beach, is one such example and offers a quieter spot for relaxation with its sloping, near-white sands that are narrower than some of the better-known beaches in the area. The beach is surrounded by coconut palms, local vegetation, and a beautiful reef so it’s a fantastic place to spend an afternoon.
Another lovely beach that is well-suited for families with children is Bath Beach which is situated on the east coast of Barbados. This beach has usually calm water and is a nice place to go for a family day out with a picnic. It is a popular local beach with lots of Barbadian families and features a lifeguard tower, changerooms, and a small concession stand.
The best part about this beach is that it’s usually quite quiet, and you can often see some of the local residents kicking back and relaxing in the shade under the casuarina trees. There’s also a children’s play area and boardwalk that leads to a small waterfall at the end of the beach.
This is also a great spot to go for a day of diving and exploring the sunken shipwreck that sits just off the beach, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to learn how to scuba dive or who is new to this sport. There’s a range of diving companies at Folkstone Marine Park & Beach that offer a variety of dives from beginner to advanced, so there’s something for everyone.
Tips for Food barbados travel
When it comes to food, Barbados is a great choice for both the gourmet and the budget-conscious traveller. The island boasts an extensive range of restaurants, from international establishments to more local taverns.
The menus are full of international cuisine, including Indian and African influences, and are complemented by fresh, local seafood. Barbados also has a vibrant culture of cooking with its own produce, using local ingredients such as fresh mangoes, bananas, and coconut milk to add flavour to dishes.
It is also worth eating at home to try some of the traditional Bajan foods, such as guava cheese, which is made from local fruit and is a great dessert. Another dish you should try is paw paw, which is an interesting tropical fruit that has a deliciously sweet taste.
Paw paw is a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C, iron, and other nutrients. It can be bought at the local supermarket or at some local markets, but be sure to check its freshness before buying, as it can become stale quickly.
A staple of many Barbadians’ diets is rock cakes or coconut bread. It is similar to a tamale but is much sweeter, with raisins nestled within.
This is a must-try while you are in Barbados and is served warm with a sweet, buttery crust and soft inside. It is made with coconut, a fruit that is similar to a nut and can be purchased in the local markets or in some supermarkets.
One of the most important tips for food and drink in Barbados is to eat only foods that have been cooked and to avoid eating fruits or vegetables that are not washed properly. This will help to prevent the risk of getting ill.
If you are travelling to Barbados for the first time, it is also important to make sure that you have all of the required vaccinations before you go. This will help to protect you from diseases such as cholera, hepatitis and measles. If you have any questions or concerns about a specific vaccine, please contact your doctor to discuss the best options for your trip.
Everything First-Time Visitors Should See or Do
Barbados is a paradise island that entices hordes of tourists every year. This Caribbean nation offers a wealth of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages, including gorgeous beaches, rum-tasting events and wildlife parks.
Travelers to Barbados will find an incredible range of activities and attractions, with many requiring a bit of planning ahead of time. This is especially true for first-time visitors to the country, who may not have the opportunity to see everything they want on their trip.
A trip to Barbados isn’t complete without visiting the famous Harrison’s Cave, which is a natural wonder of the Caribbean. This cave has been carved out of limestone over thousands of years and is home to crystallised rock, streams, waterfalls and pools of clear water.
You can take a tour of the cave in an electric tram, which is a popular option for a family-friendly adventure. The experience is incredibly fun and will give you a real taste of Barbados’ natural beauty.
It is a great way to explore the underground structures of the cave and learn more about how these amazing formations have formed over the years. Another option is a walk along the cliffside overlooking the cave, which will provide you with a stunning vista of this incredible cave and the surrounding area.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try to spot humpback whales from the lookout above Animal Flower Cave (from February to April). This is an excellent chance to see this amazing creature up close and personal.
Barbados has a great selection of restaurants and bars that serve delicious food. The cuisine varies greatly, with a combination of American, African, Japanese, Korean and Indian dishes.
One of the best places to enjoy a meal in Barbados is at Oisitns Fish Fry, which serves up fresh fish bites that are scrumptious! It’s a local hangout and perfect for a Friday night!
When it comes to a drink, there is no better place to sample Barbados’ iconic spirit than at the Mount Gay Rum Distillery. Not only will you get to learn more about the distillery’s history, but you’ll have a chance to mix your own rum cocktail!