Visiting Barbados

Barbados is blessed with spectacular beaches all around the island. These vary from the very calm waters on the west coast of the island to the rougher Atlantic waters on the east. The west coast of the island is the more popular tourist destination, which makes it a hive of activity. Here you will find all the water sports readily available. Numerous restaurants are also located on this coast as well as on the south coast, which is also a busy area with many nightclubs. Here the waters are not quite as calm as on the west and windsurfing is popular. Sam Lord's Castle Beach However, the east coast of the island is ideal if you prefer more seclusion. The cool Atlantic breezes waft through the villas day and night, making air conditioning strictly optional. Surfing is enjoyed on this coast, but one does have to be careful not to get sunburnt, as the cooling breezes do encourage you to enjoy the beaches for a longer time! Away from the hustle and bustle of the other side, a visit to the west coast to take in skiing or snorkeling is only half an hour's drive away--the south coast is even closer. We do recommend a drive around the island along the coast, which can be done in a day and will allow you to appreciate the great variation in the landscape, beaches, and surf around the island. Barbados holds many cultural festivals throughout the year, and visitors who wish to join the party should plan their vacations accordingly. The largest of these is the Crop Over Festival, which begins in July and culminates with the Grand Kadooment Day festivities and street carnival on the first Monday in August. The Holetown Festival takes place in mid-February and the Oistins Fish Festival over the Easter weekend. For sports lovers, there are usually international cricket matches and an international junior tennis tournament in March or April; also an international hockey festival, usually in August. For those who wish to partake, golf and tennis facilities are available, and of course the variety of water sports provides something for everyone. Crane Beach Numerous cruises are available--from simply eating, drinking, and partying day or night, to fishing, snorkeling, diving, enjoying a swim with the turtles, or even a submarine cruise. If you prefer an aerial view of the island, a helicopter ride is also possible! There are also horseback and mountain bike tours. There are numerous duty-free shops and many local handicrafts which are worthwhile--pottery shops, shell craft, painted clothing, mahogany craft, paintings by local artists, and bird carvings are all available. Other places of interest include Harrison's Cave--a spectacular underground cave, Andromeda Gardens--with beautiful tropical plants and flora, a flower forest, and a wildlife reserve with very friendly monkeys! If your interest is in the traditional Barbadian houses, the Barbados National Trust holds "open houses" weekly from January to April where you can visit some of the island's loveliest private homes and discover more about our island's diverse architecture and history. There are a few old plantation houses that are open to the public throughout the year. There is also a local museum, and you can tour a rum factory, our local brewery, or visit our complete sugar windmill.