For many vacationers, visiting the Caribbean island of Barbados is a dream come true. From the beaches to the music to the rum, Barbados attracts visitors from far and wide for a variety of reasons. Whether you plan to relax or party, book one of the many charming Barbados vacation rentals and enjoy your stay on this enticing island.
Climate
Barbados enjoys a consistently pleasant climate year-round, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s just about every month of the year. Since more rain tends to fall in the summer and fall, winter and spring are typically the busiest times to visit Barbados. You may need to book far in advance if you plan to travel from December through April, but you'll likely find a bargain or two on Barbados vacation rentals from July through November.
Transit
Book a flight into Grantley Adams International Airport, which has flights between Barbados and numerous destinations on the East Coast of the U.S. Once you've safely landed on Barbados, renting a car is the easiest way to get around the island since the price of taxis can add up quickly. Make sure to drive on the left side of the road as you're traveling between Barbados vacation rentals and the island's hottest attractions. If you don’t rent a car, Barbados does have ample public transportation via taxis and minibuses, and the bus fare is relatively cheap.
Areas within Barbados
Barbados is only 21 miles long by 14 miles wide, but it is helpful to know a bit about the areas of the island before arriving. Here are a few of the most interesting parts of Barbados:
- Bridgetown: It is the capital of Barbados and offers duty-free shopping, museums, restaurants, boutiques, and bars.
- Oistins: A fishing village, it is known for its popular weekly event, the Oistins Fish Fry.
- St. Lawrence Gap: This is a 1.3km stretch of road offering excellent dining, shopping, and nightlife.
- Needham’s Point: This historic area features gorgeous Needham’s Point and Pebbles Beach.
- Bathsheba: It is the rugged east coast of the island and features white-sand beaches, tide pools, and beautiful rock formations that make this area a must-see part of your trip.
Things to Do
The easternmost island in the Caribbean, Barbados offers top-notch surfing, white sand beaches, and some of the world's best rum. Head over to the island's east coast for some out-of-this-world surfing in a spot called the Soup Bowl. Even if you're not a surfer, you can always take a dip or catch some rays while you scope out some great surfing moves. For a more traditional beach, Bottom Bay is the ideal swimming spot. It is semi-enclosed by high cliffs and also one of the island's most popular.
Other popular places to enjoy the Barbados include Dover Beach, which is perfect for swimming, wind surfing, jet skiing, and boogie boarding. A lifeguard is on duty here, and the beach offers a place to buy snacks, drinks and other gear. Bathsheba Park is a great spot to grab a snack from one of the many local vendors and have a picnic. Harrison’s Cave is one of the most popular attractions on the island. Visitors travel through the cave on an electric tram to view the cave’s many gorgeous features, including a plunging waterfall. For strolling along the beach and stunning views, check out the South Coast Boardwalk.
You can't visit Barbados without partaking in the island's legendary rum, so go the extra mile and book a tour at the Mount Gay distillery. Tours are available nearly every day to teach visitors about the island's long history of rum production, and for an additional upcharge, you can partake in a cocktail tour.
Food
Barbados cuisine is a great way to get to know the local culture. A few traditional dishes worth sampling, include: pepperpot, a spicy port stew; flying fish, a Barbados specialty of breaded, fried fish served with spicy yellow sauce; cutters, local sandwiches made from salt bread with either flying fish or ham; and, Bajan cuisine, a mix of traditional English fare and spicy island flavors.
One of the most celebrity-studded restaurants on Barbados is The Cliff, which features open-air seating with gorgeous views of the sea. Sip on a pre-dinner cocktail in the restaurant's exclusive upper-level lounge, but save room for chargrilled swordfish, seared tuna, Cajun salmon, or Thai curry mussels, just some of the upscale restaurant's seafood specialties.
For some downhome cooking, look no further than Oistins Fish Fry, located right on the waterfront in the small town of Oistins. Order the daily catch from one of the several colorful stalls, and enjoy it immediately at one of the open-air picnic tables. If you feel like busting a move, head over to the nearby bandstand for a little slow dancing.
Events
Barbados is an island of festivals, so you'll find fun-filled events here year-round. If you visit in February, don't miss the Holetown Festival, which commemorates the occasion of the first Barbadian settlement in 1627. This festival typically lasts for a week and includes educational lectures, a street parade, theatrical performances, and a craft fair.
The island's most popular event is the Crop Over festival, held every summer for centuries. Dance to calypso music, take in the Cohobblopot carnival, and don't miss the Grand Kadooment parade. To try even more local Barbadian food and drink, be sure to visit the Barbados Food, Wine, and Rum Festival in the late fall. This is where local and international chefs and sommeliers gather to celebrate what's known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Whether you visit for a festival or simply to enjoy island life, take your pick from dozens Barbados vacation rentals that will make you feel like a local in no time. Its beautiful white sandy beaches, scenic postcard views, and delicious, exotic food guarantee that you’ll have a fantastic vacation.
Loading...
