Barbados Holidays

Featured Barbados Hotels

What does Barbados have to offer?

Barbados is among the most developed of the Caribbean islands, and visitors can find places to stay for any budget or taste. Surfing conditions on the Atlantic coast satisfy the most adventuresome travellers, and tourists enjoy the island's calypso rhythms, British culture, high literacy rate, coral reefs, swimming, sailing, snorkelling and trekking through the tropical rain forests. The pure natural beauty of the island makes it perfect for honeymoon destinations.

Aside from the island’s natural beauty, holidays to Barbados are packed with luxury all-inclusive resorts and stunning hotels, making this the perfect getaway in paradise.

If you’re after something a little bit different, there are a great array of cruises around the Caribbean, letting you see the beauty of the islands by sea… so what are you waiting for? Book your Barbados getaway today.

Travel Info

Language

English

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Currency

Barbadian dollar

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Local Time

-4 hours

Weather in Barbados

Barbados Cuisine

The food in Barbados is second to none. Barbados cuisine skilfully blends Caribbean, African and European culinary influences in a tantalizing fusion of old, new and sustainable sourcing.

The island's rich bounty of seafood includes:

• Salmon
• Lobster
• Shrimp
• Crab
• Cod
• Red Snapper
• King-fish
• Tuna
• Shark

Exotic yet strangely familiar, Barbados cuisine draws most heavily from British cooking traditions that were adapted by slaves on the sugar plantations. Visitors find black and white puddings, souse meat and English and Scottish comfort foods made in new and interesting ways.

Starches in Barbados include:

• Breadfruit
• Cassava
• Rice
• Yams
• Sweet Potatoes
• Green Bananas
• Eddo

African spices and salt cod are popular imports, and pork dishes include roast crowns of pork, stewed pork chops and barbecued pork dishes of incredible complexity.

Restaurants in Barbados have received the only Zagat's rating in the Caribbean, and the impressive selection of top culinary destinations rival those of the world's largest metropolises. The island's national food is Flying Fish and CouCou, a dish made from cornmeal and chopped okra.

Visitors can choose from top gourmet fusions, upmarket restaurants, local eateries, European cuisines and foods and eateries for every appetite.

What are the top attractions and activities in Barbados?

Although Barbados is small, visitors enjoy some of the most cosmopolitan and rewarding pursuits for active travellers and leisure holidays. The range of activities in Barbados means that visitors gather by the thousands to enjoy Bathsheba Beach and the Soup Bowl waves that attract serious surfers. Shoppers enjoy duty-free shopping, unique bargains and hand-crafted goods from local artisans. Golf courses, historic homes, cultural attractions, lively festivals and many year-round sporting events ensure that Barbados holidays are always fulfilling. Key attractions of the tropical island include:

• Harrison’s Cave

Located in the centre of Barbados, Harrison's Cave offers spectacular waterfalls and pools, stalactites and stalagmites, crystal blue waters and dramatic accent lighting that create unforgettable sights and sounds. Rated as Barbados’ top attraction, trams take visitors deep below the surface to explore tunnels, cascading pools and an underground wonderland of extraordinary beauty.

• Crane Beach

Named one of the 10 best beaches by "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," Crane Beach is protected by a coral reef and features waters that progress gently from shallow to deep. A glass elevator makes the beach easily accessible for disabled travellers, and 24-hour security ensures safe excursions throughout the day.

• Barbados Wildlife Reserve

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve allows visitors to stroll freely among animals in their natural habitat. The walk-through zoo has lots of monkeys, parrots, peacocks, flamingos, pelicans, caimans, macaws, cockatoos and reptiles such snakes, iguanas, tortoises and turtles.

• Barbados Museum

The Barbados Museum chronicles the lives of the Amerindians, who were the island's first settlers. The Shilstone Memorial Library offers rare books and maps for researchers and students of history.

• Orchid World

Orchid World offers travellers a peaceful way to commune with nature that seems like strolling through paradise. Self-guided tours allow visitors to stroll along paths that pass a coral grotto, waterfall and five orchid houses displaying more than 20,000 orchids.

• Bathsheba and Scotland District

Famous with surfers from around the world, the "Soup Bowl" challenges the most accomplished athletes. Other visitors can enjoy stunning scenes for art and photography that feature steep roads, dramatic cliffs against azure waters and breath-taking panoramas.

When should I visit?

Hurricanes rarely touch Barbados, and temperatures stay between 21- and 29-degrees Celsius year-round. Any time of year is perfect for Barbados holidays, and hurricane season for other Caribbean destinations only means greater choices of lively festivals and discounted prices in Barbados. Peak season runs from December to April when people from cold climates in the northern hemisphere seek respite from winter. Visitors can save up to 50% by booking all-inclusive Barbados hotels and resorts during the summer and early fall months.

Holidays to Barbados offer year-round attractions, unsurpassed weather and minuscule odds of experiencing a hurricane. One of the Caribbean's most diverse destinations, Barbados extends friendly, sophisticated activities and entertainment with international flair. Visitors can choose from a wealth of active and passive pursuits while staying in family-oriented hotels, luxury resorts or cosy guest houses.

The capital, Bridgetown, is a must visit for any shopaholics. With a range of markets and shopping malls, you’re sure to experience an array of Barbadian culture and great shopping. You can also find some historical sites here, such as the country’s parliament buildings.

It’s time to party…

It would be rude not to mention the Barbadian party culture when talking about the birthplace of rum.

With a population of just under 300,000, the Barbadian people may be small in numbers, but they make up for this in their extensive and varied party scene.

What else do I need to know?

• The official language of Barbados is English – so no translation needed!
• Their local time is -4 hours from the United Kingdom.
• Their currency is the Barbadian dollar.
• Wearing camouflage is reserved for military personnel – be sure not to pack.
• Barbados is one of the friendliest holiday destinations in the world!
• Local vendors are more than happy to haggle – so don’t take the first price you get.
• Leave beach wear on the beach. Wearing it anywhere else can be viewed as quite disrespectful.
• In Barbados, they drive on the left. If you’re looking to a hire a car during your trip this should make things pretty easy!