Those planning a trip to Barbados should prepare to marvel at one of the Caribbean’s most captivating and charming islands. First-time visitors, especially, will find themselves immediately taken in by the island’s lush lowlands, impeccable beaches and azure-blue waters surrounding it all. The Bajan way of life, wonderful people and amazing cuisine make Barbados one of the most exciting and welcoming destinations in the Caribbean.
Top Beaches to Visit
Crane Beach
Pink powdered sand and warm calm water, Crane Beach is one of Barbados’ most renowned. Located on the southeast corner of the island, this pink paradise can be accessed through the Crane Beach Hotel and offers beachside food and drink service—the rum punch, presented in a coconut, is the perfect tropical cocktail to enjoy on this beach.
Carlisle Bay
On the coast of the island’s capital is the majestic Carlisle Bay. Colorful reefs and ancient shipwrecks create a lush environment for snorkeling and scuba diving. A lively city nestles up to this attractive beach making it a perfect place to spend your entire day.
Bottom Bay Beach
Nestled on the southeastern coast, Bottom Bay Beach is framed by towering coral cliffs and swaying coconut trees. While its strong currents make swimming unsafe, the secluded setting is perfect for a romantic picnic or simply soaking in the picturesque views.
Welches Beach
Expanded in recent years, Welches Beach on the southern coast provides ample space for visitors seeking tranquility. Known for its calm waters, it’s a favored spot for swimming and leisurely beach walks.
Notable Dining
Champers
Between Worthing and Rockley beach on the southern coast, Champers gives guests the opportunity to savor real Caribbean flavors against the stunning panoramic backdrop of the island coast. Plan a cocktail hour when making a reservation—guests won’t want to miss the sunset. But even after the sun sets, a cliffside and candlelit dinner for two here is a must. Enjoy fresh warm bread and oil as you wait for starters and generously portioned entrees. We recommend starting with the Coconut Shrimp or Pan-seared Queen Scallops and ordering the Seared Ahi Tuna and Parmesan-crusted Barracuda for dinner. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Champer’s staff will have special menus made just for your table with your name and celebration printed on them.
Tides
This fine-dining restaurant alongside the beach hotels of coastal Holetown offers a worldly take on fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a post-war Barbadian home. The Casuarina trees growing from the floor to the roof and ocean views will captivate you, but not enough to distract you from your sweetheart across the table. Time your arrival so pre-dinner sunset cocktails like the Peppery Passion and Guava Margarita start your evening off with a bang. When dinner rolls around, choose from the regular or vegetarian menu. We recommend the Pan-Seared Scallops or Trio of Mersea Oysters for starters and the Catch of the Day or Pesto-rubbed Rack of Lamb for dinner. It will be hard, but try to save room for dessert—the Little Sticky Toffee Pudding is to die for!
Round House Restaurant
This historic inn offers wonderful bed and breakfast accommodations on the island’s rugged eastern coast. However, a romantic waterfront meal at their famed restaurant should more than suffice. Round House uses fresh local ingredients to create wonderful Caribbean island dishes along with British and American influences.
Lobster Alive
The titular crustacean at this popular seaside restaurant can be found tucked inside a crepe, cooked into a bisque, wrapped in a spring roll or steamed fresh from the tank.
Coconuts Bar and Grill
While not a bad spot for grabbing a quick bite in Bridgetown, Coconuts Bar and Grill is all about the drinks. Grab an affordable, brightly colored (and properly boozy) frozen cocktail and feel your worries melt away.
10 Things You Must Do in Barbados
Barbados has so much to offer beyond beaches and dining! Here are a few more must-do activities that would make a first-time visit even more special:
Sample Local Rum
A locally crafted and universally beloved spirit, Rum is one of the constants in Barbadian life. Local distilleries, like Mount Gay, offer guided tours and will let you try the fruits of their labor right from the source.
Play in the Water
Barbados is surrounded by easy waters perfect for anyone looking to get involved in watersports during their vacation. Rent a kayak, snorkel or learn how to windsurf and make memories that last a lifetime.
Hit up the Friday Night Fish Fry at Oistin’s
After working up an appetite on nearby Welches Beach, head over to Oistin’s fish market, where generous portions of just-caught seafood are grilled or fried and served fresh.
Watch the Horses Swim on Pebbles Beach
South on the island’s western coast is picturesque Pebbles Beach, where early risers show up by daybreak to catch the horses swimming in Carlisle Bay.
Take a Catamaran Cruise
One of the best ways to see the island’s coastline is by boat. Many catamaran cruises offer snorkeling stops, lunch and unlimited rum punch while you sail past stunning beaches and cliffs.
Experience Crop Over Festival (If Visiting in Summer)
Barbados’ biggest festival, Crop Over, happens from June to early August. The event celebrates the island’s history with music, colorful parades and lively street parties, culminating in Grand Kadooment Day.
Explore Animal Flower Cave
Located at the northernmost point of the island, this sea cave offers breathtaking ocean views and unique rock formations. If conditions allow, visitors can take a dip in the cave’s natural pools.
Visit St. Nicholas Abbey
This historic plantation house and rum distillery is a fascinating glimpse into Barbados’ past. Visitors can explore the 17th-century estate, sample rum and take a scenic ride on the heritage railway.
Go Surfing at Bathsheba’s Soup Bowl
The east coast of Barbados is a surfer’s paradise, with Bathsheba’s Soup Bowl being one of the best surf spots in the Caribbean. Even if you don’t surf, watching the waves crash against the rugged coastline is worth the trip.
Walk the Barbados Boardwalk
The South Coast Boardwalk, stretching from Hastings to Rockley Beach, is perfect for a scenic stroll. It’s a great spot to catch the sunset while watching locals and visitors enjoy the ocean breeze.
