Barbados Guide
Your Guide to Barbados
Everything you need to make the most of the island, from its best beaches to where to eat and what to do.
Barbados is a small island with a big personality. You can drive its perimeter in a couple of hours, yet every parish has its own character. Here is a quick orientation from our team to help you plan.
The beaches
The west coast, on the calm Caribbean side, is famous for its soft white sand and clear, gentle water. Paynes Bay, Mullins Bay and Gibbes Beach are among the loveliest. The wilder Atlantic east coast is dramatic and beautiful, better for long walks and surfing than swimming, while the south coast offers wide bays and a lively atmosphere.
Where to eat
Barbados punches well above its weight for food. Around Holetown and the west coast you will find everything from beachfront fish shacks to some of the Caribbean's most celebrated fine-dining restaurants. Book the big-name spots well in advance, especially in high season, and do not miss a Friday night fish fry at Oistins on the south coast.
Things to do
- Swim with sea turtles on a west-coast catamaran cruise
- Explore Harrison's Cave by tram
- Play a round at Royal Westmoreland or Sandy Lane
- Tour a rum distillery and taste the island's most famous export
- Wander the boutiques and chattel houses of Holetown
When to visit
The dry season from mid-December to April offers the most reliable sunshine and is the busiest, most expensive time. The greener months from June to November are quieter and better value, with warm seas and occasional short showers. May and late November are the sweet spot for many travellers.
Find the perfect base
Wherever you want to explore, we have a villa nearby. Let our specialists help you choose.