Booming Barbados is teeming with idyllic beaches for every kind of traveller, from the budget conscious to the big spender. But it’s not all surf and sand; Barbados caters to visitors with its lush interior and interesting inland attractions. Museums documenting the slave trade, grand colonial plantation homes and vibrant bars blasting calypso beats blend to make Barbados a great getaway.
History
Before the first Europeans arrived in Barbados, the island was inhabited by Arawaks and later Caribs. The British claimed the island in 1625 and developed Jamestown (today known as Holetown). Under the colonialists, tobacco and cotton, and later sugar cane, plantations thrived. African slaves were imported to carry out the labour intensive work, and many continued to work on the plantations even after slavery was abolished in 1834. Today, the main earner in Barbados is tourism.
Sightseeing
While the beaches are the main draw, Bridgetown offers a nice diversion with its colonial buildings and shopping. The interior has worthy historical and natural attractions such as Harrison Cave and Barbados Wildlife Reserve but it is the south coast that is the real tourist centre with its abundant beaches, hotels and restaurants. The well-developed west coast is dotted with further fine stretches of sand and luxury developments. Surfers will want to check out Bathsheba with its east coast Atlantic waves.
Shopping
Bridgetown, the only city on the island, is the main shopping hub and this is where you will find the pedestrian-only Swan Street and Broad Street with their duty-free and jewellery stores. Further shopping can be found in the south coast commercial centres of Hastings, Worthing and Rockley while just about every beach has a collection of street vendors. Rum and local arts and crafts are among the most popular buys.
Eating and drinking
Local must-trys when eating out in Barbados include flying fish and pepper pots, spicy fish and Bajan pork specialties. The south coast resort of Oistins is the place to be on a Friday when the weekly ‘fish fry’ takes place late into the night. Both the south and the west coasts offer exclusive dining experiences but affordable options are also widespread. Finish your meal off with a rum cocktail, the locals’ preferred tipple.
Where to stay
As the main tourist epicentre, the south coast offers the best all-round selection of accommodation, spanning economy guesthouses and hotels to mid-range apartments and a few luxury choices. The west coast is more exclusive, and is priced accordingly. The rugged eastern beaches attract mostly surfers while Bridgetown and the interior are better to visit as a daytrip due to their lack of beaches.
Getting there
Cruise ships are one of the most popular means of arriving in Barbados, with ships regularly docking in Bridgetown’s natural harbour. Grantley Adams International Airport, 15kms from Bridgetown, receives flights originating in the US and Canada and is the main gateway for all other visitors.
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