Breathtaking Barbados
Imagine mixing the best of Britain with the sun, sea, and sand of the Caribbean. You'll find all kinds of familiar things in Barbados. From afternoon tea, to roundabouts, to place names that might ring a bell, like Dover, Hastings, and Lancaster.
Beaches & Forest
People might call it 'Little England', but when it comes to beaches, that's where the similarities with Blighty stop - Barbados has 70 miles of sun-soaked, palm-adorned beaches. From the calm seas and iconic dusty white shores of the west coast to the impressive coral sculptures of the eastern shores, the island is the familiar backdrop to a million beach holiday daydreams. But it's not just about pristine beaches and clear blue skies. The island's mild, subtropical weather nurtures a fascinating array of flora and fauna. Stroll around varied lush gardens, follow a trail through verdant forests or hike down a serene coastal pathway. If you're lucky, you might even bump into one of the island's mischievous green monkeys.
Water Sports
If water sports are your thing, there's plenty for you to soak up in Barbados - Adrenaline junkies can windsurf, paraglide, jet ski and more. Surfer types should head over to the east coast to catch the dramatic Atlantic waves, which make this part of the island one of the best surfing spots in the world. And for those that want to snorkel or scuba dive, the spectacular underwater coral landscapes of the reef-protected south coast, will plunge you into an explosion of colour. If you're one of those people that like to enjoy the water, without getting wet, there are numerous opportunities for sailing and deep-sea fishing around the island.
History
Much of Barbados' heritage harks back to the time of British colonial rule - a fascinating legacy told through a wealth of historic buildings, from Bridgetown's Gothic Parliament building -the third oldest in the commonwealth- to grand plantation houses, many of which are open to the public.
For cricket fans, a holiday in Barbados would not be complete without a trip to the famous Kensington Oval Cricket Ground. Built in 1871, it's been the stage for well over a century of historical international matches.
Music and nightlife
When night falls it's time to delve into the island's happening nightlife. Party long into the night at beach bars, jazz and reggae bars, nightclubs and even take in some live theatre and opera.
Music is a huge part of Bajan culture, and you can discover it everywhere. From live Soca and Calypso music at the Crop Over Festival in May, the oldest and best loved festival in Barbados, to modern international acts like Barbados born pop star, Rihanna, who plays the island this August.
Food
Beaches, hiking, water sports, history, nightlife - taking it all in is going to make you hungry, which is just as well as you won't want to miss out on the amazing Bajan cuisine. Fresh local fish caught in the sparkling Caribbean waters is the mainstay of Bajan food, but you'll also find an array of delicious meat dishes. A range of local delicacies accompanies most meals too, including fresh local vegetables, breadfruits and fruits, like papaya, cassava, mangoes and paw paw.
With so much variety and excitement to be found in Barbados , there's no doubt you'll be in for the holiday of a lifetime. If only it lasted that long...