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Visit Barbados and fall in love with Caribbean island life. Discover beautiful white-sand beaches, a cosmopolitan and historical vibe, plenty of rum and sunshine and island music wherever you go.
Things to do in Barbados
Carlisle Bay
Whiter-than-white sands, so don't forget your sunnies. Swimming heaven (say hi to the local turtles).
Browns Beach
The island's queen beach of all beaches, with the sunset of all sunsets.
Dover Beach
THE beach at hip St Lawrence Gap. Good times guaranteed, day and night.
Bathsheba
Watch the local surf pros hang 10 on the island's wild Atlantic coast.
Worthing Beach
Walk along dreamy sands and feel time slow down around you.
The Mount Gay Rum Factory
Rum-lovers rejoice. You can sample the finest Bajan rum and see how it's made at the home of this world-famous tipple.
Afternoon tea at Sandy Lane
Raise your little finger over an afternoon cuppa under the shade of mahogany trees while you gaze out at the crystal blue Caribbean sea. A great way to experience the beautiful Sandy Lane Hotel.
Chillin' and grillin'
One of the many shacks in Oistins Fish Market, this is the place for super fresh seafood. Choose your fish, have it grilled, eat it. Couldn't be simpler - couldn't be better.
Tides
Get a beautiful, very smooth feeling overlooking the sea at Tides. Its set within huge tree trunks from floor to ceiling giving the illusion you're dining in a huge tree house.
Sandals Barbados
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Caribbean, enjoy a range of treatments at Sandals' exclusive Red Lane® Spa.
Sandals Royal Barbados
Take time to rejuvenate at this Sandals-exclusive Red Lane® Spa, complete with yoga pavilion and a full range of treatments.
Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels
Enjoy up to four spa treatments per guest per stay, plus fitness classes, yoga and Pilates at this recently refreshed spa.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
This corner of paradise offers in-room holistic spa treatments and massages in newly refurbished rooms.
Pebbles Beach
Do your morning sun salutation while you watch racehorses from the nearby Garrison bathe in these waters.
Blakely's Bar and Restaurant
A really laid-back vibe with live music and indoor/outdoor seating options along the bay of Rockley Beach.
St Lawrence Gap
Simply known as 'The Gap'. You can browse the souvenir shops and wander from beach to bar to restaurant in just a few steps.
Chrisie's place
A must! Find a rum shop and enjoy - it really is that simple.
Crop Over
The first Monday in August is always Crop Over in Barbados - one of the largest festivals in the world. Time to get your feathers out.
Howzat
Hit one for six with an over on the beach
Island safari
See the island's natural wonders on this friendly, reggae-on-the-radio tour.
Hike Barbados
Leave your sandals at home, tie on your boots, and walk through the island's cane fields, tropical forests and coastal communities.
Kitesurfing lessons
Strap yourself in for thrills (and, yes, probably spills) at one of the windiest and waviest kiteboarding spots in the Caribbean.
Catamaran sailing
Set sail to some of the island's best spots and drop anchor to snorkel, swim, roam the beaches, or just kick back and sip on something fruity.
Jetblading
One for the thrill-seekers. Strap on a jetpack and take the ride of your life on a water-propelled flight.
The Barbados know-how
Geography
Barbados is a small Caribbean island, 21 miles long
Bridgetown is the capital city
The island lies in the south east Caribbean
Health
Mosquitoes are most active between June and December, but we recommend bringing insect repellent all year round
It's perfectly safe to drink the tap water
Most hotels have nurses on site and you'll never be more than half an hour from a hospital
Barbados flights
It takes about 9 hours to fly direct to Bridgetown from the UK with Virgin Atlantic
Flights depart daily from London Heathrow, or you can fly twice a week from Manchester
Barbados is 4 hours behind the UK
Money and entry visas
You don't need a visa to visit Barbados if you're a British national
You can spend either the US dollar or the Barbados dollar
Barbados has a tax on accommodation (typically 2.5% of the nightly rate) that hotels charge at check-out
Eating out and tipping
Barbados cuisine is a mixture of African, Creole and British flavours, with fresh fish being particularly popular
A 10% tip is standard, but not expected in all-inclusive resorts
Weather
The weather in Barbados is tropical and sunny all year round
The dry season runs from December to May
The average daily temperature is between 24°C and 32°C
WiFi and electricity
WiFi is free across the island and in most hotels, but not as fast as in the UK
Electricity is 110 volts with two-flat-pin sockets
Out and about
The Crop Over festival runs from July to August and is the largest music festival on the island
Barbados is home to nesting sea turtles and you can see them across the island
Barbados is famous for its alcoholic tipples and there are many rum distilleries and breweries where you can sample the local brews
Getting around
Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road, just like home
Most tourists get around using local taxis or privately run shuttle buses, available from many hotels