Barbados is well-known for its sun, sand and sea, but there is much more to see on the island. It is blessed with unusual cave formations and coral reefs. There are historical buildings and sites to visit, tours of extensive sugar plantations, national parks, forest and quiet fishing villages, off the beaten track, to explore.
Map of Barbados showing Paynes Bay - Caribbean sea side of island
Barbados is a coral island hence the pale almost white sand and other interesting geological features. It is largely flat with a series of ridges as you travel inland. The North East region is hilly and rugged. The sea (Caribbean) on the west coast of the island is usually very calm and crystal clear while on (the Atlantic Coast) the east coast the waves are much larger.
The temperatures across the year vary from 24 to 32 degrees centigrade. There is usually a much welcomed cooling breeze at all times of the day and night.
As well as its beautiful sandy beaches, Barbados offers a range of high quality activities. A day of touring offers insights into the island's cultural heritage. Walking, hiking , running and jogging can be enjoyed on scenic coastal routes and within the interior. Horseback riding offers spectacular sights along breathtaking trails. You can enjoy golf, cricket, tennis and polo - including international polo matches and world class cricket.
How to get to Barbados
Direct flights: American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin, BMI and other carriers from around the world.
Airport: Grantley Adams International in Bridgetown (capital city): 15 km
Festivals
There are many colourful and exciting festivals throughout the year.
Festival
Description
Date
Jazz Festival
7-day Jazz festival of the Caribbean, which features performers from the USA, UK, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Gladys Knight, Alicia Keys, Ray Charles and many other international artists have performed here.
2nd week in January
Holestown
A week long festival that commemorates the first landing and settlement in Barbados - street parade, fair, poetry, drama, art shows and more...
3rd week in February
Holders Season
Month-long season of opera (Pavarotti has performed), classical music, drama including Shakespeare, Jazz, Latin and Caribbean music
March
Oistens Fish Festival
2-day event including competitions in fishing, fish-boning, boat racing. Enjoy eating the local delicacy - flying fish, and more...
Easter weekend
Crop-Over
The most popular festival featuring 3-weeks of events to celebrate the end of the harvesting of the sugar cane crop. There is drama, dance, music, street parades, calypso competition, fireworks, local crafts markets - something for everyone
mid-July & early August
National Independence Festival of Creative Arts
Cultural event to celebrate Barbados' independence on 30th Nov. 1966. Showcase of Barbadian culture and creative skills in the arts - dance, music, photography and art.
November
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