Barbados is an island nation on the eastern edge of the Caribbean and is
part of the Lesser Antilles. Tourists in Barbados usually look for a
relaxing holiday with beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and
sunshine. The island offers many opportunities for water sports such as
snorkeling, diving, surfing and sailing. Fishing and boat trips are also
popular.
Barbados was first discovered by the Portuguese in 1536,
but it was the British who settled on the island in 1625 and controlled
it for almost 350 years. The British used Barbados as an important base
for the Atlantic slave trade, especially for supplying the British
colonies in North America. The island quickly became an important
trading point for slaves from Africa, who were forced to work on the
sugar cane plantations.
British rule in Barbados was very strict.
The slaves were often mistreated and had to work in difficult
conditions. Living conditions on the island were very harsh for most
people, and diseases such as malaria and yellow fever decimated the
population. Barbadians fought against these difficult conditions and
began to organize for their rights. In 1816, a slave revolt occurred on
the island, but it was quickly put down.
In 1834, slavery was
finally officially abolished in Barbados after Britain decided to end
slavery in all its colonies. However, the former slaves did not receive
their freedom immediately, but had to work as "serfs" on the plantations
for several more years before they were finally freed.
Over the
course of the 19th century, Barbados developed into an important trading
center in the Caribbean and experienced an economic boom. Sugar cane
production remained the island's main industry, but new industries such
as tourism and financial services also emerged.
In 1966, Barbados
finally gained its independence from Britain and became an independent
nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. Since then, the island has
become a major tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors
from all over the world every year
The North Coast of Barbados consists of the
administrative districts of St. Lucia and St. Peter. Both have a number
of interesting places and attractions to visit. St. Lucy is the
northernmost parish with a rugged coastline and jagged cliffs. One of
the main tourist attractions in the north is the Animal Flower Cave.
Erosion of the rocks has created a beautiful cave. The entire North
Coast has no beaches.
St. Lucy is home to the Mount Gay rum
distillery. On the northwest coast there is a lighthouse at Harrison
Point. And finally you will find a number of old Anglican churches, St.
Lucy's Parish Church, St. Clements Church and St. Swithin's Church in
Greenidge.
The East Coast consists of the administrative
districts of St. Andrew, St. Joseph, St. John and St. Philip. It offers
some stunning rock formations in the countryside and natural rock pools
for swimming, the only things that lie between Africa and Barbados. The
east coast beaches not only offer the biggest waves, but also the most
dangerous underwater currents. World-renowned for its fabulous surfing
grounds is Bathsheba, home of the famous "Soup Bowl". The surfing area
is a hot spot for local and foreign surfers with good conditions all
year round.
Cattlewash, another popular east coast town, is home
to many holiday homes for locals and foreigners alike.
Between
1881 and 1938 a railway ran between Bridgetown and Belleplaine. In
Bridgetown the station was located at what is now Fairchild Street
Market. From Bath on the east coast via Bathsheba to Belleplaine the
route ran roughly parallel to today's coastal road. There you can still
find remnants of the old railway, parts of the tracks and stations in
various places. The train service was discontinued because the mode of
transport was too slow and could not be operated cost-effectively.
The south coast consists of the administrative districts of Christ Church and St. Philip. The land is flat and is dominated by the St. George Valley. In the past centuries, sugar cane was mainly grown there. Today, there is a clear division. The west is densely built up and dominated by tourism. There are long, curved bays with fine sandy beaches. The east side is dominated by the international airport. The coast is rocky, steep coast with a few small sandy bays. The south coast is a strange mixture of the Caribbean and the Atlantic, with strong winds and waves in the east, which is becoming increasingly popular with surfers.
The west coast of Barbados is often referred to as the
"Platinum Coast" or "Gold Coast". It is known for its clear, warm
waters, with soft golden sand. This coast is ideal for a Caribbean
vacation, but also correspondingly expensive.
This corner of
paradise generally offers a kind of anonymity for celebrities that they
cannot find elsewhere. Barbados has therefore become a popular escape
for some very famous names. Many of the island's most exclusive hotels
are located here. In addition, you will find many bars and restaurants
along the beach.
Although many of the west coast beaches are not
directly on the road, but hidden behind properties and hotels, do not be
discouraged, they are public. You just have to find your way to enjoy
the sand and the day! There are several beautiful beaches along the
coast. Which is the best is up to each individual to decide.
Be
careful! Manchineel trees (pronounced: mänchinihl) are common on the
west coast and in the Scotland District (north); on the beaches they are
sometimes identified by a red ring on the trunk. The apple-like fruits
and the resin of the trees contain a slightly corrosive poison; you
should also never rub the leaves between your fingers. They release an
irritant, especially when it rains, that can cause skin burns. After the
skin initially turns red, blisters can even form (similar to burns). Do
not stand under a manchineel tree when it is raining and do not eat the
fruit!
1 Bathsheba
2 Bridgetown – capital.
3 Garrison
Savannah
4 Hastings
5 Holetown
6 Inch Marlow/South Point -
Airport
7 Long Bay
8 Maxwell
9 Oistins
10 Rockley
11
Saint Lawrence Gap
12 Speightstown
13 Worthing
Since 2010, there has been an official smoking ban in Barbados (see
"Staying healthy"). Contrary to all information in the relevant travel
literature and on the Internet, it is forbidden to import cigarettes or
tobacco products duty-free. When entering the country, at the airport,
directly after passport control, there is a customs check. There you are
asked what you are importing. Cigarettes bought duty-free on the plane
must be taxed. This can only be done with Barbados dollars or US
dollars, not with a credit card! At the end of 2011, the tax rate for
German cigarettes that cost 40 euros on the plane was 60 US dollars.
Airplane
Grantley Adams International Airport (IATA: BGI). Tel.:
428-7101
In the last five years, the airport has been expanded
and renovated for 150 million US dollars. This means a 50% increase in
immigration and customs space, double the size of the baggage claim
area, improved check-in technology, a completely new arrivals and
departures hall. There is also a new bar, gourmet cafe and fast food
stands. The parking lot has also been updated with an electronic system,
instead of the old booths with a cashier at the exit.
to and from
Canada
Air Canada flies to Barbados eight times a week, with seven
flights from Toronto.
Calgary-based WestJet flies to/from 28
cities in Canada and offers four non-stop flights to Toronto per week.
to and from USA
Air Jamaica flies four times a week non-stop from
J. F. Kennedy, New York to Barbados.
American Airlines operates
the largest number of international flights to Barbados, 21 per week,
two per day from Miami International and once per day from J. F.
Kennedy, New York.
Delta flies once a week from Atlanta.
to and from Europe
British Airways flies nine times a week with a
224-seat Boeing 777 from London Gatwick directly to Barbados.
Condor
flies once or twice a week from Frankfurt to Barbados.
Virgin
Atlantic flies mainly with Boeing 787 jets to Barbados, one flight per
day from London Gatwick and one flight per week from Manchester.
Flights within the Caribbean
There are about 35 flights a day from
Barbados to the entire English, French, Spanish and Dutch Caribbean.
American Eagle, the small subsidiary of American Airlines, flies four
times a week to Puerto Rico.
Caribbean Airlines flies three times a
day to Trinidad and Tobago and once to Guyana.
LIAT has about two
dozen flights a day to 22 different Caribbean islands.
Ship
Ship connections
As of 2022, there is no ferry connection between
Barbados and other islands.
Cruises
Barbados offers one of the
best cruise terminals in the world, and is the only place in the
Caribbean where the Queen Mary could dock. Cruise ships bring more than
10,000 passengers into port every day! The busiest times are the winter
months from November to May.
The Bridgetown Cruise Terminal has
excellent shopping and is within walking distance of Bridgetown. Many
cruise passengers come for just one day and therefore want to see as
much of the island as possible on an island tour.
AIDA, Carnival
Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises,
Festival Cruises, Fred Olsen & Co, Hanseatic Cruises, Hapag Lloyd,
Holland America Line, Majestic Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line,
Orient Lines, P & O Princess, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Royal
Caribbean International, Royal Olympic Cruises, Seabourn / Cunard, Sea
Cloud Cruise, TUI Cruises.
Barbados is a country where traffic drives on the left.
Barbados
has a road network of 2,333 km, of which 1,280 km are paved. The speed
limit in towns is 35 km/h, outside built-up areas 60 km/h and on the ABC
highway 80 km/h. Tourists who want to rent a car must register
themselves or their national or international driving license with a car
rental company or with the police in Hastings, Worthing or Holetown or
with the Ministry of Transport & Works in Pine, Oistins and Folkestone,
the cost is 10 BDS $ or 5 US dollars.
Expressways
After
leaving the airport, travelers almost inevitably come to the ABC
highway. ABC after the first three prime ministers in Barbados' modern
history: Tom Adams, Errol Barrow and Sir Hugh Gordon Sylvester Cummings.
The ABC Highway runs in gentle curves over Newton Terrace past St.
Lawrence and Rockley/Rendezvous through the suburbs of Bridgetown,
Regency Park, Uptown, Wildey, Haggatt Hall, Belle, and Friendship to
Warrens. From there it goes in a sharp curve west to the coast, north of
Bridgetown.
There the Spring Garden Highway runs near the university
campus along the coast through the districts of Black Rock, Brighton,
Deacons to the harbor and into the city center.
There are about 13
roundabouts on the ABC Highway, but the island traffic includes others.
All traffic flows around roundabouts clockwise. When approaching a
roundabout - slow down! - drive slowly. Every roundabout in Barbados has
signs. Some roundabouts have been honored with the name of a prominent
citizen of Barbados.
There is another highway in the north of the
island between the St. Lucy Parish Church and the All Saints Church, the
3km long Charles Duncan O'Neal Highway.
Prices
Cars, minimum 2
days, automatic: per day 120 Bds $, per week 450 - 600 Bds $
Cars,
minimum 2 days, standard: per day 80 Bds $, per week 400 Bds $
Motorcycles per day, 32 - 61 Bds $, per week: 155 - 298 Bds $ per week,
100 - 200 US $ security deposit
Bicycles per day 17 - 22 Bds $, per
week: 63 - 100 Bds $, 50 US $ security deposit
The official language is English, but a patois is also spoken, which is called Bajan here.
Animal Flower Cave. Tel.: 439-8797 . Several interconnected
stalactite caves with openings to the sea. Named after the sea anemones,
only a few of which still grow on the bottom of some of the cave lakes.
The ground is very slippery, in some parts of the cave the water is so
high you could swim in it. At times parts of the cave are flooded by the
sea. The cave was discovered in 1780. The age of the coral bed is
estimated at 400,000 to 500,000 years, the youngest, top layer is about
125,000 years old. In 1961 a bungalow was built over the cave, and a
restaurant has been operating there since 1970. Open: daily 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Price: admission 4 Bds $, children 2 Bds $.
Mount Gay Rum
Refinery, Spring Garden Highway. Tel.: 439-8812, Fax: 439-6052. Since
1703, sugar cane has been grown and rum distilled on the Mount Gay
Estate, named after Sir John Gay Alleyne. Currently, 2 million liters
are produced annually. The pure alcohol is stored in oak barrels in
Bridgetown, bottled and exported. Tours in Bridgetown 10:00 a.m. - 3:45
p.m., in St. Lucy 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Entrance fee: 12 Bds $. The
Mount Gay Distilleries in Bridgetown can also be visited. Tel. 425-9066,
Fax 425-8338.
Farley Hill. Tel.: 422-8826, Fax: 422-8946 . National
park, signal tower and Great House. The house, which dates back to 1818,
was renovated for the visit of the then Duke of Edinburgh, Prince
Albert, in 1861 and was also frequently visited by the English royal
family in later years. It belonged to Sir Thomas Graham Briggs. In 1956
it was the filming location for the Harry Belafonte film "Island in the
Sun". It was destroyed by fire in 1965 and the government then bought
the area. In February 1966 it was inaugurated as a national park by
Queen Elizabeth II. The Grenade Hall signal tower was not restored until
1992. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., admission is free, but
there is a parking fee: minibuses 12 Bds $, cars 3 Bds $, motorcycles
1.50 Bds $. Across the road is the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, a project
of the Barbados Primate Research Centre; this is a non-profit
organisation. Various animal species (including crocodiles, pelicans,
parrots, otters and deer) are kept free in a mahogany forest and can be
observed. Special attention is paid to the monkeys, the Barbados Green
Monkey. Refreshments and souvenirs are sold. The game park is open from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $23 Bds, children under 12 half price. Also
nearby is Nicholas Abbey, Tel. 422-8725. Mansion built around 1650 by
Colonel Benjamin Berringer. It is possibly the oldest surviving building
on the island. The only comparable building is in Virginia, USA. The
property was equipped with high fireplaces by its architect and looks
very "Scottish". The furnishings consist of British style furniture from
the colonial era. The property lies in the middle of sugar cane fields
between 30 m high palm trees and mahogany trees. In 1663 the house
became the property of Sir John Yeamans. He sailed from Speightstown to
Carolina, USA, colonized it and became the third governor of South
Carolina. There is a guided tour, a souvenir shop, a rum tasting, a mini
cinema showing a black and white film about plantation life and sugar
production and a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy snacks and
drinks. You can also see how sugar cane is processed and how rum is
made. Open: every day 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., admission 35 Bds $.
Cherry
Tree Hill . Cherry Tree Hill, with a 550m long mahogany and cassowary
avenue, numerous wild capuchin monkeys live on the mountain. The road
continues west 750m to the Morgan Lewis Mill.
Morgan Lewis Mill.
Tel.: 422-9222. The best preserved Dutch-style windmill, built by Dutch
Jews at the start of the sugar industry and in use until 1944. The mill
was restored and rebuilt at great expense by the National Trust, and is
technically in working order. It is located about 2 km southeast of
Cherry Tree Hill. Open: daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Price: Entrance fee: $5
Bds Children pay half price.
Turner's Hall Woods. This 20 hectare
garden with various tree and palm species can be reached via the town of
Haggatts or from Gregg Farm via Turner's Hall Plantation Road. There you
can also find remnants of the original rainforest that covered the
entire island 500 years ago.
St. John's parish church. Church located
on a 250m high cliff in the middle of a cemetery. Here is the grave of
Ferdinand Paleologus, a descendant of the Byzantine imperial family, who
died in Barbados in 1678.
Places of worship. Places of worship worth
seeing are the restored Jewish synagogue (1654), St. Patrick's Cathedral
(1899) and St. Michael's Cathedral (1825) in Bridgetown. Also worth a
visit is St. James Church near Holetown, one of the oldest churches in
the Caribbean. Christ Church in Oistins is famous for the "Great Coffin
Mystery". According to legend, the coffins of a certain Chase family
mysteriously moved in the crypt.
Harrison's Cave (Harrison's Cave).
Email: reservations@harrisonscave.com . Harrison's Cave offers a
breathtaking natural spectacle. Raindrops seeping through have created
an impressive stone forest with countless stalactites and stalagmites in
an underground grotto. A small train takes visitors through the
stalactite cave.
Alleynedale Hall, St. Lucy, in the triangle between Highway 1 and 1C.
The name goes back to Sir Reynold Alleyne, who bought the 127 hectare
plantation in 1810. The previous owner, a clergyman, is said to have cut
his own throat. He was buried in a lead coffin in the basement of the
house. Since then, the unfortunate reverend is said to haunt the house
at night as a ghost. The mansion is located in the middle of the sugar
plantation's factory site and can be visited.
Bagatelle Great House,
St. Thomas, on Highway 2A. Tel.: 421-6767. Gourmet restaurant. It is one
of the oldest buildings on the island. It originally belonged to the
Earl of Carlisle. In 1651 Lord Francis Willoughby Parham bought it and
called it Parham Park House. In 1877 the Parhams had to sell it because
of high debts. Today it is owned by Nicholas Hudson.
Bleak House,
Indian Ground, St. Andrew. It was built on a limestone cliff in 1886 by
the eccentric bachelor Charles Peddar. Two families litigated for years
over the property. In 1983, businessman Richard Goddard, the new owner,
rebuilt the burned-out ruin in Georgian style. The associated 67-hectare
plantation is now fully used for agriculture.
Brighton Great House,
St. George, on Highway 4. Has belonged to the Wiltshire family since
1638. Arthur Oughterson bought it in 1802, only to sell it to John
Gitten Archer in 1804. John G. Archer was later the first white man in
Barbados to be convicted of murdering a slave. The property was sold to
Conrad Pile, whose family still owns it.
Buckden Plantation House,
St. Joseph. Stands as a ruin next to the Cotton Tower signal station.
Byde Mill Great House, St. George, on Highway 4. Probably built by
Joshua Steele, founder of the Barbados Society of Arts and Craft, who
leased the land in 1777.
Clifton Hall, St. John. Built in Georgian
style, with a double staircase to the main entrance and arcaded
verandahs on three sides. The mansion is privately owned and not open to
the public.
Congo Road Plantation House, on Highway 5, Six Roads, St.
Philip. Tel.: 423-6180. Built around 1670. Daphne's Sea Shell Studio is
located in the renovated cows pen behind the main house. Open: Mon - Fri
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. + Sat 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Drax Hall Great House, Locust
Hall. Tel.: 433-1240. The mansion was built around 1655 for Sir James
Drax. Around 1640, Colonel Holdip established the island's first
350-hectare sugar cane plantation here. James Drax improved sugar
production after bringing a Dutch sugar mill to Barbados and
experimenting with it. The mansion is one of the oldest surviving houses
from the early days of British settlement and is still owned by the
family today. It can be visited during the winter months by telephone
appointment.
Eastmont, St. John. 18th century. Privately owned by the
Austin family. Miller Austin was the first mixed-race person to buy a
plantation in 1895. His daughter Lucy Deane inherited it. Their son, H.
Bernhard St. John, became a public prosecutor and member of parliament.
He was elected the third Prime Minister of Barbados on March 11, 1985.
Francia Plantation House, St. George. Tel.: 429-0474. The house has been
in the family's possession since its foundation at the beginning of this
century. It is one of the last large mansions to be built on the island.
On the plantation itself, sweet potatoes and yams are grown for the
export market. Guided tours of the house are available and the garden
can be wandered through. The house contains antiques, old engravings and
particularly valuable maps, the oldest of which is dated 1522. Open: Mon
- Fri 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed on public holidays. Price: Entrance fee:
$10 Bds, children pay half.
Kendal near Cottage Vale, St. John.
Thomas Modiford, the later governor of Jamaica, began as a planter in
Barbados shortly after 1640. He bought half of the Hilliard estate,
today's Kendal Plantation, for 7,000 British pounds. At the time, the
property was 200 hectares in size, there were 28 white employees, 98
slaves and three Indian women with their children. After the Hallet
estate was added, Kendal is now one of the largest plantations on the
island with 287 hectares. In 1970, the sugar factory was closed, since
then 125 people have worked there during the harvest season, otherwise
only 55 to 60.
Malvern Plantation House, St. John. The plantation is
located directly on the edge of Hackleton's Cliff, so that you have a
wonderful panoramic view over the hills and valleys.
Newcastle Great
House, Martin's Bay. From the 17th century, now just a ruin.
Newton
Plantation House, Christ Church. Around 1975, a slave cemetery was
excavated here under American management. Since 1985, the National
Cultural Foundation has held the Crop Over Festival here. Guided tours
of the plantation grounds are given. From the higher overseer's
building, you have a good all-round view.
Nicholas Abbey, St. Peter.
Built in 1648 by Colonel Benjamin Berringer in Jacobean style. It is the
oldest of three plantation houses of this style that still exist today.
The property was equipped with four tall fireplaces by its architect and
looks very "Scottish". The furnishings consist of British colonial
furniture. Open: Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Porters Great House,
Holetown district. The 17th century manor house is no longer in its
original condition; parts of the building were added in the 19th
century. The manor house is located at the northeastern edge of town.
The house itself is not accessible, the garden only at varying times.
The opening times can be found at the Tourist Board in Holetown.
Sunbury Plantation House, St. Philip. Tel.: 423-6270, Fax: 423-5863. The
plantation house with meter-thick walls from the late 17th to early 18th
century was extensively renovated in 1981-1983. Today there is a
restaurant there, and some rooms are used as a museum. Open: daily 9.30
a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Tyrol Cot, St. Michael. Built in 1854 by the famous
builder of his time, William Farnum. It served as the home of the first
Prime Minister, Sir Grantley Adams, and is the birthplace of Prime
Minister J. M. G. M. Adams. The Barbados National Trust has renovated
the house and furnished it with mahogany furniture typical of the
period.
Villa Nova, St. John. Was built between 1832 and 1834 by the
sugar baron Edmund Haynes, mainly from coral stone. A Swiss company
operates a luxury hotel there.
Warrens Great House, St. Thomas,
Highway 2 A. Was built in 1686.
Wessels House, St. James, Highway 2
A. The original mansion was destroyed by the hurricane in 1831. In the
rebuilt buildings, art objects are produced for "Best of Barbados".
Beaches: Barbados is known for its beautiful beaches. Here you can
swim, snorkel, dive or just relax.
Water sports: Barbados is a
paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Here you can enjoy surfing,
kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing and much more.
Boat
tours: There are numerous boat tours you can take in Barbados, such as
catamaran tours, fishing tours or snorkeling tours.
Historical sites:
Barbados has a rich history that you can learn about by visiting
historical sites such as the George Washington House, the Barbados
Museum & Historical Society or St. Nicholas Abbey.
Natural parks:
Barbados also has some beautiful natural parks, such as the Andromeda
Botanic Gardens, the Flower Forest or the Welchman Hall Gully, where you
can walk and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Festivals: Barbados hosts
various festivals throughout the year, such as the Crop Over Festival in
summer, which offers a mix of music, dance and traditions.
Golf:
Barbados also has some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, such
as the Royal Westmoreland Golf Course or the Barbados Golf Club.
Bath Beach, near Codrington College and the remains of the Bath Sugar
Mill. The curved, brown-sand beach is one of the safest swimming spots
on this stretch of coast, as it is protected by a long reef. This also
makes it suitable for divers. There are shady casuarina trees, a
children's playground and picnic tables. Many locals come on weekends.
Consett Bay, Bath. There is a car park and many shady trees. It is the
safest beach on this coast.
Martin's Bay, St. John. Narrow sandy
beach with rocks near a friendly fishing village with a few palm trees
and no other infrastructure.
Morgan Lewis Beach, St. Andrews. This
white sandy beach is 4km long, but is very hidden beneath the cliffs of
Morgan Lewis Mill. Swimmers are warned of a very strong underwater
current!
River Bay, St. Lucy. Located far to the north and consists
only of rocks. The bay, where a small river flows into the sea, is
surrounded by chalk and limestone cliffs. Lots of locals come here to
picnic, especially on weekends and holidays.
Tent Bay, Bathsheba. The
most beautiful beach on the east coast, rocks have been worn down by the
sea and stand like mushrooms in the sea. Here you can surf very well and
watch flying fish.
Accra Beach, Rockley. A very popular sandy beach with parking and
beach supervision. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented, water sports
are possible. Hotel beach with restaurants and boutiques.
Bottom Bay,
far to the east of the south coast. Accessible via Bottom Bay Road.
Small, beautiful, semicircular bay with fine, white sand but no
infrastructure.
Casuarina Beach. Long, wide sandy beach with parking
on Maxwell Coast Road. Hotel beach with restaurants.
Cave Bay, far to
the east of the south coast. Accessible via Bottom Bay Road. Small,
beautiful, semicircular bay without infrastructure.
Crane Beach. This
wide, white sandy beach has a particularly beautiful panorama, it is
bordered by a high cliff to the east. The hotel beach is subject to a
fee for non-hotel guests.
Dover Beach, St. Lawrence. Wide, fine sandy
beach with parking. The beach is often visited by divers, swimmers,
surfers and sailors. There are all kinds of water sports and beach
activities, hotels, restaurants and stalls. Mount Charlie Reef is
located off the coast. Sponges and black corals can be found in water
depths of 25 to 60 m.
Foul Bay, St. Philip. Only accessible via back
roads. The sand dunes here turn into cliffs. The beach is wide and has
fine sand but no infrastructure, so you have to bring cold drinks and
food with you.
Long Bay Beach. The fine sandy beach is 2½ km long.
There are many sand dunes here made of blown-in, very salty sea sand.
Needham's Point. Since the old Holiday Inn hotel was demolished, this
fine sandy beach has been less visited. You can reach it through the
entrance of the new Hilton hotel via a narrow path next to the tennis
courts to the Needham's Point lighthouse.
Miami Beach. Also known as
Enterprise Beach, like the beaches off Dover and Worthing, it has lost
its charm, although this beach is still the best of all. Casuarina trees
provide shade, but there is hardly anything left of the once wide sandy
beaches. The damaged reefs and erosion have caused tons of sand to be
washed away. There are two popular diving areas off the coast, Muff Dive
and Castle Bank Reef. Both start at a water depth of around 18m. When
the sea is calm, you can find lots of fish and sea turtles here.
Palmetto Bay, far to the east of the south coast. Accessible via Bottom
Bay Road. Small, beautiful, semicircular bay with no infrastructure.
Rockley Beach. This beach is very popular with locals, especially at
weekends.
Sandy Beach, Worthing. Also called Carib Beach, Worthing,
wide, fine sandy beach with hotel and restaurant, water sports,
moderately frequented and not overcrowded. At low tide you can walk
along the beach to St. Lawrence. Hotel beach with restaurants.
Silver
Sands, on the southernmost tip of the island between Oistins and the
airport. Because of the good wind conditions, this beach is a surfer's
paradise.
Alleynes Bay, near Speightstown.
Brighton Beach. Beautiful, fine,
white beach. Malibu Beach Club.
Brown's Beach, Bay Street,
Bridgetown, near the fish market. This beach is often visited by locals.
Carlisle Bay, just a few minutes south of Bridgetown. Many yachts anchor
in the bay. There are many entertainment, sports and restaurants on the
beach.
Gibbs Bay Beach, near Speightstown. Beautiful beach with water
sports.
Graves End, St. Michael. The southernmost stretch of beach on
the west coast between the Hilton Hotel and the Grand Barbados Beach
Resort.
Heywoods Beach, north of Speightstown. Over 2km long, fine
sand.
Maycock's Bay, north of Six Men's Bay. This beach is 1½ km long
and between 60 and 90m wide. To the south it is bordered by a former US
Marine base, which is now used by the Barbadian army as a training camp.
In the north you can find very few remains of Maycock's Fort. It was
built in 1838 as one of the main defences of the island.
Mullins Bay,
south of Speightstown. Off the coast lies the wreck of the Pamir, sunk
in 1985, now a popular diving destination. The sandy beach is almost
sugar-white and there is a busy beach bar.
Paynes Bay. This fine,
white beach is a great attraction for divers. Off the coast lies the
wreck of the Stavronikita at a greater depth. There is a car park and
restaurant.
Sandy Lane Bay. White sandy beach, shady trees. Hotels,
restaurants, stalls and many street vendors. The beach is good for
sunbathing and swimming. There are all kinds of sporting activities
including horse riding.
Six Men's Bay, adjacent to Heywoods Beach.
The beach of the 300-room Almond Beach Village hotel. There used to be a
whaling station there, but today the entire bay is being converted into
the Port St. Charles marina.
A typical souvenir from Barbados is a bottle of rum. Rum has been
distilled on the island since the 17th century. The excellent rum can be
compared to the best brandy in terms of quality and bouquet. The brand
"Mount Gay Extra Old" is considered to be particularly noble. Tax-free
items such as perfume, jewelry, batik textiles and swimwear can be
bought duty-free at the airport, in the port and in many shops. It is
advisable to buy these goods during your vacation, as the selection at
the airport leaves a lot to be desired. When shopping, you usually have
to present your flight ticket and passport. Alcohol and tobacco products
can only be picked up again in sealed packaging at the airport on the
day of departure. Please note the customs regulations! Local artists
also offer handmade ceramics and mahogany wood carvings. The pottery
workshops of Chalky Mount produce original clay pots (monkey jars) and
vases. Souvenirs with a spicy note and a long shelf life are Barbadian
chili sauce (hot sauce) and herbal marinade (Bajan seasoning). According
to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species, trade and, in most countries, the import of tortoise shell,
black coral and feathers of rare birds are prohibited. There are also:
Weavings made from straw and khuskhus grass
Cockspur Barbados
Rum, Crisma Rum Cream Liqueur, Malibu Coconut Rum
Carvings made from
mahogany
Pottery, coral, bloodstone and shell jewelry
The dishes from the cuisine of Barbados are mostly well seasoned. A
lot of paprika, curry and pepper are used. Callalou is a soup with a
variety of spinach leaves, garlic, onions, coconut milk and goat meat.
Christophene is a lightly braised, elongated pumpkin.
Conkies
are a mixture of corn flour, coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potatoes
and spices, this mixture is steamed wrapped in banana leaves.
Coo-Coo is a corn flour casserole.
Crawfish is not a fish, it is
a relatively large freshwater or river shrimp.
Dolphin is a fish,
but not a dolphin. Flying fish is the national dish of Barbados. Flying
fish jump out of the water and can sail several meters through the air
because of the shape of their fins, which makes it look as if they are
flying. They taste similar to our plaice.
Mahi-Mahi (dolphin
fish) is a very good food fish that is becoming increasingly popular.
Lambi is steamed, cold mussel meat.
Foo-foo are dumplings made from
the puree of green bananas. Jug-jug is made from corn flour and peas.
Pasteles is an appetizer, corn and meat rolled in banana leaves.
Pepperpot is a spicy soup with meat and lots of vegetables - and pepper.
Roti is a meat dish with curry that originally comes from East India.
Tan-Tan is chicken liver marinated in brandy.
Rum punch, which is popular throughout the English-speaking
Caribbean, consists of rum, lime juice, sugar syrup and fruit juice.
Planter's Punch is a mixture of various fruit juices.
Mount Gay is
the most common and well-known rum (clear or brown) drunk in Barbados.
Other types of rum are Cockspur, Goddard's, Alleyne Arthur's and
Calypso.
Beer called Banks is produced in the country, is of good
quality and inexpensive. Mauby is a drink made from bark extract, sugar
and spices.
Dinner $30-120 Bds
Soft drinks $4 Bds
Imported beer $7 Bds
Caribbean beer $6 Bds
Rum $4 Bds
Barbados' nightlife is diverse and offers something for every taste.
Especially in the capital city of Bridgetown, there are numerous bars,
clubs and restaurants that are open late into the night.
In St.
Lawrence Gap, a well-known tourist area on the south coast of the
island, there are many bars and nightclubs that are known for their live
music and DJ parties. The karaoke bars are also popular with tourists
and locals alike. Some of the most famous clubs in St. Lawrence Gap are
"Harbour Lights" and "The Cove".
If you are looking for a more
quiet atmosphere, there are many restaurants and bars along the west
coast of the island that offer a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. Here
you can enjoy a drink and enjoy the view of the beach and the sea.
Another way to experience Barbados' nightlife is by attending
festivals and events that take place on the island throughout the year.
The most famous of these is the Crop Over Festival, which takes place
every summer and offers a firework of colours, costumes and music. The
Oistins Fish Fry, a weekly festival in a fishing village on the south
coast, is also very popular with tourists and locals alike.
However, it should be noted that Barbados is also a place where you
should be respectful of the locals. The island has a relaxed and
friendly atmosphere, but it is important to respect the law and cultural
differences.
There is a variety of accommodation in Barbados. They range from simple and inexpensive rooms to exclusive luxury hotels. Most accommodation is located on the south coast and west coast. In the south there is a more pronounced nightlife, while in the west (Platinum Coast) there are very beautiful beaches and many luxury hotels. There are also a variety of private providers. The self-catering holiday apartments (kitchen) are particularly recommended here, such as: in Heywoods, Mullins or around Holetown on the west coast and between Hastings and up to the St. Lawrence Gap in the south.
The crime rate on Barbados is relatively low for the Caribbean. Nevertheless, social tensions and economic refugees from the other islands force cautious behavior. You should also remember that in the eyes of the locals, tourists are generally considered "rich". Bajans are friendly and very accommodating towards tourists. Thefts or even robberies are very rare. Nevertheless, it is advisable to leave valuables and documents in the apartment/hotel safe deposit box and only carry the bare minimum of cash when traveling on the island. Especially for women: jewelry is better kept in a safe deposit box than worn in public. In general, you should not leave anything in the rental car. Possession and consumption of drugs is severely punished, even for tourists. Wearing camouflage clothing is prohibited. You should also think about health safety, as there is also AIDS on Barbados.
No smoking: There has been a general smoking ban on the island of Barbados since 2010. However, this law was changed after just a few days. The smoking ban now means in hotel complexes: smoking is prohibited as long as you have a roof over your head. For example: if the open sky begins one meter from the bar, then smoking is permitted there, one meter from the bar.
The hurricane season is limited to the months of June to October. A
whole series of these tropical storms have swept across the island over
the centuries. The storm of 1780 killed 2,000 slaves and some Europeans.
The Royal Navy ships were so badly damaged that it was decided to move
the repair and equipment department to English Harbour on the island of
Antigua. In September 1898, a storm killed 80 people and destroyed the
homes of 18,000 people. In 1831, only a handful of buildings on the
island remained undamaged, and 1,591 people were killed.
This
century, the most severe hurricanes were Janet in 1955, Luis in 1995,
and immediately after that, Marylin on September 14, 1995. In September
2004, hurricane Ivan destroyed 221 houses.
The locals are rather reserved towards tourists, but friendly. You
can mostly move around freely without being harassed from all sides by
locals who want to sell you something or who are advertising their wares
in front of their shops. In most specialist literature you read:
"Barbados is more British than Great Britain." This statement can be
heard anew every day.
Drivers regularly stop at zebra crossings
to let pedestrians cross the road, almost unique in the entire
Caribbean.
It is similar in hotel bars, where tips are discreetly
hidden rather than pushed provocatively across the counter.
Hotel
restaurants are particularly British. You should generally assume that
you will be assigned a table. There is usually a lectern with menus at
the entrance, where you wait until you are picked up. Men whose shirts
only have one narrow strap on the shoulder are not allowed through;
their shoulders and half of their upper arms must be covered. Women, on
the other hand, are allowed to wear tops that are open down to the
navel.
Every community has its own post office. Red "English" mailboxes can
be found all over the island. Stamps are also available in drugstores,
souvenir shops and stationery shops.
The new main post office
building, the General Post Office, is located in Cheapside, Bridgetown,
Tel. 436-4800.
There are several small internet cafes on the
island, and the larger hotels also offer internet access.