Barbados holidays

It’s easy to think of Barbados in fantasy island terms. With more than 80 beaches, dozens of chic resorts and endless stretches of white sand, this Caribbean island delivers big on dreaminess. But holidays to Barbados can be about more than parking yourself in a sun lounger. From its rum shops and botanical gardens to its historical relics, come discover the cultural richness of this pocket of paradise.

Top destinations in Barbados

Bridgetown

See Barbados from a fresh perspective in Bridgetown. This historic gem is home to fascinating architecture, from waterfront boardwalks to neo-Gothic parliament buildings.

Barbados: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

Barbadian dollar (Bds$)

Time zone

UTC-4 (AST)

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Barbados holiday highlights

St. John's Parish Church

Play in the water

The top things to do in Barbados happen in the water. The calm west coast is ideal for snorkelling, while the swells on the Atlantic side draw serious surfers. Hire a catamaran to spot sea turtles, or take a submarine tour past coral reefs and shipwrecks. The newest waterborne thrill? Jetblading, where you propel yourself through the air using a superhero-style jetpack.

See the blooms

Barbados’ gardens deserve your attention. The Flower Forest specialises in huge tropical blooms. The passion project of garden legend Iris Bannochie, the Andromeda Botanical Gardens packs in more than 600 plant species in just three hectares. And at Hunte’s Gardens, you can follow up a walk through the exotic foliage with a glass of rum punch.

Sip some rum

You’ll find some of the world’s best and rarest rums in Barbados. The 320-year-old Mount Gay Distillery and historic St Nicholas Abbey both offer tastings, while other guided tours will transport you to the full range of distilleries all around the island. But nothing beats sipping the good stuff alongside locals in one of the island’s many rum shops.

Things to do in Barbados

Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral

Top attractions

Snorkelling among the shipwrecks and turtles of Carlisle Bay is one of the most perfect things you can do in Barbados. Take in the island’s wild beauty at Bathsheba Beach, soaking in shallow pools framed by striking rock formations. Or head underground at Harrison’s Cave, where you can explore the caverns, ride a zip line and sample local rum.

Beaches

The beaches in Barbados’ south, where the larger resorts are concentrated, offer the most amenities (think gear rentals and happy hour cocktails). The rocky shores of the east coast boast dramatic limestone cliffs. And all over the island, you can find less-travelled spots, like Enterprise Beach and Shark Hole cove, best found by getting directions from locals.

Nature

Explore stalagmites and underground waterfalls on a tram ride through Harrison’s Cave. Brave a short, steep hike to swim in the pools of Animal Flower Cave, complete with stunning views of the ocean. Hike beneath tropical fruit trees at Coco Hill, a sprawling regenerative forest. Or take in the scene from the wooded grounds of Farley Hill National Park.

Culture and museums

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is the best museum in Barbados to learn about the island’s past, from the beginning of British rule through to the present day. Find exhibits on Barbados’ marine life and political history, as well as local fine art. And don’t miss Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 17th-century colonial buildings and a garrison still stand.

Cuisine

Influences from Africa, India and Europe come together to make up Barbadian cuisine, served in traditional and inventive ways at restaurants in Barbados. Menus go heavy on local ingredients like breadfruit, cassava, sorrel and fresh seafood. Don’t leave without trying fried flying fish, considered the island’s national dish. It’s usually sandwiched between salt bread or served over ‘cou cou’ (a cornmeal-based porridge).

Family friendly

With its gentle surf, lifeguards and loungers for hire, pretty Pebbles Beach is perfect for families. Spot armadillos, deer, tortoises and more at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Or take a kid-friendly, 30-minute hike through Welchman Hall Gully, a tropical forest where monkeys roam freely among lush plants and hidden limestone caves.

Find the best time to visit Barbados

Weather in Barbados

May – November: Bargain hunters are rewarded during the island’s wet season, when temperatures are still warm and there are brilliant stretches of sunshine between showers. You’ll definitely experience fewer crowds in summer, but note that hurricane season runs from June to November, so be sure to watch weather alerts.

December – April: This is Barbados’ dry season, with warm weather and low humidity — ideal for beach days. This is also peak season, as travellers escape colder climates for the island’s sun. To avoid missing out, book your accommodation and tours early, since demand is high during these popular months.

Events in Barbados

Barbados Sailing Week (January): The island’s waters come alive with thrilling races, including the Round Barbados Race, which circles the entire island. Onshore, the celebration continues with lively parties and concerts honouring the sailors.

Oistins Fish Festival (March or April): This seafood celebration held on Easter weekend takes place at the open-air market of the same name. Sample mahi-mahi, lobster and more amid a carnival atmosphere of games and music.

Crop Over Festival (July and August): One of the most popular events in Barbados, this festival marks the end of sugar cane season with colourful street festivities and the grand parade.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

A warm greeting goes a long way here, where a friendly ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’ is expected before starting a conversation. Beachwear belongs on the sand, so cover up when heading into town. In Barbados, it’s illegal for civilians to wear camouflage clothing, so leave your camo trousers at home.

Health and safety

Most travellers to Barbados should be up to date on routine vaccinations, plus hepatitis A and B. Adults over 65 may also consider the chikungunya vaccine, as the virus is spread by mosquitoes. To prevent chikungunya, Zika and dengue, take steps to avoid bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves.

LGBTQ+ travel

In Barbados, conservative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are still common, and public displays of affection may be met with a negative reaction. However, sentiments are slowly shifting. The country recently struck down discriminatory laws, and there is an annual Pride celebration on the island. That said, it’s still best to be discreet.

Budget

Despite its glitzy reputation, the island offers enough dining and hotel options that a cheap holiday to Barbados is possible. Order an inexpensive meal for around 40 Barbadian dollars ($) and a local beer for roughly $5. A short taxi ride will cost you about $28.

Getting around Barbados

St. Nicholas Abbey

Public transportation

Buses: Barbados’ public buses are a quick and reliable way to get around the island. Blue with a yellow stripe, these electric vehicles are air-conditioned, equipped with Wi-Fi and stop at most tourist attractions. Pay your exact fare in cash. Privately owned alternatives are minibuses (yellow with a blue stripe) and ZR vans (white with a maroon stripe), which travel similar routes and also accept cash. These are faster and navigate traffic a bit more aggressively than city buses.

Boats: There is currently no ferry between Barbados and other Caribbean islands. So if you’re looking for a seaborne journey, you’ll have to seek out a private charter.

Domestic flights

It’s possible to drive around the entire island in about three hours, so domestic flights aren’t a necessity. However, you can easily visit nearby islands like Saint Lucia via Caribbean Airlines, which operates out of the Grantley Adams International Airport in Christ Church.

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Driving

Hiring a car is an affordable way to see the island on your own schedule. Luckily, there’s no shortage of hire companies here. Note that locals drive on the left side of the road, and seat belts are required by law.

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FAQs about Barbados holidays

Is Barbados expensive?

You can sample the good life in Barbados if you’re willing to splash out at high-end resorts, but there are plenty of affordable hotel options too. The beaches here are free to the public, and popular dining spots like Oistins Fish Fry are fresh and cheap.

Is it safe to travel to Barbados?

Barbados is a fairly safe destination. Petty crimes like bag snatching and pickpocketing do occur. It’s always a good idea to keep personal items close, avoid isolated areas and be aware of your surroundings at night.

What is the currency in Barbados?

The national currency is the Barbadian dollar ($). US dollars and major credit cards are also accepted across the island. It’s a good idea to exchange cash before you leave so that making smaller purchases is easy. A service charge of up to 15% is typically added at hotels and restaurants.

What is the language in Barbados?

English is the official language of Barbados, used in formal settings. But you may also hear people speak what’s known as Bajan, a local dialect used in informal, everyday interactions.

When is the best time to visit Barbados?

The best time to visit Barbados is from December to April, when the weather is sunny and the waters are calm. Rates come down, and crowds disperse the rest of the year, when rainy days are much more common. Hurricanes tend to bypass Barbados, but storms are more frequent from June to November.

Where is the best area to stay in Barbados?

Bridgetown is great for first-timers because it’s close to shops, restaurants and beaches. Opt for Holetown if you want glitz and luxury. Seasoned surfers should point their boards towards the east side of the island.