moundfsmoufabarbados is an island nation in the Caribbean region of North America. The country lies northeast of Venezuela. It is often referred to as “Little Britain” due to its long association with the United Kingdom as a former colony. Today, Barbados is one of the leading travel destinations in the Caribbean. The nearest neighbours of Barbados are Saint Vincent and Saint Lucia. Both of these islands are part of the Lesser Antilles that separated the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Bridgetown is the official capital of Barbados.

Barbados is a country that is full of stunning beaches with white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear blue waters. It has rich historical and cultural heritages, a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites, plenty of delicious food, fine local produce, and amazing nightlife. The island also offers plenty of activities like sailing, snorkelling, surfing, and much more for travellers enjoying the Barbados holidays. Moreover, perfect round-the-year sunshine, a leisurely pace of life and a typical Caribbean culture make holidays to Barbados rewarding.

In this blog, let’s look at some of the best things to do in Barbados which will offer unique insights into the country’s culture.

1. See the stunning beaches of Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay is one of the most striking destinations in the country which lies at the edge of Bridgetown. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and stretches of turquoise-blue and crystal-clear waters. This place is ideal for soaking up the sun and relaxing on fine powdery sandy beaches.

Check out Pebble Beach, one of the best beaches in the country that is part of Carlisle Bay. This beach is popular for its poetic sunrise and for watching the racehorses bathing in the sea. Also, see Brownes Beach and Bayshore Beach where visitors can swim in the calm waters, enjoy paddleboard, and simply soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

2. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bridgetown

Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, has no dearth of cultural and historical attractions. This beautiful city is amazing to wander around, especially in the Downtown area of the capital city. Here visitors can wander around and navigate on foot while grabbing a small meal or a cup of coffee and exploring the several attractions. Check out the iconic Parliament Buildings which are iconic for their neo-gothic style and clock tower.

See the National Heroes Square which lies in the city centre and is a bustling place. Across the street is the charming Chamberlain Bridge which offers views over the Constitution River and is full of colourful buildings and waterside walkways. Check out the St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, the 1000-year-old baobab tree, the Barbados Museum, George Washington House and much more.

3. Visit the dramatic Bathsheba Bay

Bathsheba Bay is a dramatic and rugged coast on the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for its withered and erosive landscape by the ocean. This stunning and wild beach is a famous spot for surfers and is dotted with huge rock formations. The water in the bay is shallow and is popular for its white lather which gives it the name “Soup Bowl” and is a highly popular surfing spot. This amazing spot sees the road descend from a high plateau to the ocean and continues along the waterfront. It also has a few restaurants and vendors selling food and drinks to visitors.

4. Check out the stunning Animal Flower Cave

The Animal Flower Cave lies at the northern tip of the country and is famous for offering dramatic views from the lookout and the natural cave. It has a short staircase that allows visitors to reach this unique cave. This large natural cave has openings that offer stunning views out to the oceans and indoor natural pools inside the cave that are formed by the water sprays of the waves crashing in the rocks below the caves.

It also has a lookout area that allows visitors to see the dramatic craggy coastline with waves crashing and sending water sprays high up in the air. The ample light and fresh natural air take away the feeling of claustrophobia as well. In case you feel hungry, there is a restaurant and a few vendors selling food and water above the cave. During the months of February to April, visitors can also spot humpback whales from the cave.

5. Visit the St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey is a historic plantation, a distillery, and a Jacobean house that dates to 1658. Visitors here can see the historic plantation and distillery and climb aboard a steam locomotive on the heritage railway line and take a tour of the grounds. This heritage railway is a new addition to the estate and goes past a lake full of birds and a mature forest of mahogany trees.

The train ride ends at Cherry Tree Hill, a lofty vantage point that offers stunning panoramic views of the country’s east coast. Check out the historic plantation and the Jacobean house and learn about St. Nicholas Abbey’s rich history and its tradition of producing rums, sugar plantations, and plenty of antiques.

6. Explore the Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Looking for some peace and solitude in the lap of nature? Check out the Barbados Wildlife Reserve which is home to some of the country’s most precious wildlife including the famous green monkeys. Visitors will be entertained as they will see the antics of these little green monkeys playing and pestering other wildlife in the reserve.

Inside the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, there are several forested trails that pass through the mahogany forest. This forest is full of Agoutis, monkeys, deer, iguanas, tortoises, etc roaming around freely. It also houses several parrots, caiman, maras and snakes. The wildlife reserve is an abode of peace and nature with plenty of nature hikes in the forest and ample photography opportunities.

7. Visit George Washington House and the Garrison tunnels

One of the oldest heritages in Barbados is the George Washington House. The building was named after one of the founding fathers of the United States of America and the first President of the USA, George Washington. This heritage building is one of the oldest properties in Bridgetown. This plantation-style house was restored by the Barbados National Trust.

Take a tour of the house and learn about the rich history of this building including the first US President George Washington. Check out the Garrison tunnels that were discovered accidentally when the foundations for an onsite café revealed these tunnels. As per local historians, these tunnels also served as the evacuation of the soldiers’ station at the nearby Garrison.

8. See the Hunte’s Gardens

Hunte’s Gardens is the result of the dedication and culmination of Anthony Hunte’s vision and years of work. The gardens are set in the interior of the island and spread on terrace slopes with stairs and walkways. These walkways pass through the lush grounds with shades and open sunlit spaces. The garden is home to plenty of native species of plants and trees including huge palm trees and exotic plants. It is also home to several exotic birds as well. Don’t forget to listen to the stories of how the garden took shape by the creator himself as he serves fresh juices and homemade cakes to guests and entertains them on his veranda overlooking the garden.

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