Whatever your passion in life, Barbados has it all. From rum distilleries to glorious beaches, you won’t be short on things to do when you take a vacation on this amazing island. Here is our guide to the top things to do in Barbados. Use it to start planning your itinerary once you have organized your Barbados villas.
Visit the Beach
You can’t take a vacation on Barbados without spending some time by the water, and the island has 70 miles of soft sandy beaches to choose from. The beaches on the east coast of the island are wilder, with big surf and choppy water. If you don’t want to go surfing, head to the beaches on the west coast. Crane Bay is the most famous, but Mullins Beach has lifeguards and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Take a Walking Tour around Bridgetown
Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fascinating historical attractions. A walking tour is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on any key landmarks. All the main sites, including the Parliament Buildings, St Michael’s Cathedral, and Admiral Lord Nelson’s statue, are all accessible on foot. Once you have completed your tour, you can do a spot of shopping!
Visit a Rum Distillery
You can’t visit Barbados without sampling some of the local rum! Rum is a huge part of the island’s heritage and a tour around one of the local rum distilleries is a great way to learn more. The Foursquare Rum Distillery is the only locally owned and operated distillery. Take a self-guided tour and finish off with a sampling session at the bar. The Malibu Visitor Centre is another place worth visiting; head to Brighton Beach and sample the world-famous coconut tipple.
Party at Oistins
The famous Oistins Fish Fry is held every Friday and Saturday. Oistins is the local fish market in Christchurch. The locals catch fish daily and at night, a party vibe emerges. You can dance to Calypso music, enjoy some freshly cooked Bajan BBQ food, and party with the locals. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in Bajan life.
Visit a Plantation House
Barbados has a long colonial history. There are very few Great Houses left on the island, but Sunbury Plantation House is still standing and offers a unique opportunity to learn more about plantation life back in the 1700s. Take a tour through its grandiose rooms and admire the collection of carriages out in the stables. The home offers a glimpse of how luxurious life was for the wealthy out in the colonies. You can even enjoy a traditional Bajan Plantation dinner by candlelight if you want a unique dining experience.
Check out the Giant Baobab Tree
Barbados’s giant Baobab tree is famous. This enormous tree is located in Queen’s Park and is so wide, 15 adults could circle up around the trunk. This tree looks like it came out of your favourite childhood storybook.
For another great experience, visit Barbados at the beginning of August. This is when the famous Crop Over Carnival takes place. The parties and good vibes last for days!