One of the most well-developed of all the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands, Barbados retains the refined elegance and cultural customs of its British roots (think cricket and high tea) infused with a colorful West Indian vibe. Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966, but many of the relics from its colonial past still stand. In Bridgetown, the clean and safe capital, impressive colonial buildings, and the historic garrison are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Around the island are sprawling sugar plantations and historic museums, along with endless tropical beauty. Pretty pink and white coral-sand beaches, pale turquoise seas, and a dramatic east coast sculpted by pounding surf are some of the islands major attractions. The warm ocean waters can be turbulent, but the island offers a few sheltered beaches for swimming and snorkeling, as well as great surfing, and some popular dive sites. On land, caverns, jungle-clad gullies, and beautiful botanical gardens showcase the island's natural treasures.
1 Crane Beach
Crane Beach, with its beautiufl pink coral sand, was once a boat landing where cargo was unloaded and lifted by a crane perched atop the cliff. Today it's one of the most famous beaches in Barbados. Cruise ship visitors, tourists, and locals alike come here to frolic in the rolling surf, sunbathe on the soft sands, and peek at the luxury Crane Beach Hotel, the oldest hotel in Barbados. Public access to the beach requires a descent down many stairs, while the hotel has its own elevator to sand level.
Address: Crane Bay, St. Philip
Accomodation: Where to Stay in Barbados - TripAdvisor.com
2 Bathsheba
The quaint village of Bathsheba is the central point for the tourist attractions on the Atlantic east coast. The Andromeda Tropical Botanic Gardens and Flower Forest are nearby. At Bathsheba Beach, also known as the Soup Bowl, large rock formations, which are remnants from an ancient coral reef carved by the surf, stand like gigantic mushrooms in the sea. This beach is great for photographs and surfing, but strong undercurrents can make swimming here dangerous.
Address: Saint Joseph
Accomodation: Where to Stay near Bathsheba - TripAdvisor.com
3 Parliament Buildings
Bordered by National Heroes Square, the parliament buildings (also known as the "public buildings") are two spectacular neo-Gothic-style structures now designated as UNESCO protected properties. Both buildings were constructed of coral limestone between 1870 and 1874. The building on the east side houses the Senate and House of Assembly and features beautiful stained-glass windows depicting British monarchs. The newly refurbished west-side building with the clock tower, houses the National Heroes Gallery and Museum of Parliament where visitors can learn about the island's history from the early days of settlement to Independence. Museum entry includes a tour of the parliament buildings.
Address: Trafalgar Street, Bridgetown,
Official site: www.barbadosparliament.com/welcome.php
- Read More:
- Top Tourist Attractions in Bridgetown
4 Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Specializing in tropical plants from all over the world, the Andromeda Botanic Gardens are renowned not only for their collection, but also for their scenic location on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic. Of note are the breadfruit trees descended from those collected by Captain Bligh, of mutiny fame, as well as the rare species of succulents and palms. Also interesting are the large bearded fig trees, which once covered the island in vast forests, possibly prompting passing Portuguese sailors to name the island "Barbados" meaning the "the bearded ones". The garden is also a superb place for bird watching.
Address: Highway 3, Bathsheba
Official site: http://andromeda.cavehill.uwi.edu/
5 Gun Hill Signal Station
Built in 1818 and used to signal the approach of enemy ships as well as the safe arrival of cargo ships, the Gun Hill Signal Station offers breathtaking vistas across the entire island. The station lies on the highland of St. George. On the lower part of the hill is a lion sculpture carved by a British soldier from a single boulder in the 19th century.
Address: Gun Hill, St. George
6 Welchman Hall Gully
Formed when the roof of a series of caves collapsed, Welchman Hall Gully and the surrounding cliffs hint at the pristine landscape and plant diversity that must have greeted the island's first settlers. The Barbados National Trust now protects the gully, which is home to more than 200 species of tropical plants, including wild ginger and bamboo. Stairs lead to a scenic overlook and lucky visitors may glimpse families of green monkeys frolicking in the ravine.
Address: Welchman Hall, St. Thomas
Official site: www.welchmanhallgullybarbados.com/
7 Harrison's Cave
Harrison's Cave, a crystallized limestone cavern, features streams, waterfalls, cascades, and deep pools. After an educational film, visitors tour a one-and-a-half-kilometer route via electric tram with a stop to walk to a waterfall plunging to a deep pool below. Lights illuminate the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and cascading waters. Near the cave, a visitor's center displays Arawak Indian artifacts.
Address: Welchman Hall, St. Thomas
Official site: www.harrisonscave.com
8 Flower Forest
Offering beautiful vistas, in the hills of central Barbados, the Flower Forest encompasses 53 acres of peaceful forests and tropical flora on the grounds of a former sugar plantation. Garden lovers can stroll along a circuit of well-marked trails through lush foliage with many spots to sit and relax. The beautiful palms, gingers, and many colorful orchids are highlights. After touring the grounds, visitors can purchase snacks at the small café.
Address: Richmond Plantation, St. Thomas
Official site: www.flowerforestbarbados.com/
9 St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey, with its three gables shaped like wishbones in the Jacobean style, was once the heart of a giant sugar cane plantation and a small refinery. Today it is one of only three known remaining buildings of this style in the Western Hemisphere. The pretty gardens are well kept and encompass the rustic ruins of the farm buildings and old windmill. Built in the mid-1600s to plans imported from Britain, the abbey includes a few inappropriate features for a tropical island, such as upstairs fireplaces. The tour of the ground floor explains a fine collection of furniture, many made from mahogany and cane. A few of the pieces have been in the house since 1810. At the end of the tour, the owners share a family holiday film from the 1930s showing the sea voyage to Barbados from England, and life on the former plantation.
Address: Cherry Tree Hill, Hwy. 1, Saint Peter
Official site: www.stnicholasabbey.com
10 Farley Hill National Park
Once the grounds of a rich plantation house, Farley Hill National Park is now a picturesque hilltop garden nestled in a forest of mahogany trees. This lush 17-acre park is also a popular venue for picnics and weddings. The house was reduced to a shell of stone walls by fire and the elements, and the ruins now frame the flowers and palms. Visitors can admire beautiful views of the ocean and rolling palm-covered hills from the top of the hill behind the house.
Address: St. Peters
Official site: http://www.nccbarbados.gov.bb/farley-hill-park
11 Barbados Wildlife Reserve
At the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, opposite Farley Hill, visitors can walk among the animals. Shady paths thread through a mahogany forest populated by deer, agoutis, tortoises, iguanas, and a raucous collection of tropical birds. Wild green monkeys, imported from Africa by early settlers, are also often seen at dawn and dusk, and plant lovers will enjoy the park's vibrant display of orchids. The entrance fee includes a visit to nearby Grenade Hall Signal Station.
Address: Farley Hill, Barbados
12 Sunbury Plantation
Lavishly decorated with Victorian antiques, 17th century Sunbury Plantation is one of the most popular museums on the island. The first teak and mahogany trees on the island were planted here in 1799, and many are still standing. In addition to the collection of antique furniture, some of which is crafted from mahogany, the guided tours cover all aspects of domestic life on a plantation. The estate also features a collection of horse drawn carriages. After the tour, guests can indulge in a Caribbean buffet and stroll around the pleasant gardens.
Address: 6 Cross Road, St. Philip
Official site: www.barbadosgreathouse.com
13 Hunte's Gardens
Crafted by Anthony Hunte, an avid horticulturist, Hunte's Gardens encompass ten stunning acres of tropical plants on the lush slopes of Saint Joseph Parish. Paths lead deep into a gully where terraced greenery erupts on many different levels. Palms, papyrus, orchids, and crotons are just some of the species flourishing here, and Mr. Hunte is an enthusiastic and convivial host. Green thumbs and plant lovers can relax on strategically placed benches and marvel at the gardens while classical music wafts through the air.
Address: Hwy 3A, Coffee Gully, St. Joseph
14 Folkestone Marine Park & Museum, Holetown
Off Holetown, where the first European colonists to Barbados landed in 1627, an artificial reef was formed in 1976 by deliberately sinking a fire-gutted 360-foot freighter ship. The Stavronikita now rests upright in 120 feet of water with corals growing on its masts and fish swimming through its hull. Only experienced divers should attempt the descent to the ship. Snorkelers can take the underwater trail around the inshore reef found in the park's Recreational Zone, about half a kilometer offshore. Boats are available for rent in Holetown, and visitors will also find a reef interpretation center and museum of marine life here.
Address: Holetown, St. James Parish
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