Where is Barbados located? Barbados is situated in the Lesser Antilles, positioned as the most eastern of all the Caribbean islands. This compact coral island spans just 21 miles in length and 14 miles in width, boasting crashing Atlantic waves along its east coast and tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea along its west coast. To determine the optimal time to visit Barbados, consult our comprehensive guide.

West & south coasts

West & south coasts: The majority of hotels are situated along the west and south coasts, where the rugged east and north shores face pounding waves. The sophisticated west coast attracts royalty, celebrities, and elite athletes to its upscale resorts and trendy restaurants. Holetown offers serene beaches, vibrant shopping at the colorful Chattel Village, and access to top attractions like Harrison’s Cave and Hunte’s Gardens. Meanwhile, the lively south coast provides a different experience, ideal for family vacations or group getaways. St Lawrence Gap and Oistins offer a plethora of dining, nightlife, and entertainment options, including the famous 'Fish Friday'. Thrill-seekers and watersports enthusiasts gravitate towards the south coast's Long Beach, Silver Rock, and Silver Sands, renowned for their wind- and kite-surfing opportunities.

East coast

The ruggedly picturesque east coast sees small fishing boats navigating large swells from the vast Atlantic, while adventurous surfers tackle the rolling waves. Exploring the dramatic coastal road, with stops at the coral-studded beach of Bathsheba and the surfing haven of the ‘Soup Bowl’, is a highlight of any Barbados excursion.

Shopping

Barbados is a duty-free shopping haven, offering an array of designer fashion brands, jewelry, local handicrafts, and artwork. Bridgetown, the capital, boasts fantastic bargains on the south coast, while Holetown on the west coast features upscale designer brands like Gucci and Ralph Lauren at the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre.

Bajan cuisine is centered around an abundance of fish and seafood, including lobster, shrimp, and red snapper, complemented by the island's delicious fresh fruit—provided the monkeys don't beat you to it. Specialties like 'pepperpot', a flavorful pork and beef stew, and flying fish, lightly fried and served with lime wedges and tartar sauce, are staples. Food and festivities are intertwined in Barbados, where attending a festival or street party offers a delightful immersion into the island's delectable cuisine and warm hospitality. The annual Food & Rum Festival is a highlight, featuring renowned chefs, rum experts, late-night parties, culinary delights, and live local performances. And of course, no visit to Barbados is complete without indulging in the island's famed rum.

Diving & snorkelling

With its year-round pleasant climate, diving in Barbados is enjoyable at any time, with summer being particularly popular due to warmer water temperatures. Barrier reefs, located between half a mile and two miles from the shore, boast vibrant coral and abundant marine life, including barracudas, stingrays, seahorses, and turtles. Carlisle Bay, off Bridgetown's coast, is renowned for its numerous shipwrecks—around 200 in total—including the Friars Crag, a Dutch freighter surrounded by magnificent reefs. Snorkeling with sea turtles is a must-do experience, with various hotels offering boat trips for this unforgettable adventure.

Getting around

Barbados' small size makes transportation effortless, with hotels conveniently located within 15 minutes to an hour from the airport. Taxis provide convenient and efficient transportation, while the island's bus network offers excellent value and easy exploration opportunities. For a taste of local life and a fun experience, hop on a 'reggae bus'—vibrant yellow buses blasting lively dancehall music—as they whisk you around the island at an affordable price.