Barbados
The Caribbean island of Barbados is best known for its stunning sandy beaches with crystal clear waters that invite you to snorkel, dive, surf, windsurf or just relax. The small island has a rich history and diverse culture. Traces of the Colonian period can be found all over the island, especially in the old town of the capital Bridgetown. The best way to get to know the hospitality of the population is with a glass of rum at one of the numerous festivals.
Attractions in Barbados
Highlights
Der Nationalpark im Norden der Insel hat unzählige alte Bäume und erstreckt sich rund um das ...
The old town of Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, combines historic buildings ...
Bridgetown's city beach is within easy walking distance of the city centre. Bridgetown's city ...
The beach area on the southeast coast of Barbados is known for its shimmering pink sand.
Accessible underwater cave on the northern tip of Barbados with impressive rock chambers.
The "soup bowl", which owes its name to the foaming surf, is particularly popular with surfers. > ...
The manor house is one of three surviving examples of Jacobean architecture and is now used as a ...
Discover the region
Caribbean feeling with British influences
Photo: Anton Ivanov Photo, Adobe Stock
The island of Barbados on the eastern edge of the Caribbean belonged to the United Kingdom until 1966 and has been independent since then. However, the British influences are still unmistakable today and are especially evident in the capital Bridgetown.
As you stroll through the city, you'll see many colonial-style buildings, including the Parliament Building, St. Michael's Cathedral, and a miniature replica of London's Trafalgar Square. Left-hand traffic is also ubiquitous here.
The historic Old Town can be reached on foot from the Waterfront Arcade, which has a number of restaurants and stores. The origins of some buildings date back to the 17th century. For those interested in British colonial history, a visit to the Barbados Museum, housed in the former British military prison, is worthwhile.
In addition to the Victorian buildings from the colonial era, the city also captivates with colorful houses that exude the typical Caribbean flair and are emblematic of the joy of life among the residents.
The small harbor towns of Bathsheba, Holetown and Speightstown are also worth a detour to get to know Barbados away from the tourist crowds.
The dream beaches of Barbados
Dreamlike sandy beaches, countless palm trees and the azure blue water can't be missing on a Caribbean vacation, of course, and Barbados also boasts its picturesque stretches of coastline. The island has over 60 beaches, all of which are open to the public. The climate, which guarantees warm temperatures all year round, ensures that you can enjoy your time on the beach.
Barbados' coastal stretches are diverse and differ depending on their location. The west coast is dominated by white sandy beaches with low waves - ideal conditions for those who just want to relax and swim with a view of the water. The east coast, on the other hand, is much rougher with rugged rock formations. In recent years it has become a surfing hotspot. Do you want to dive or snorkel? Then the southeast coast is the place to be, where reef-protected waters invite you to discover the underwater world of Barbados.
Video: Ty Drones
Flying fish and giant water turtles
The Flying fish is the national symbol of Barbados. If you are lucky, when you look out to sea, you can see the fish sailing over the surface of the water at more than 50 km/h. They use their back fins as a kind of propeller to glide in the air for up to 45 seconds. Most of the time they stay near coral reefs.
Barbados is one of the few places in the world where you can see giant tortoises in their natural environment and even swim with them. Around the coast you can find the green sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle. Carlisle Bay Marine Park south of Bridgetown and Worthing Beach are the best places to snorkel with these sea creatures. Please make sure that you keep enough distance from the animals and do not feed them.
Green Destinations Story Award 2023
To protect the island's unique flora and fauna, Barbados is making special efforts in environmental protection. The island is particularly affected by climate change due to increasingly strong tropical storms. Hurricanes also cause great economic damage. In its National Energy Policy, the government has adopted various measures to combat climate change.
The focus is on renewable energies and more environmentally friendly mobility. Many buildings have already been equipped with photovoltaic systems - more are to follow. And the number of around 50 electric and hybrid vehicles in public transport is also being steadily expanded. The aim is to become the world's first CO2-neutral island by 2030! For this initiative, Barbados was awarded the Green Destinations Award 2023 in the field of environment and climate.
The home of rum
The residents of the island, who call themselves "Bajans," are particularly proud of their favorite drink: rum. The national drink was originally a waste product of the sugar industry. Today it is served neat or mixed with lime, syrup, ice and nutmeg to make "rum punch". In every small town you can find a rum store, a mixture of pub and village store.
If you want to learn more about the production process, we recommend a visit to the Mount Gay distillery. The distillery's own rum has been produced since 1703 and is considered the oldest rum in the world. Of course, you can also taste the high-proof product on a guided tour.
A tour of the distillery will give you an insight into the 300-year history of rum production.
Pure joy of life
Rum is also enjoyed at the festivals - numerous festivals with different mottos are held throughout the year. The Bajans are known for their joie de vivre and temperament. The festival season starts in February with the Holetown Festival, which commemorates the settlement by the English. On Easter weekend, creative fish dishes are sold and fishing competitions are held at the Oistins' Fish Festival.
The absolute highlight, however, is the Crop Over Festival: since the 18th century, the end of the sugar cane harvest has been celebrated exuberantly from May to August. If you are in Barbados at this time, you will meet people in fancy costumes at the numerous parades. Music and Caribbean specialties await you around the Bridgetown Market. The Grand Kadooment Day is the festive finale.
Trip planning
Weather
Getting there
Localization