Barbados has a long tradition of welcoming visitors and delivers everything you want from a winter escape to the sun – charming hotels, a dreamily warm sea, high-class restaurants, and plenty of interesting sights. The smartest hotels and villas for a holiday to Barbados are found along the sheltered west coast, while the east has an appealingly wild and windy mood. Though it’s well known for beach holidays, Barbados is an island with good walking and riding, and a lively local scene best enjoyed at events like the Friday night Fish Fry at Oistins and the horseraces held at the Garrison Savannah racetrack. When it comes to choosing the right Caribbean island, Barbados is always a safe bet.
A first holiday to the Caribbean
Families and groups of friends
Sports-lovers
Over-priced restaurants. Eating out in Barbados can be expensive.
There are severe penalties for all drug offences
Topless bathing is not illegal but it is frowned upon
It can rain any month but the showers are short and usually blow over quickly. The coolest, driest weather in Barbados is from January to May. The heaviest rain is more likely to occur from July to November - the hurricane season.
Flights take approx eight hours from the UK
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. There is a high incidence of road accidents for the size of the island. Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (40, 60 and 80 kph maximum) and are lower than the UK. Road signs are poor. Petrol stations are not that common, and it’s best to get home before dark as driving in the unlit interior of the island is like wearing a blindfold in a maze.