While it’s justifiably famed for its fantastic beaches, Barbados is an island that has it all. In addition to fine powdery sand and brilliant turquoise bays, you’ll find smashing nightlife, a Unesco World Heritage–listed capital, a beautiful interior dotted with gardens, and wild surf on the lonely east coast, all inhabited by a proud and welcoming populace.
Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay has the most beautiful, serene beach in all of Barbados, with crystal clear waters and a soft, sandy beach you can walk barefoot in. It’s the perfect spot to catch some rays, or to even head into the water for some swimming or snorkeling. The beach is open to the public, so anyone can visit without paying a fee – unlike many popular Caribbean spots! You can swim with sea turtles, or visit one of the many hotels, restaurants, or bars lining the border. There’s also a few companies that will take you for a diving trip for a day to explore ancient shipwrecks and sea life near the coast. If you’re feeling a little active, there’s a variety of free water sports to take on set up throughout the area. Carlisle Bay is only 30 minutes from the airport.
St. Nicholas Abbey
One of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean, St. Nicholas offers free guided tours of the 350-year old building. Purchased in 2006 by a private owner who promised to help promote the island’s rich history with the former plantation, it’s become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bridgetown after Carlisle Bay. Visitors are able to discover how St. Nicholas Abbey Rum is produced, as well as viewing artifacts from 350 years ago. The property is lined with silk cotton trees from the 18th century, and if you’re feeling a little hungry from your adventure, there are also light tea snacks available for purchase.
Stavronikita
The S.S. Stavronikita is one of the most popular dive sites in the entire Caribbean. The Greek freighter, who has a controversial history, suffered a massive fire from explosions in the 1970’s off the coast of Barbados. The ship, which was believed to have been sunk on purpose, fell to the bottom of the sea after only 13 minutes. 20 years after the sinking, the shipwreck has been taken over by sea life such as coral, sea turtles, barracudas, and other creatures and vegetation. The dive is lead by an experienced diver, so swimmers of all skill levels are welcome to experience the historical site. You must be a strong swimmer in order to participate in this activity. There are multiple tours that include the dive site – from beach day boat trips, to just exclusively the dive – in all kinds of price ranges depending on your interest level.
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 (the 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
Parliament Buildings, Bridgetown
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 you can learn about the island’s history from the early days of settlement to Independence. Museum entry includes a tour of the parliament buildings.
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.
Harrison’s Cave Tour
Harrison’s Cave, a crystallized limestone cavern, features streams, waterfalls, cascades, and deep pools. After an educational film, you can 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 center displays Arawak Indian artifacts.
Chamberlain Bridge
The Chamberlain Bridge is a swing bridge located directly in the city center of Bridgetown, Barbados. Named after Joseph Chamberlain, the former British Secretary of State for the Colonies, the bridge was constructed between 1865 and 1872. In 2006, the swing bridge was updated to a lift bridge, although some of the original bridge pieces still exist today. The southern entrance to Chamberlain Bridge is the Independence Arch, a monument celebrating the island’s independence from England’s colonies. Today, the bridge is one of the most popular spots for photographs and family pictures to remember the vacation to Barbados. Located beside the Chamberlain Bridge is a wooden boardwalk full of Bajan souvenir shops and restaurants, which is also part of the area’s charm.
Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill
Although slightly out of the way from the heart of Bridgetown, Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill is an interesting look at both the history of Barbados and how sugar has been traditionally made in the Caribbean. It’s often a stop on a hired island tour, but you will get the most out of your visit to the Mill if you go on your own to the scenic site of the Caribbean’s last remaining wind mill of its kind. Located in St. Andrew’s parish in the Scotland District, there are live demos of how sugar was created when it was run on wind power. These demonstrations happen from December to April, thanks to the Barbados National Trust. The 17th century mill also has amazing views of the island and its surroundings, and is a perfect spot for pictures to brag about when you get home. Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill was listed on the 1996 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund.
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