Travel Guides: All Countries / Caribbean / Barbados
 |  | Destination Guide : Barbados |
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| | | Tropical island living |  | Why go on holiday to Barbados?
Barbados has everything a holidaymaker could expect from a tropical island. Miles of white sandy beaches, the calm Caribbean, the dramatic Atlantic, a lush interior, bustling nightlife and spicy local food.
How much does it cost?
All-inclusive holidays are very popular. Prices do vary quite considerably but expect to pay from about £750 upwards a week. Flights only can be bought from about £350. If you turn up with nowhere to stay, the tourist office at the airport can almost certainly find you somewhere in whatever price range you choose.
When should I go?
Barbados is a year-round destination. Christmas and New Year are relatively rain-free and therefore the most popular. Temperatures range from 70F-83F (21C-28C).
February and May are the driest months and July is the wettest with an average of 18 days rain.
However, it's worth visiting in July to witness the colourful Crop-Over Festival which marks the end of the sugarcane harvest. It starts mid-July and continues for three weeks.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to the Caribbean here.
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| | | Pink-tinged sand |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Lie around on the west coast beaches and enjoy the white sand and turquoise water. Favourite spots include Paynes Bay, Sandy Bay and Mullins Bay.
Beaches on the south-east side are a bit rough for swimming, but still worth a visit - especially Crane Beach, which has pink-tinged sand.
What if I get bored with the beach?
You could have a go at some of the various watersports on offer. Snorkelling and diving off the west coast are very popular as there are coral reefs and a dozen shipwrecks which you can explore.
Barbados has very good windsurfing conditions. If you fancy it, head for Maxwell, or the Silver Sands area - you can rent equipment when you arrive.
The east coast is where surfers hang out, especially near Bathsheba, and the west and south coasts have surfable waves as well.
Any other activities on offer?
The Barbados National Trust organises hikes around the island every Sunday (call 426 2421 for details) and a couple of riding stables near Mullins Bay offer one-hour horseback rides. Golf and tennis players are also well catered-for.
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| | | Reggae and calypso | | Where's good for nightlife?
The best area for nightlife is the south coast around the capital Bridgetown. Most clubs stay open until 3am and the music is a mixture of reggae, calypso and rock.
Harbour Lights is an open-air nightclub on Bay Street south of Bridgetown which has live bands on most nights and is gay-friendly. Waterfront Cafe at the Careenage in Bridgetown has live steel pan music or jazz, depending on which night you go.
What's the food like?
You can get almost any food you fancy in Barbados, from traditional British fare for the unadventurous to fine continental cuisine.
But no trip to this island would be complete without sampling some of the local food which borrows from Africa and India and consists of bizarre-sounding delights.
Try conkies (steamed coconut, cornmeal, pumpkin and spice), jug-jug (cornmeal, peas and salted meat) and pigeon peas.
What should I buy?
The main shopping areas are in Bridgetown, namely The Women's Self-Help Association on Broad Street where you can buy crafts and handmade dolls, and the Verandah Art Gallery directly above which sells paintings, prints and cards by local artists.
You can shop duty-free at Cave Shepherd, the island's largest department store chain, also on Broad Street. Locally-made hot pepper sauce makes an unusual souvenir, as does a box of frozen flying fish from the airport.
What is there for children to do?
Many hotels have "Kids' Clubs"; there are the beaches, of course; and a couple of wildlife reserves which are popular with children.
Kids also love the submarine trip which leaves from Water Harbour in Bridgetown and takes you out to sea among the shipwrecks, fish and turtles.
Tourist office
Barbados Tourism Authority, 263 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7LA. Tel. 020 7636 9448.
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| | Available rental properties in Barbados |
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| |  | | 619 Club Rockley Golf Resort
This lovely Garden View Studio is located on the picturesque Club Rockley Golf Resort on Barbados' South Coast near beaches, pubs, shops and more.
|  | | 611 Club Rockley Golf Resort
This lovely Garden View 1 bedroom is located on the picturesque Club Rockley Golf Resort on Barbados' South Coast near beaches, pubs, shops and more.
|  | | Affinity Villas
Tastefully refurbished 2 bedroomed villa in a tranquil location with spacious garden and pool. Excellent location close to beach, attractions and amenities
|  | | Affinity Villas
Tastefully refurbished 2 bedroomed villa in a tranquil location with spacious garden and pool. Excellent location close to beach, attractions and amenities
|  | | Affinity Villas
Tastefully refurbished 1 bedroom villa in a tranquil location with spacious garden and pool. Excellent location close to beach, attractions and amenities
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