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Barbados

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.

Explore Barbados

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Shark Hole
Well off the beaten track, the pint-sized Shark Hole is one of those special places for which your selfie will not do justice. Down a short flight of…
Miami Beach
A somewhat hidden gem that is the antithesis of its American namesake. Small, shady and intimate, it's well removed from the often frenetic south-coast…
Parliament Buildings
On the north side of National Heroes Sq are two stone-block, neo-Gothic-style buildings constructed in 1871. The western building with the clock tower…
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St Nicholas Abbey
St Nicholas Abbey is a Jacobean-style mansion that is one of the oldest plantation houses in the Caribbean and a must-see stop on any island itinerary…
B
Bottom Bay
On an island blessed with beautiful stretches of sand, Bottom Bay is up there with the best. With translucent turquoise waters framed by rocks and…
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Rockley Beach
The largest beach in the area, Rockley is a picture-perfect crescent of sand. Backed by shade trees, there’s moderate surf. The new boardwalk allows you…
H
Hunte's Gardens
These gardens at the home of famed local horticulturalist Anthony Hunte already have a magical aura. Set mostly within the confines of a collapsed cave,…
A
Animal Flower Cave
At the northern tip of the island, near where the Caribbean and Atlantic meet, you'll find this large waterside cave carved into a cliff face. It is…
P
Pebbles Beach
Running between two high-end hotels, this lovely stretch of sand is really just an extension of Brownes Beach. It has soft sands and calm waters and is…

S
Shark Hole
Well off the beaten track, the pint-sized Shark Hole is one of those special places for which your selfie will not do justice. Down a short flight of…
Miami Beach
A somewhat hidden gem that is the antithesis of its American namesake. Small, shady and intimate, it's well removed from the often frenetic south-coast…
Parliament Buildings
On the north side of National Heroes Sq are two stone-block, neo-Gothic-style buildings constructed in 1871. The western building with the clock tower…
S
St Nicholas Abbey
St Nicholas Abbey is a Jacobean-style mansion that is one of the oldest plantation houses in the Caribbean and a must-see stop on any island itinerary…
B
Bottom Bay
On an island blessed with beautiful stretches of sand, Bottom Bay is up there with the best. With translucent turquoise waters framed by rocks and…
R
Rockley Beach
The largest beach in the area, Rockley is a picture-perfect crescent of sand. Backed by shade trees, there’s moderate surf. The new boardwalk allows you…
H
Hunte's Gardens
These gardens at the home of famed local horticulturalist Anthony Hunte already have a magical aura. Set mostly within the confines of a collapsed cave,…
A
Animal Flower Cave
At the northern tip of the island, near where the Caribbean and Atlantic meet, you'll find this large waterside cave carved into a cliff face. It is…
P
Pebbles Beach
Running between two high-end hotels, this lovely stretch of sand is really just an extension of Brownes Beach. It has soft sands and calm waters and is…

Latest Stories from Barbados

Hiking
The 6 best hikes in Barbados
Nov 18, 2022 • 7 min read
The best hiking in Barbados is found amongst the rugged nature of the eastern and northern reaches of the island. These are our favorites.
Beaches
14 of the best beaches in Barbados
Nov 15, 2022 • 8 min read
With stunning beaches spread all around its tropical shores, Barbados has sand to spare. Here's our pick of the island's most idyllic stretches of sand.
Tips & Advice
What to eat and drink in Barbados
Oct 17, 2022 • 6 min read
From tiny waterside shacks selling fried fish to elegant restaurants overlooking tranquil ports, the food in Barbados is reason enough to leave the beach.
Hiking
The best parks and gardens in Barbados for soaking up the tropical air
Jun 24, 2022 • 7 min read
Barbados saw its jungles replaced by sugar plantations in colonial times, but some lush green spaces remain. Here's a guide to the best parks and gardens.
Tips & Advice
Applications are open for remote workers who want to move to Barbados for a year
Jul 24, 2020 • 2 min read
For many people the shift to remote working is becoming permanent because of the coronavirus. Which is all well and good if you have the means to work…
Cocktails
Barbados rum shops: exploring this Caribbean island's wet history
Oct 14, 2019 • 4 min read
Surviving for over 300 years, Barbados rum shops are an integral part of Bajan history and culture today.
Wildlife & Nature
How your vacation can help save sea turtles in the Caribbean
Oct 2, 2019 • 4 min read
Conservation efforts by a slew of resorts throughout the Caribbean have helped increase sea turtle populations.
Hiking
Southern Caribbean adventures: three islands, three ways
Nov 15, 2018 • 6 min read
Lounging beachside with a frosty cocktail is a Caribbean essential, but there are lots of adventurous alternatives if you want to get active. Down toward…
Food
Get cultured in Bridgetown: 8 ways to explore Barbados' historic capital
Jun 26, 2018 • 10 min read
It’s easy to see why Bridgetown is a popular cruise stop. The Careenage is an Instagram-worthy scene of bridges and a boardwalk running along a river…
Beaches
The Caribbean destination that leaves travellers more satisfied than anywhere else in the world
Mar 19, 2018 • 1 min read
If you need your next holiday to be an absolute hit, consider travelling to the Caribbean island that leaves visitors more satisfied than any other…
Beaches
Surprise! Everyone can explore a more accessible Caribbean
Jul 7, 2017 • 5 min read
Imagine dipping your feet into crystal clear waters along miles of golden sands, hearing your own breathing as you scuba dive, and seeing the sparkle of…
Food
Barbados for rum drinkers
Dec 28, 2015 • 5 min read
'There’s a time and a place’ goes the slogan for Mount Gay Rum, and nowhere is the phrase more apt than the home of the world’s oldest commercial rum…
Food
Mini guide to Barbados
Feb 1, 2011 • 4 min read
The very mention of Barbados makes you mentally float away to the sounds of gentle waves and clinking glasses, right? In this excerpt from Lonely Planet…

Planning Toolkit

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Everything you need to know about services, requirements, and the application process when traveling internationally.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Everything you need to know about services, requirements, and the application process when traveling internationally.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Barbados.

See
Shark Hole
Well off the beaten track, the pint-sized Shark Hole is one of those special places for which your selfie will not do justice. Down a short flight of…
See
Miami Beach
A somewhat hidden gem that is the antithesis of its American namesake. Small, shady and intimate, it's well removed from the often frenetic south-coast…
See
Parliament Buildings
On the north side of National Heroes Sq are two stone-block, neo-Gothic-style buildings constructed in 1871. The western building with the clock tower…
See
St Nicholas Abbey
St Nicholas Abbey is a Jacobean-style mansion that is one of the oldest plantation houses in the Caribbean and a must-see stop on any island itinerary…
See
Bottom Bay
On an island blessed with beautiful stretches of sand, Bottom Bay is up there with the best. With translucent turquoise waters framed by rocks and…
See
Rockley Beach
The largest beach in the area, Rockley is a picture-perfect crescent of sand. Backed by shade trees, there’s moderate surf. The new boardwalk allows you…
See
Hunte's Gardens
These gardens at the home of famed local horticulturalist Anthony Hunte already have a magical aura. Set mostly within the confines of a collapsed cave,…
See
Animal Flower Cave
At the northern tip of the island, near where the Caribbean and Atlantic meet, you'll find this large waterside cave carved into a cliff face. It is…
See
Pebbles Beach
Running between two high-end hotels, this lovely stretch of sand is really just an extension of Brownes Beach. It has soft sands and calm waters and is…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Barbados

Ready to go? Get to the heart of Barbados with one of Lonely Planet's in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.