Heart-stopping beaches, scenic seaside villages, vibrant towns with beautiful colonial houses, idyllic landscapes, lush forests, charming bays, natural parks that can cut the air off your lungs with their unique allure, and a fascinating aquatic cosmos are just some of the things that can make you fall in love with Barbados. Of the myriad places to visit, though, some definitely stand out and reward visitors for every second of their time invested in visiting them!
Maycocks Bay – A Dreamland for Adventure Seekers
Sitting patiently in the northern part of Barbados, this airbrushed bay area belongs to the Saint Lucy parish and is a beloved dive spot, especially among shipwreck diving enthusiasts. Indeed, the Pamir, a 169-metre-long boat, lies peacefully just outside Maycocks Bay, surrounded by a sea brimming with various schools of fish and even whales and sharks.
Besides diving and snorkelling, though, Maycocks Bay is worth exploring for the wavy waters that make it ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing, kiteboarding, and other similar water activities. However, you may want to add this destination to your travel itinerary for the enchanting seascapes, the serenity exuded from every speck of sand here, and the golden sandy shores of nearby River Bay.
Martin’s Bay – A Popular Caribbean Gateway
A tiny fishing village on the eastern Barbados coast that welcomes visitors and locals alike with a unique landscape featuring shallow reefs being chiselled by the waves, creating beautiful small ponds along the sea.
This tranquil spot within the Saint John parish is a favourite meeting point for local fishermen who come here to catch lobsters, which usually prefer the rock formations in the specific area. Another activity you can try is climbing onto the cliffs. In this case, get yourself a pat on the back for your endeavour after you lay eyes on the idyllic views of the southern coast that open up from atop the cliffs. Or you could consider hiking all the way to Bath beach through the secluded old train line and watch one of the most romantic sunsets. And, don’t leave without spoiling your palate with the delicious sweet potatoes, rice and peas, snappers, and seafood served at places like Martin’s Bay or Bay Tavern Restaurant!
The Beaches of Carlisle Bay – Exclusivity and Exquisiteness
This particular bay is one of the most scenic places in Barbados, nestled on the edge of the bustling capital, Bridgetown. Adorned with long stretches of transparent, turquoise waters and blond beaches, it is, hands down, an inviting area to enjoy the sun and the sea.
Some of the most exquisite beaches worth your time around Carlisle Bay are Pebble Beach, Bayshore Beach, and Brownes Beach – all impressive in their own special way. Come early in the morning, and fill your heart with the unbeatable tranquillity emitted from these shores. Or rent a paddleboard and explore the pristine waters. Or simply take a rejuvenating dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim.
Chances are you will also get the opportunity to see racehorses having their morning bath in the ocean! In the evening, the scenery changes, though, and becomes even more magical, with amazing sunset views and the star-lit sky reflecting in the sea.
Downtown Bridgetown – A Time Travel in History’s Paths
As expected, the lively capital is home to the majority of local attractions and a fantastic place to hang around, have a meal, shop, or go sightseeing. Some of the landmarks within close proximity are the iconic National Heroes Square, the Clock Tower, and, of course, the Parliament Buildings, which you will easily identify by the imposing neo-Gothic style architecture.
Right across the street is the spellbinding Chamberlain Bridge, which will grant you with superb vistas over The Careenage (aka the Constitution River). From there, you can see elegant yachts having dropped anchor next to the colourful buildings-lined waterway by the waterside.
Queen’s Park and its millennia-old baobab tree, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, and the Nidhe Israel Synagogue are all nearby landmarks, along with George Washington House, the Barbados Museum, the Guard House, and the Garrison Tunnels, all in the Garrison Historic Area,
Oistins on a Friday for a Fish Fry Evening
Oistins is a small, charming, fishing village in Barbados that becomes the pole of attraction for thousands of people, locals and tourists alike, at least, every Friday, due to the Oistins’ Friday Fish Fry. It is a local type of celebration where fried fish is the star.
Once here, you will see an amazing plethora of locally caught fish being grilled by dozens of vendors, accompanied by an impressive array of side dishes. In this lively and utterly celebratory atmosphere, get your seat at a plastic or picnic table under a tent and enjoy not only the taste bud-gratifying food but also the heart-stopping ocean views. The event starts at around 6 pm and lasts until the late evening hours.
Farley Hill National Park – A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Farley Hill is a beautiful house sitting on 17-acre land (around 68.800 square metres) that is believed to have been built in the early 1900s. Until 1940, it was a glorious residence, but was, unfortunately, left to decay a few years later for unknown reasons. However, it was chosen as a filming set and was restored around 1955. But, it seems that it would not escape its ill-destined fate yet as it was destroyed in a fire because of the inflammable materials used during the filming of the movie.
In 1965, though, the Barbados government acquired it and turned it into a national park! Today, it is home to green monkeys, mahogany trees, a beautiful garden, vines, and lovely areas to relax and unwind featuring picnic tables and benches. And, although the house itself is fenced off, you can still get glimpses into its interior arches and admire its splendour.
Other Areas Worth Visiting
Folkestone Marine Park & Museum (Holetown) - A multi-purpose park that invites visitors to water sports adventures and fun beach time. Inshore reefs, a sunken ship half-mile off shore, children’s playgrounds, picnic tables, tennis courts, a museum featuring aquariums and exhibits, and an amazing beachfront boardwalk come to complete the picture.
Flower Forest (central Barbados) – Perched atop a hill, this 53-acre (0.21 square kilometres) forest is home to tree-line walking trails, colourful flowering plants, blooming nature, shaded resting places with wooden benches, and magnificent ocean views.
Sunbury Plantation Great House – A lovely 1660s plantation mansion that enables visitors to get glances of the life of early settlers. Serving as a museum, it has undergone major renovations to refurbish the gardens and the 200-year-old bricks of the walkway and the parking area. Expect lots of historical artefacts spread across the main building and land, including horse-drawn carriages and mahogany furniture.
Richard Haynes Boardwalk (Hastings Rocks) – A 1.6-kilometre (nearly one mile) boardwalk running along stretches of fine sand and gorgeous beaches, which is perfect for things like swimming, strolling, and tasting seafood next to the beach.
Hunte’s Gardens – A masterpiece that includes winding walkways, terraced slopes, lush grounds, open sunlit spaces, shaded areas, huge palm trees, and a wide range of exotic and rare plants (also animals and birds).
Heart-stopping beaches, scenic seaside villages, vibrant towns with beautiful colonial houses, idyllic landscapes, lush forests, charming bays, natural parks that can cut the air off your lungs with their unique allure, and a fascinating aquatic cosmos are just some of the things that can make you fall in love with Barbados. Of the myriad places to visit, though, some definitely stand out and reward visitors for every second of their time invested in visiting them!
Maycocks Bay – A Dreamland for Adventure Seekers
Sitting patiently in the northern part of Barbados, this airbrushed bay area belongs to the Saint Lucy parish and is a beloved dive spot, especially among shipwreck diving enthusiasts. Indeed, the Pamir, a 169-metre-long boat, lies peacefully just outside Maycocks Bay, surrounded by a sea brimming with various schools of fish and even whales and sharks.
Besides diving and snorkelling, though, Maycocks Bay is worth exploring for the wavy waters that make it ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing, kiteboarding, and other similar water activities. However, you may want to add this destination to your travel itinerary for the enchanting seascapes, the serenity exuded from every speck of sand here, and the golden sandy shores of nearby River Bay.
Martin’s Bay – A Popular Caribbean Gateway
A tiny fishing village on the eastern Barbados coast that welcomes visitors and locals alike with a unique landscape featuring shallow reefs being chiselled by the waves, creating beautiful small ponds along the sea.
This tranquil spot within the Saint John parish is a favourite meeting point for local fishermen who come here to catch lobsters, which usually prefer the rock formations in the specific area. Another activity you can try is climbing onto the cliffs. In this case, get yourself a pat on the back for your endeavour after you lay eyes on the idyllic views of the southern coast that open up from atop the cliffs. Or you could consider hiking all the way to Bath beach through the secluded old train line and watch one of the most romantic sunsets. And, don’t leave without spoiling your palate with the delicious sweet potatoes, rice and peas, snappers, and seafood served at places like Martin’s Bay or Bay Tavern Restaurant!
The Beaches of Carlisle Bay – Exclusivity and Exquisiteness
This particular bay is one of the most scenic places in Barbados, nestled on the edge of the bustling capital, Bridgetown. Adorned with long stretches of transparent, turquoise waters and blond beaches, it is, hands down, an inviting area to enjoy the sun and the sea.
Some of the most exquisite beaches worth your time around Carlisle Bay are Pebble Beach, Bayshore Beach, and Brownes Beach – all impressive in their own special way. Come early in the morning, and fill your heart with the unbeatable tranquillity emitted from these shores. Or rent a paddleboard and explore the pristine waters. Or simply take a rejuvenating dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim.
Chances are you will also get the opportunity to see racehorses having their morning bath in the ocean! In the evening, the scenery changes, though, and becomes even more magical, with amazing sunset views and the star-lit sky reflecting in the sea.
Downtown Bridgetown – A Time Travel in History’s Paths
As expected, the lively capital is home to the majority of local attractions and a fantastic place to hang around, have a meal, shop, or go sightseeing. Some of the landmarks within close proximity are the iconic National Heroes Square, the Clock Tower, and, of course, the Parliament Buildings, which you will easily identify by the imposing neo-Gothic style architecture.
Right across the street is the spellbinding Chamberlain Bridge, which will grant you with superb vistas over The Careenage (aka the Constitution River). From there, you can see elegant yachts having dropped anchor next to the colourful buildings-lined waterway by the waterside.
Queen’s Park and its millennia-old baobab tree, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, and the Nidhe Israel Synagogue are all nearby landmarks, along with George Washington House, the Barbados Museum, the Guard House, and the Garrison Tunnels, all in the Garrison Historic Area,
Oistins on a Friday for a Fish Fry Evening
Oistins is a small, charming, fishing village in Barbados that becomes the pole of attraction for thousands of people, locals and tourists alike, at least, every Friday, due to the Oistins’ Friday Fish Fry. It is a local type of celebration where fried fish is the star.
Once here, you will see an amazing plethora of locally caught fish being grilled by dozens of vendors, accompanied by an impressive array of side dishes. In this lively and utterly celebratory atmosphere, get your seat at a plastic or picnic table under a tent and enjoy not only the taste bud-gratifying food but also the heart-stopping ocean views. The event starts at around 6 pm and lasts until the late evening hours.
Farley Hill National Park – A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Farley Hill is a beautiful house sitting on 17-acre land (around 68.800 square metres) that is believed to have been built in the early 1900s. Until 1940, it was a glorious residence, but was, unfortunately, left to decay a few years later for unknown reasons. However, it was chosen as a filming set and was restored around 1955. But, it seems that it would not escape its ill-destined fate yet as it was destroyed in a fire because of the inflammable materials used during the filming of the movie.
In 1965, though, the Barbados government acquired it and turned it into a national park! Today, it is home to green monkeys, mahogany trees, a beautiful garden, vines, and lovely areas to relax and unwind featuring picnic tables and benches. And, although the house itself is fenced off, you can still get glimpses into its interior arches and admire its splendour.
Other Areas Worth Visiting
Folkestone Marine Park & Museum (Holetown) - A multi-purpose park that invites visitors to water sports adventures and fun beach time. Inshore reefs, a sunken ship half-mile off shore, children’s playgrounds, picnic tables, tennis courts, a museum featuring aquariums and exhibits, and an amazing beachfront boardwalk come to complete the picture.
Flower Forest (central Barbados) – Perched atop a hill, this 53-acre (0.21 square kilometres) forest is home to tree-line walking trails, colourful flowering plants, blooming nature, shaded resting places with wooden benches, and magnificent ocean views.
Sunbury Plantation Great House – A lovely 1660s plantation mansion that enables visitors to get glances of the life of early settlers. Serving as a museum, it has undergone major renovations to refurbish the gardens and the 200-year-old bricks of the walkway and the parking area. Expect lots of historical artefacts spread across the main building and land, including horse-drawn carriages and mahogany furniture.
Richard Haynes Boardwalk (Hastings Rocks) – A 1.6-kilometre (nearly one mile) boardwalk running along stretches of fine sand and gorgeous beaches, which is perfect for things like swimming, strolling, and tasting seafood next to the beach.
Hunte’s Gardens – A masterpiece that includes winding walkways, terraced slopes, lush grounds, open sunlit spaces, shaded areas, huge palm trees, and a wide range of exotic and rare plants (also animals and birds).