10 Reasons Why You Want to Vacation to Barbados!

When you think of a sunny Caribbean holiday, Barbados might not immediately spring to mind because it sounds so far away. That's about to change, because KLM now flies directly to this tropical island! And this island has so much more to offer than just pearly white sandy beaches. From the chic beaches and villas of the west coast to the vibrant nightlife of the south coast and the unspoiled tranquility of the east coast. Although Barbados isn't a large island, it's incredibly diverse and there's plenty to do. Did you know, for example, that there are almost 113 kilometers of beaches to relax on? From the annual carnival to lavish dining at top restaurants and from snorkeling with turtles to visiting the local market in the capital, Bridgetown. If we're going to seek out some (winter) sun next year, I'll be putting Barbados high on my bucket list. In this article, I'll share some travel tips for Barbados!

| TIP: also check out a fully catered 9-day luxury trip to Barbados here >>

| HOW TO GET TO BARBADOS: With KLM, you fly directly from Schiphol to Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. For more information and the flight schedule, visit klm.nl >> Prefer a package holiday for a carefree vacation? Find inspiration at beleefbarbados.nl >>

10 Barbados Vacation Tips Everyone Wants to Know

Go snorkeling with turtles

Anyone who has ever spotted sea turtles while snorkeling knows that this is one of the most magical experiences you can have. On Barbados, you have a chance to spot sea turtles all year round, so I would say: definitely pack your snorkeling gear! Ask your hotel what the best spots on the island are to spot them. The locals can certainly tell you! Well-known places to spot turtles include: Carlisle Bay, Holetown, Dover Beach, and Drill Hall. Also fun: many hotels offer water sports activities as part of their program. And if you prefer to travel light, they often have snorkeling gear you can borrow or rent. More info >>

Sea turtles in Barbados

enjoy the most beautiful and nicest beaches of Barbados

As I mentioned before, there's no shortage of beautiful beaches in Barbados. For example, head to Bottom Bay, Shark Hole, Bath Beach, Pebbles Beach, Gibbes Beach, Folkestone Beach, Brownes Beach, Accra Beach, Brandons Beach, Miami Beach (also great for families), and Carlisle Bay (perfect for diving). When booking your hotel, check whether you'll be right on the beach or not for a relaxing holiday with a sea view. Renting a car and exploring a different bay every day is also an option. Some beaches are lesser-known and more remote because there are no large hotels. Especially if you go early, you'll have the whole paradise to yourself!

Pearly white beaches in Barbados

Visit the Harrison Caves

One of Barbados's most popular attractions is the Harrison Caves, located in the center of the island. To visit these caves, you can easily book a tour from your hotel. You'll then take a tram into the caves to admire the stalagmites and stalactites. Besides the cave itself, there's also a nature trail where you can spot various birds.

Harrison Caves

Try a tasting at Mount Gay Rum Distillery

Say Barbados, and you say rum! Rum was invented in Barbados, so it's no wonder the island's most delicious cocktails are made with it. At Mount Gay Rum, where rum has been produced since 1703, you can enjoy a fun tasting. You'll not only learn all about the rum-making process but also sample rum from different aging periods. Want to learn how to make the best cocktails with rum? Then take a cocktail workshop at Mount Gay, and you can reminisce about your vacation with a cocktail evening at home!

Mount Gay

Take a trip on a catamaran

You can't make me happier than on the water. Especially when the water is as beautiful turquoise as in Barbados, and you have the opportunity to snorkel during a catamaran sailing trip. Or are you more of a "TEAM sunset with a delicious cocktail in hand" type? That's possible in Barbados too! The catamaran excursions you can book in Barbados are all-inclusive, with delicious food and drinks, as well as snorkel gear for the stops along the way.

Barbados is even more beautiful from the water

Wander through colorful Bridgetown

Of course, a visit to the capital of Barbados is a must! Some highlights you shouldn't miss during a walk include historical sites such as St. Mary's Church, The Jewish Synagogue, St. Michael's Cathedral, Queen's Park, and Heroes Square. If you are interested in the island's rich history, a visit to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society is essential. This is also located near the UNESCO heritage site “The Garrison”. From Monday to Saturday, a must-see attraction in Bridgetown is the local market: Cheapside Market. Meet the friendly locals and stroll along the colorful stalls selling fruit and vegetables, as well as local crafts such as jewelry. I never skip the local market during my travels, so I am definitely putting this on my bucket list for when I go to Barbados! Would you rather go out with a guide? Then the Lickrish Food Tour is highly recommended. During this food tour, you head out with a local and sample the tastiest street food along the way. More tips for Bridgetown >>

Discover Bridgetown

Stroll along The Richard Haynes Boardwalk

Take a stroll along the 1,6-kilometer-long "The Richard Haynes Boardwalk," also known as the "Barbados Boardwalk," which runs between Camelot and lively Rockely Beach. Along the way, you'll pass several restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal and a drink, and you'll stroll along the azure blue sea. This is also a wonderful walk for parents with young children, as the boardwalk is stroller-friendly.

Walking the Boardwalk in Barbados

Go to the viewpoint on Mount Hillaby

At 340 meters, Mount Hillaby is the island's highest peak. From here, you have breathtaking views of the entire island in clear weather. Perhaps you're planning a private tour of the island or renting a car? Then Mount Hillaby is definitely a stop to add to your day trip! You can drive almost all the way to the top, so a strenuous hike isn't necessary to enjoy the stunning views. This part of the island is also known as the "Red Clay District." Along the way, you'll pass several craft shops where you can buy pottery from local artisans.

  | TIP: Another great viewpoint is Lighthouse East.

Lighthouse East

Marvel at Hunte's Garden

In the center of the island, Hunte's Garden is an exotic botanical garden where you can marvel at the most beautiful flowers and plants. A visit is perfect combined with, for example, Harrison's Caves. Once a sugarcane plantation, in the 1950s, horticulturist Anthony Hunter transformed the gully into a tropical garden. After your visit, you can enjoy a drink on the veranda with a delicious slice of homemade carrot cake.

Spotting monkeys at Hunte's Garden

Go kayaking or diving over a shipwreck

This seems so magical to me! Shipwrecks lie on the reef in several places off the coast of Barbados. Various tours allow you to kayak above some of them while you see the sunken ships below you in the crystal-clear water. It seems truly special, so I'm definitely adding this—along with all the other tips from this new guide—to my bucket list for my first vacation to Barbados! Also cool: if you're certified, you can also dive at the shipwrecks.

wreck diving in Barbados

Completely carefree enjoyment in Barbados

Have fun planning your vacation to Barbados. You can explore Barbados perfectly during a 9-day trip (including flight days). What do you think of the itinerary below, for example?

• Day 1: Flight with KLM to Barbados and private transfer to your hotel
• Day 2: Visit Bridgetown and its UNESCO Heritage with a private guide
• Day 3: Cruise along the beautiful coast and lunch on the beach
• Day 4: Swimming with sea turtles on a private tour
• Day 5-7: Experience the beauty of the island or dive into the turquoise sea, including 1 hour of snorkeling
• Day 8: Private transfer to the airport and departure with KLM flight from Barbados
• Day 9: Arrival in the Netherlands

View the full itinerary and rates at beleefbarbados.nl >>

Tip the editors

Do you have a great tip for Barbados? Let us know via the TIP THE EDITORS button!

 Tip the editors

AMSTERDAM UPDATES

Sign up for the newsletter and receive the new AMSTERDAM BUCKETLIST BOOK for free.

* " indicates required fields

Phone number

This field is intended for validation purposes and should not be changed.

First name*

Email address*

Sign me up >