Barbados Tourism Guide

2007-11-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Barbados

The Caribbeans most revisited destination... a charismatic island with a unique charm and warmth: with mile after mile of powdery, white sand beaches; a delightful year-round climate of sunshine and sea breezes; acres of verdant, rolling sugar cane fields; exotic botanical gardens; and a rich and fascinating history.

For an island measuring a mere 14x21 miles, Barbados offers visitors a tremendous variety of activities and days can be spent as busy, or as leisurely, as you choose. there is a refreshing mix that goes beyond the usual visitor criteria of 'sun, sea and sand'-scratch the surface and discover a proud heritage and vibrant culture; a fascinating natural environment; and, above all, the special flair of the Bajan people, who are considered the warmest and friendliest in the Caribbean. No wonder Barbados is the Caribbean's most revisited destination.

History & Heritage

In Barbados menu diverse components blend harmoniously to weave the richly tehtured fabric of every day life in the island today. Stability and harmony reign among a diverse "melting pot" population of varied races, religions and creeds.

Orginally inhabited by Amerindians, beforebeing settled by the English in 1627, Barbados is the only Caribbean island which remained constantly under British rule until 1966 when she gained independence. It is no wonder the island is affectionately know as "Little England". Over the course of the last four centuries, historical events and a potent mix of Africaqn, British and other influences have bequeathed a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Barbados owes much of its appealing character to the huge African influence which is clearly evident in the island's music, dance, food and other forms of expression.Bridgetown, which celebrated its 375th anniversary in 2003, is home to the third oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth; a statue of Lord Nelson which pre-dates its counterpart in London's Teafalgar Square by some 30 years; and the 350-year-old Jewish Synagogue,the oldest to be found anywhere in the entire western hemisphere. Interestingly, Barbados is the only place that George Wasgington ever visited outside the United States.

Sun, Sea & Sand

Barbados is naturally blessed with magnificent stretches of sun-drenched, palm-fringed beaches; calm, crystal clear, turquoise water; and a year-round climate that's as close to perfection as you can get.

Surrounded by over 70 miles of glorious, powdery, white sand beaches - from secluded west coast coves lapped by the tranquil waters of the warm Caribbean Sea to the pounding surf of the island's rugged Atlantic coastline, Barbados boats some of the finest beaches in the southern Caribbean!Add to this the idyllic climate, with over 3000 hours of sunshine a year, the constant north-east Trade Winds keeping daytime temperatures between 80-85 degrees fahrenheit, and just enough rainfall to keep things green, and you have all the ingredients that make this magical isle the perfect holiday destination!

Island of festivals

Jazz festival, crop-over festival, hole town festival, oistins fish festival, gospel fest, arts festivals, Celtic festival, cricket festivals and more...

Bajans love to enjoy life and there always seems to be a festive air. There is a festival for everything aqnd everyone, or so it would appear!the year kicks off with the Barbados Jazz Festival, featuring international and local jazz musicians; followed in February by the Holetown Festival to celebrate the arrival of the first settlers in 1627.The end of February sees the Gold Cup Festival of international horse racing and a Broadway show.

March is time for the wonderful Holders Festival, three weeks of opera, music, song and drama at the Holders garden theater, culminating in the gala picnic. The Oistins Fish Festival at Easter time honors the fisher folk of the island.In May, the island plays host to the Celtic Festival, with performances by visiting Celtic groups at locations all over the island. Also in May is Gospel fest, welcoming gospel choirs from around the world. The island's and longest festival, Crop Over, starts in July. Crop-Over is a celebration marking the end of the first Monday in August, 'Grand Kadooment Day', when the streets come alive in a riot of color, with costumed bands of revelers 'jumping-up' to the pulsating sounds of calypso and soda music, in a carnival atmosphere! November brings the National Independence Festival which includes an island wide lighting ceremony. Several sports festivals provide added highlights throughout the year, the Banks International Hockey Festival held in August, with some 70 teams participating from around the world; the Bridge League's 'Sun, Sea & Slams Festival in October; the Sir Garfield Sobers Cricket Festival in July and the national independence Festival of Creative Arts in November..

Weddings made in paradise

The perfect place to combine an island wedding with a romantic honeymoon escape

Planning the wedding of your dreams, or the perfectly romantic honeymoon, can be as easy as saying 'I do'. Barbados has a long tradition of hosting newlyweds and the island can provide all the necessary ingredients to ensure the intimate sojourn you'll always remember with great pleasure. There is no shortage of wedding coordinators on the island, with select hotels providing an on-staff wedding planner or service to assist with the details.Whether it's traditional ceremony in an old country church; a serene beach at sunset; or an intimate gathering on the deck of a yacht under a star glittered sky... choices of romantic settings abound.Recent legislation has eliminated the advance notice requirements to marry on the island, allowing couples to marry as soon as a license is obtained.

Travel Guide

Barbados Tourism Guide