This former British colony has more to offer than it meets the eye. It has its fair share of beautiful beaches like the most countries hailing from the Caribbean. So, expect an experience that constitutes adventure and things alike. This tiny island is stretched up to 166 sq. miles in total but has a heart that throbs for its tourists. Barbados leaves you with a spectacular view that even your eye can’t get over with. The crashing waves, rugged coastline and its intricately shelved mountain exteriors make this place a haven for adventure seekers.
Amongst its majesty, you can find exquisite Barbados rental properties that are close to these areas of interest. It also offers you with various authentic gourmet restaurants and a nightlife you’ve seen in fiction. The golden coast that is towards the west is infamous for the ones who like to party. It doesn’t matter whether you are a history enthusiast or a foodie, this place has everything that one can like in spite of the range of preferences one might have.
1. BARBADOS MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Start your day with a visit to its historic Bridgetown (one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites). This town has entertained tourists coming from every place, mostly because of the Barbados Museum. The museum is inside an old colonial-era building that once used to a British prison. So, one can figure the amount of historical value it has, and the things that you can learn from this place. Get a tour guide who will introduce you to the various events that unfolded itself back in the colonial days. Apart from the artefacts, this place has a collection that shows its natural history with a display that shows the island’s coral structure and also having artefacts that belong to the Amerindian inhabitants. This place is also kid friendly since it allows the children to have an interactive experience which has various educational values.
2. ANDROMEDA BOTANIC GARDENS
This 6.5 acre of land is overseen by the natural trust of Barbados. Established a few decades back, this place was founded by the famous horticulturalist Iris Bannochie. She has been one of the most significant figures in the history of horticulture and has also been awarded accolades from all over the world. Her garden has sheltered over 600 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants and is spread along the walking trails. Most of these were either collected by her or were given to her as a gift. The most intriguing place that this place has is its flower forest which now rests on a former sugar plantation. With towering rainforest combined with being a botanical garden, this place has to be one of the many splendours that Barbados has to offer.
3. BARBADOS WILDLIFE RESERVE
This reserve is a 4-acre haven for which was originally founded by the ones who are responsible for preserving the green monkeys. These monkeys were brought in to the Island during the 17th century. Different primate roams around this place but isn’t the only species that are there in this reserve, like Cuban Rock Iguanas, Red Brockets, Red Footed Tortoise and Patagonian Maras. Your entry fee will also allow you to visit the signal station and grenade hall forest. After the closing down of Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, this has to be the most relaxing natural retreats in this island.
4. CROP OVER FESTIVAL
It is safe to say that we are all aware of the term “Mardi Gras”. Crop Over is the Mardi Gras equivalent here in Barbados which celebrates the harvesting season and has been going on since the times of slavery. Over the years, this festival has transformed itself into something more enigmatic, but the traditions never changed since it was all about untethered celebration. A competition is also held for the title of Calypso Monarch Titles where bands wearing colourful clothes perform to win. It is a grand event which starts from June and lasts till the first week of August. It culminated into a large nationwide holiday which is also known as Grand Kadooment. The streets are filled with everything festive, songs float over the air and fireworks keep the sky bright for the rest of the night.
5. HARRISON’S CAVE
This cave has been re-opened after it was extensively renovated for some years. This cave has a very solid global impression that makes tourists visit from all around the globe. The tour starts at the reception centre where you can either choose to traverse by the glass-fronted elevator or take the usual scenic trail. They also have a short video that will brief you about the cave. After that short briefing, you will be taken on a 45 min long trail by a tram. This place is filled with incredible stalactites and stalagmites with various flowstone formations.
6. OISTINS
Like it was already mentioned before, this place is very popular among the party goers. You will be greeted by everyone with a smile while you take a stroll along the beach town. You can also experience some of the best BBQ fishes from the shacks that are scattered around this place. You can also experience other native cuisines here too, so there aren’t any limitations as such. Families often visit this place early but there’s a lot of singing and dancing during the morning as well. This should be a perfect spot for anyone wanting to have a vivid nightlife.
7. SEA TURTLES
Imagine swimming along with the greenback sea turtles while seeing everything from fishes to even small indentions on the sea floor. You can always take a 5-hour tour or drive around and explore while swimming in the crystal clear water.
This comprehensive list will give you an idea about this place along with the activities you can partake. Even though this place doesn’t constitute half of the activities that go on, it surely will help understand or get a glimpse of what can be experienced here at Barbados. So, don’t forget to do something other than the ones you see from the surface because there is always more than it meets the eye.