Barbados
Holidays

Barbados is the Caribbean destination that has it all. A coral island of extraordinary beauty, it combines world-class beaches with a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant food scene, excellent diving and some of the finest hotels in the region. Unlike many Caribbean islands, Barbados has a well-developed tourist infrastructure that makes it easy to explore — but it has never lost the authentic Bajan character that makes it so special.

The west coast — known as the Platinum Coast — is where most visitors head first, and with good reason. The beaches here are among the finest in the Caribbean: calm, sheltered and lined with luxury hotels and resorts. Sandy Lane, the most famous address in Barbados, is here, along with Paynes Bay, Mullins Bay and Batts Rock. The water is a beautiful turquoise and the sand is white and fine.

Bridgetown, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most fascinating cities in the Caribbean. The historic Garrison area, with its 17th-century fortifications and the Kensington Oval cricket ground, is a window into Barbados's colonial past. The city centre has excellent duty-free shopping, the famous Straw Market and some of the best rum bars in the island.

The food scene in Barbados is exceptional. The national dish — flying fish and cou-cou — is served everywhere, from beach shacks to fine-dining restaurants. The Oistins Fish Fry, held every Friday and Saturday evening, is the most authentic Barbadian food experience: fresh fish cooked over open fires, rum punch, live music and a crowd of locals and tourists that perfectly captures the spirit of the island.

The east coast is a completely different world. Facing the open Atlantic, it has dramatic rock formations, crashing waves and a wild, untamed beauty that contrasts sharply with the calm west coast. Bathsheba, with its famous Soup Bowl surf break, is the spiritual home of Barbadian surfing and one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Caribbean.

Inland, Harrison's Cave is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the region — a subterranean wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and underground streams accessible by electric tram. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Welchman Hall Gully and Farley Hill National Park are all worth visiting for a taste of the island's natural beauty.

Flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Bridgetown (Grantley Adams International Airport) take approximately 8–9 hours. We search across Travelpack and JTA Holidays to find you the best deal, with the FIBI discount applied automatically.