Barbados

Barbados

Posted: Apr 7, 2000 | Updated: Apr 12, 2023

Barbados was inhabited by its indigenous peoples - Arawaks and Caribs - prior to the European colonisation of the Americas in the 16th century.

Barbados was briefly claimed by the Spanish who saw beard like features in the vegetation or maybe the allegedly bearded locals (hence the name Barbados), and then by Portugal from 1532 to 1620. The island was English and later a British colony from 1625 until 1966. From 1966 to 2021, it was a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy until transitioning to a republic.

Barbados has beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and a warm climate as you would expect for an island associated with the Caribbean. Many popular attractions exist on the island as well as tours and boat trips offering amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities including a chance to swim with turtles.

Like rum? Well you will have plenty of chances to develop a taste for it.


The Highlights

  1. Beaches are why many people visit - protected by a coral reef Crane beach is one of the best for swimming.
  2. Garrison Historic Area, preserved historic buildings and used by the British West India Regiment. Leader of the American Revolution, George Washington actually stayed here in 1751.
  3. Animal Flower Cave, a coral cave formed about half a million years ago at sea level and now almost 2m above, with sea anemones, the 'animal flowers'.
  4. Harrison's Cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
  5. Barbados Museum located in the Garrison was a former military prison.
  6. Scams and Annoyances around Swan and Broad Streets are known for their scams and pickpockets, as is St Lawrence Gap.

Travel Barbados

St Lawrence Gap

St Lawrence Gap

St Lawrence Gap

Other Destinations in Americas

After you've experienced my delights or horrors of Barbados, see what the destinations below may have in store for you.

Barbados | Canada | Chile | Dominican Republic | United States |

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