Looking for an ocean paradise, white sand beaches and plenty of rum to sample? Barbados has a lot for you to explore.
Destination highlights
White sandy beaches
The birthplace of rum
Year-round high temperatures
A surfing, snorkelling and diving paradise
What are the best beaches in Barbados?
White sands. Blue waters. Palm trees swaying. Barbados is world-famous for its fifty-seven beaches. From surfing to sunbathing, Barbados holidays have a beach for everyone.
Carlisle Bay – famed for having some of the most spectacular diving spots in the Caribbean.
Mullins Beach – home to golden sands and unbeatable sunsets.
Bathsheba Beach – a wild stretch of coast which makes for a surfer’s paradise.
Bottom Bay Beach – feel a world away from home on one of the most secluded beaches in Barbados.
Brownes Beach – one of the largest white-sand beaches on the island.
Silver Sands Beach – packed with exhilarating watersports to get your blood pumping.
Gibbes Beach – blessed with soft, white sands and vividly blue waters.
Alleynes Bay – beer on tap, cocktails and a good time - need we say more?
What are the top hotels in Barbados?
From boutique and quirky to lavish and luxurious, Barbados has a hotel for every occasion. Check out these homes away from home for 2022 holidays to Barbados:
Sandals Royal Barbados - indulge in the spa, swim in the infinity pool or sip a cocktail on the rooftop at this All Inclusive adults-only resort.
Little Good Harbour- a charming, family-run hotel with two pools, cottage-like suites and a beachfront restaurant.
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion - a five-star hotel perched on a white-sand beach, with guestrooms facing the ocean.
Bougainvillea Barbados - draped in bougainvillea and packed with facilities, a great pick for family holidays. Plus, children under 16 stay free!
Waves Hotel and Spa - unwind in the luxury spa with eight treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, or look out onto Saint James’ beach from the comfort of your room!
Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels - a family-friendly, beachfront hotel with multiple pools, a children’s splash pool, a kids club and plenty of activities on offer.
Ah, Barbados weather! A sizzling dream of Caribbean sunshine, where temperatures are happy to flirt between 26-30°C all year round. Imagine this: you, with your toes in white sands, soaking up the sun while the turquoise sea whispers sweet nothings to the shore. Sounds like a bit of paradise, right?
But, the weather in Barbados is more than just a sun-kissed affair. It's got a dramatic side too. From June to November, the island slips into its rainy season. But don't worry, it’s not all gloom and doom. These tropical showers usually come for a quick hello and leave just as fast, leaving behind a landscape so lush, you'll think you've stepped into a postcard.
Between December and May, Barbados puts on its best show with a dry season. It's the perfect weather for exploring the island’s rich history, diving into coral-packed waters, or simply enjoying the local rum punch on a moonlit beach.
Plus, you'll be pleased to know that the average sea temperature ranges from 27°C to 29°C throughout the year, so you can take a dip no matter what month it is. Delightful.
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Reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Barbados Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
By Anthony TetleyVerified
Always use On the Beach for holidays...
Always use On the Beach for holidays abroad. Just an easy and simple way to book a holiday, and always had a great time.
By Tony FletcherVerified
Excellent
Always use on the beach and always have a fantastic pain free holiday, easy to use service and friendly helpful staff when needed, 😀
By Nigel HancockVerified
Absolutely brilliant service
Absolutely brilliant service and excellent customer support 👏
FAQs
What currency do they use in Barbados?
The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian Dollar.
What language do they speak in Barbados?
The official language spoken in Barbados is English.
How long does it take to fly to Barbados?
It takes around 9 hours to fly to Barbados from the UK.
What's the time difference between the UK and Barbados?
The time in Barbados is one hour behind the UK.
Swim with turtles
Taking a dip with these incredible creatures will be an unforgettable experience. Turtle walks, snorkelling or diving are great ways to get up close.
Take a walk
Barbados isn’t all sand and sea. Pack your picnic and head out on an island hike, either guided as part of a group or solo. You’ll see beautiful local flora and, if you’re lucky, hummingbirds. You can even explore the island’s lush rainforests.
Surf the waves
Grab your board and take to the waves. If you can’t already surf, don’t worry – book yourself some lessons or just relax on Bathsheba Beach to watch the pros.
Drink it all in
Take a tour of one of the island’s famous rum distilleries to learn the history of the drink, how it’s made and, of course, try some samples. Mount Gay operates one of the most famous tours on the island, but it's important to book ahead. Alternatively, you could visit one of the island’s 1,500 rum shops.
Take to the high seas
Fly through the waves on a catamaran tour. On either a half or full-day tour you’ll see a totally new side of the island with the wind in your hair. Depending on which tour you choose, you may get to combine this with snorkelling. Some tours even offer rum and on-tap beer while you sail! Now that's the kind of tour we can get down with...
Things to do in Barbados for families
The calm, sheltered waters in the west of the island are perfect for paddling and dipping with the family. With older children, why not hop on a boat tour from Brownes Beach and snorkel with sea turtles? There are plenty of family-friendly tours where you can experience these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, and you might even get to explore a shipwreck or two.
Picking a great beach club is a good bet when you’ve got kids in tow too. We love The Boatyard Club in Bridgetown. This is a bar and restaurant with a difference – it’s got a fun zone that will keep all ages entertained by the beach with volleyball, floating inflatables and a great menu.
Things to do in Barbados for couples
Barefoot walks on the beach together have never been better than in Barbados. Luckily, on an island there are always plenty of sandy stretches to discover with your one and only. Shark’s Hole is the beach that proves good things come in small packages – this stamp-sized cove is a real gem in the south east. Then there are the brochure-worthy beaches with long strips of white sand leading to calm clear waters. Check out Miami Beach in Christ Church or Brownes Beach in Bridgetown for stunning backdrops to your couples holiday pics!
Speaking of spectacular snaps, there’s nowhere quite like the Animal Flower Cave. This is an iconic photo opportunity – a cave that opens up to views of the waves, and is one of those moments that’s better when shared. Elsewhere on the island you can have a tipple together at the Mount Gay Rum Tour. This distillery is a great place to sample Barbados’ signature drink, and you can even buy some souvenirs at the gift shop for the lucky people back home.
Things to do in Barbados for groups
Whether your travel gang is an I Do crew of hens or stags, or a group getaway for a special celebration, there’s plenty to do in Barbados that will make for a magical trip. We have two words for you: beach days. Well, it would be rude not to spend the majority of your time by the sea when you’ve come to the Caribbean, right? You could even book a private boat tour between you, so you can discover secret beaches and incredible swimming spots. Some boat excursions even include local dishes for lunch or dinner.
Things to do in Barbados for foodies
Well the obvious thing to do in Barbados when you’re a foodie is… eat! Try everything once, and then go back for more. From flying fish butties served to you fresh on the beach to fine dining with a sea view at The Cliff restaurant in St. James, your taste buds are in for a treat here. We couldn’t talk about Bajan food without mentioning the Oistin’s Friday Night Fish Fry. This weekly happening is as much of a social event as it as about the food. Expect fresh catch of the day fish served up in a party atmosphere like no other.
Other must-try dishes include macaroni pie, fried breadfruit and pudding and souse (pickled pork and sweet potatoes). If you love to know where your food comes from, take a local tour and see if you can spot banana plants, coconuts and sugar cane – you might even be able to try it all freshly picked if you have permission!
Looking for a great place to grab a drink alongside all of this fantastic food? Check out Ju Ju's bar. You can read a little more about why this bar made into our Top 5 Best Caribbean Beach Bars here!
What events can I go to in Barbados?
Barbados has plenty of events to pack your calendar with, so whether you're planning a last-minute getaway or prepping for next year's break, keep an eye out for these crowd-pleasers:
Barbados Horticultural Society Annual Flower and Garden Show (January) - an annual event for garden-lovers, with floral exhibits and competitions, local crafts and plants on sale.
Holetown Festival (February) - a festival to commemorate the anniversary of the first settlement in Barbados, with street parades, fashion shows, concerts, exhibitions and sporting events.
Oistins Fish Festival (March) - a week-long festival celebrating the fishing industry, with fish-deboning competitions, arts and crafts, and, of course, plenty of delicious locally-caught fish to eat.
Barbados Reggae Festival (April) - a renowned music festival where local and international musicians perform across the island - be sure to come with a party spirit!
GospelFest (May) - a festival of religious music that has been running for 27 years - expect local, regional and international gospel talent
Barbados Chocolate, Pastry & Wine Festival (June) - if you’ve got a sweet tooth, this annual celebration is one for you, with teachers, bakers and plenty of tasters.
Dive Fest (July) - celebrating all things under the sea, you can enjoy free scuba courses, snorkelling and more
Crop Over Festival (July/August) - a big, colourful festival full of music, dancing and celebration of a rich cultural history
Barbados Food & Rum Festival (October/November) - a huge celebration of Bajan cuisine - arrive hungry, because there'll be rum tours, beach barbeques and top chefs
NIFCA (November) - The National Independence Festival of Creative Arts where music and performing arts take centre stage
Run Barbados (December) - the island dons running shoes to participate in everything from fun runs to marathons
Where is the best nightlife in Barbados?
As the official 'birthplace of rum', holidays to Barbados offer an exciting nightlife scene. From beach bars to nightclubs, rum shacks to cocktail bars, there are plenty of after-dark options. Why not dance into one of these nightspots?
Harbour Lights - fire-eaters, steel bands and rum-filled coconuts on Brownes Beach.
La Cabane - a cool and kooky bar on Batts Rock Beach with cocktails, music and dinner under the stars.
The Cove Nightclub - a vibrant nightclub in St. Lawrence Gap where you can sip on happy hour cocktails and then dance until the early hours.
John Moore Bar - a well-loved rum shack on a golden beach, busy with both locals and tourists - you won't want to miss it!
The Boat Yard - a popular beachside bar offering beautiful sunsets, happy hours, cocktails and lively music late into the night.
What’s the food like in Barbados?
Bajan cuisine is influenced by the island’s rich history. You’ll find African, Portuguese, Indian, Irish, Creole and British flavours. Make sure to try these local delights:
Flying fish and cou-cou - Barbados’ national dish, where locally-caught flying fish is fried in spices or steamed in gravy, and served with cou-cou – cornmeal and chopped okra
Jug Jug - a seasonal casserole made from a variety of meats, including pork, beef, chicken and lamb
Pig Tails - salted and barbecued pigs’ tails, often sold by street vendors - don't knock it 'til you try it!
Conkies - coconut and grated pumpkin wrapped in a banana leaf with fragrant spices
Chicken curry - a wonderfully-rich chicken curry made with a unique blend of Bajan spices
Looking for places to eat in Barbados? Check out these top dining spots:
The Fish Pot, Shermans - a tranquil restaurant at the water’s edge
Cuz’s Fishshack, Bridgetown - a local favourite known for its fish 'cutters' - a type of Barbadian sandwich
The Lone Star, St James - a glamourous and trendy restaurant in an ex-petrol garage
Oistins Fish Fry, Oistins - for no-frills, all-fun dining - come on a Friday night for fresh fish from the grill
Tides, Holetown - fine dining in an elegant setting, considered one of the island’s top restaurants
Key facts about Barbados
Flight time
Around 9 hours
Time difference
- 5 hours
Currency
Barbadian Dollar
Language
English
Will COVID-19 affect my holiday to Barbados?
We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Barbados on the FCDO website.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Barbados?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need a visa to travel to Barbados?
British passport holders don't need a visa to visit Barbados. On entry you will be given a specified period of stay - if you wish to stay longer than this, then you must apply and pay for an extension of stay through the Barbados Immigration Department.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Barbados?
Barbados has introduced a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival at the hotel. The rate is between £1.90-£7.60 per room, per night.
A departure tax of 55 Barbadian Dollars applies for passengers aged 2+ leaving Barbados. From October 1st 2018, an additional fee has been added, whereby passengers outside of the Caribbean region pay 70 Barbadian Dollars per person, and those flying within the Caribbean pay 35 Barbadian Dollars per person. Please check with your airline provider if the cost is included with the price of the ticket.
