This stunning Caribbean island features pink-sand beaches and luxurious resorts, and you can drive around it in less than four hours.

Barbados, known for its "Platinum Coast," is truly a paradise with powdery white sand that gleams. Yet, this easternmost Caribbean island offers more than just sipping rum punch while lounging on the beach.

"Barbados is an ideal spot for both adventure and relaxation; it caters to a diverse array of experiences," shares Patricia Affonso-Dass, CEO of the Barbadian-owned Ocean Hotels Group, which includes the luxurious O2 Beach Club & Spa, The Rockley Hotel, and Sea Breeze Beach House.

From exceptional surfing and hiking to wreck diving and a vibrant culinary scene, exploring beyond your resort is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Barbados. Events like the popular Barbados Food and Rum Festival and the lively Crop Over Festival provide an authentic glimpse into local life that few Caribbean visitors experience.

Top Hotels & Resorts

The Rockley Hotel

The new boutique resort The Rockley Hotel, owned by the family-run Ocean Hotels Group, serves as a heartfelt tribute to Barbados. Situated on the island's South Coast, it boasts thoughtful Caribbean design, exclusive artwork created by local artists, and a highly personalized guest experience, complete with curated island tours. Its unique "Dine and Sign" program invites guests to explore local dining in the vibrant St. Lawrence Gap, allowing them to conveniently charge their meals to their rooms.

O2 Beach Club & Spa

Modern luxury intertwines with colorful Caribbean charm at O2 Beach Club & Spa. Relax by the pool under lively pink and orange umbrellas, or enjoy stunning ocean views from the rooftop pool or the full-service Acqua Spa on the 8th floor, which features the island's only hammam spa.

The House by Elegant Hotels

The all-suite, adults-only The House by Elegant Hotels is our top choice for a romantic escape in Barbados. With personalized ambassador service and a complimentary massage, it stands out among our favorite all-inclusive resorts in Barbados.

The Crane Resort

As one of the Caribbean's original hotels, The Crane Resort masterfully blends historic charm with contemporary luxury, making it a standout destination in Barbados even after 150 years. Established in 1887, it is perched cliffside on the southeastern coast, overlooking the stunning pink-sand Crane Beach, and boasts 318 suites, residences, and newly built oceanfront villas.

Coral Reef Club

The 88 rooms, cottages, and spacious suites at Coral Reef Club reflect the timeless elegance of a classic Caribbean family home. This beautifully maintained 12-acre property is awash with bougainvillea and frangipani, seamlessly blending into the impossibly white sands of the island's Platinum Coast.

Top Activities

Taste Bajan cuisine.

Barbados is often recognized as a culinary hub in the Caribbean, celebrated for its beloved local dishes like fish cutters and high-end dining experiences crafted by Bajan master chefs. Locals recommend the Friday night Oistins Fish Fry for a true taste of local cuisine, while fine dining venues along the Platinum Coast showcase innovative culinary talents.

Experience the Crop Over Festival.

Barbados hosts one of the most lively celebrations in the Caribbean, originating in the 18th century to mark the conclusion of the sugar cane harvest. Today, the Crop Over Festival features over 100 parties, parades, and events spanning more than a month, culminating in the Grand Kadooment on the first Monday of August.

Enjoy a day at the beach.

There are countless ways to spend a beach day in Barbados. La Cabane beach club is an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon and is featured in Dinogo's top Caribbean destinations for its tasty bites and exceptional rum punch. For the more adventurous, activities like snorkeling, diving, or a ride on the Atlantis Submarine through shipwrecks and vibrant corals await.

Experience surfing.

Serious surfers recognize that the powerful swells on the eastern Atlantic coast of Barbados create a world-class surfing destination. The island also offers opportunities for wind foiling and kitesurfing. Numerous small, affordable surf schools dot the beaches, providing lessons for beginners on more manageable waves.

Discover Harrison's Cave.

Stunning stalactites and stalagmites are just one of the reasons the limestone caverns at Harrison's Cave are "truly worth the hype," according to Charita Jordan, director of hotel sales and marketing at The Crane Resort. A tram tour allows easy access to the extensive cave system, showcasing subterranean waterfalls, while an adventure park offers thrilling ziplining experiences.

Top Restaurants

The Cliff

Regarded as one of the premier fine dining establishments on the island, The Cliff offers an inventive seafood-focused menu that fuses Bajan classics with Asian influences. Guests can enjoy stunning sunset views from a spacious patio overlooking the ocean. "It has consistently been one of Barbados's top restaurants for years," notes local expert Sophia Babb, general manager of the all-inclusive Marriott International properties in Barbados, which include The House, Treasure Beach, and Tamarind.

Cuzz's Fish Stand

The long queue of eager customers at this vibrant, unassuming shack tucked away near Pebbles Beach in Bridgetown is a testament to Cuzz's Fish Stand, which is "globally celebrated for serving the best fish sandwich in Barbados," according to Jordan. Every local expert consulted for this guide included it as a must-visit dining spot on the island.

Camelot at Cobblers Cove

The upscale Platinum Coast resort of Cobblers Cove features Camelot, recognized as one of the top dining spots in Barbados. The culinary team is led by Jason Joseph, a pioneer in the new wave of chefs "crafting a fresh Bajan cuisine," according to Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon in a T+L guide to the island's flourishing food scene.

Chicken Rita's

More than 30 years ago, Rita Callendar began her fried chicken venture from her garage on the South Coast of Barbados. Today, Chicken Rita's continues to serve some of the most delicious fried chicken and local delicacies on the island, all from a no-frills eatery run by Rita's daughters.

Sea Shed Restaurant

With its relaxed beach atmosphere and extensive menu of local dishes, Sea Shed Restaurant is considered one of the most beloved dining establishments in Barbados, as noted by Babb. Its prime location directly on the pristine sands of Mullins Beach is truly unmatched.

Optimal Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Barbados is from December to early April, when the skies are clear and the seas are calm. Those who travel during this period can enjoy perfect beach weather, although it also attracts larger crowds, making it the peak tourist season.

Consider visiting during the off-peak season, from May to November, for significantly lower rates at hotels and resorts. While Barbados is generally shielded from most hurricanes due to its geographical location, the Atlantic hurricane season, spanning from early June to the end of November, can still bring storms. Even without hurricanes, the island tends to experience frequent rainfall during these months.

Travel in late July or early August to join in the festivities of the Crop Over Festival, which culminates in the Grand Kadooment on the first Monday of August.

October is the time for the multi-day Barbados Food and Rum Festival, an exciting event featuring a fantastic array of activities across the island. In November, the Barbados Independence Surf Festival takes place on the rugged East Coast, alongside Independence Day celebrations that wrap up with a parade at the end of the month.

Getting There

Although it is the most eastern island in the Caribbean, Barbados boasts good connectivity with flights from various locations in the Americas and Europe. The island's sole international airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), is situated in Christ Church on the South Coast, just a short drive from the most popular resort areas on the southern and western coasts.

Barbados offers daily direct flights from numerous major cities on the East Coast of the United States. New daily flights introduced last fall from Delta's Atlanta hub make accessing the island even more convenient.

Must-See Locations

Barbados is only a small fraction of the size of Los Angeles, with a complete drive around the island taking roughly four hours. Yet, each coast presents a distinctly different atmosphere.

West Coast

The West Coast of Barbados, known as "the Platinum Coast," boasts calmer seas and clearer waters, a title that reflects not only its pristine white sands but also its luxurious resorts and elegant private villas. This region is also home to the historic city of Holetown.

South Coast

Some of the newest and most appealing resorts can be found on the South Coast, where turquoise waters and white sands meet a vibrant selection of trendy restaurants and beach clubs. Nestled between the West and South Coasts is Bridgetown, the capital of the island, which adds to the energetic atmosphere of this area. Highlights include the pink-sand Crane Beach and the lively St. Lawrence Gap, known for its dining and nightlife.

East Coast

Characterized by rock pools, towering cliffs, and powerful Atlantic waves, the East Coast of Barbados is not ideal for swimming. However, this rugged stretch has cultivated a rich surf culture and offers breathtaking views. "A trip to Barbados isn't complete without a visit to the East Coast," emphasizes Affonso-Dass.

North Coast

The North Coast, known for its rocky and rugged landscape, remains largely undeveloped but is definitely worth exploring. Notable attractions include the Animal Flower Cave, featuring stunning rock pools with sea anemones and tube worms, as well as a cliffside restaurant serving local cuisine with breathtaking views.

Getting Around

Car Rentals and Taxis

"If you're planning to stay in Barbados for four or five days or more, renting a car is highly recommended," says Affonso-Dass, "even if it's just for part of your visit." With a variety of local and international car rental options available, exploring the island is easy thanks to a well-maintained road network. Just remember to drive on the left side. Taxis are also widely accessible throughout the island.

Buses

Riding a local ZR minibus can be a bit chaotic, but that's all part of the experience on these affordable fixed routes that traverse the island. Additionally, more formal bus routes cover all areas and operate on a reliable schedule.

Rideshare

Since Uber and Lyft are not available in Barbados, you can use pickUP Barbados for a local rideshare option that offers an affordable alternative to taxis, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer not to drive around the island themselves.