Barbados never disappoints. Every corner of the coral island has its own story, and the friendly locals will almost certainly strike up a conversation with you. There are a number of reasons why tourists keep coming back to this island paradise, and among them are undoubtedly the divine beaches and the wonderful atmosphere.
Barbados is an island country that lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and is only 432 km2 in total. At the end of November, the country severed the last colonial ties with the United Kingdom and became a republic with a female president Sandra Manson at the head. Although the remnants of colonialism are visible at every step and are reflected in both architecture and cuisine, this is not noticeable in the attitude of the islanders. The friendly locals welcome you with open arms and are proud to tell you about the Barbadian musical matador Rihanna or cricket legends To Sir Garfield Sobers.
In addition to the named duo, the island is famous mainly for breathtaking beaches, which are regularly ranked among the most beautiful in the world. Water sports enthusiasts will not be bored here either, as Barbados offers waves for surfing as well as opportunities for kitesurfing, kayak rentals and diving. Chat with local fishermen who will tell you some of the best fishing spots. Tropical fish and turtles keep you company in the water, which you can observe on short boat rides.
Photo: Unsplash/Patrick LalondeA real experience also awaits you on solid ground, where you can Barbados Wildlife the reserve, you can admire a wide range of tropical plants and living creatures. Listen to the little frogs singing or have fun watching monkeys gnaw on a stick of sugar cane. If you prefer what's happening underground, you can go on an adventure in Harrison's Cave, where you enjoy the play of stalactites and stalagmites.
For lovers of lively urban events, it is the capital Bridgetown a true title as it boasts a rich cultural heritage and many shopping areas. You can visit the area named as a monument of colonial heritage The Garrison, where you can find a large horse racing track from the 18th and 19th centuries and many buildings built for the British colonialists. The Garrison, along with the historic part of Bridgetown, has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: Unsplash/Tom JurWhen to Barbados?
The best season to visit Barbados is during December and April, when temperatures hover around 30 °C. It is then the dry season, although you can visit the island all year round, as the sun always shines even after heavy rains.
How can I help preserve the environment?
Every month, non-profit organizations in Barbados organize comprehensive clean-ups to clean the beaches of debris brought in by the sea or left by unwitting visitors. With this, they also take care of the preservation of individual garden turtles that live along the coast of Barbados, and every season they lay their eggs on the sandy beaches. The Barbados Sea Turtle Project invites you to join them as a volunteer and help the turtles. If you intend to stay for less than a month, you are invited to spend the day or night with them and watch the turtles while they lay their eggs.
Photo: Unsplash/Tom JurHow much is a plane ticket to Barbados?
The airline KLM offers cheap flights from Venice, with a single connection on the way there and two on the way back. Air ticket prices start at 445 €. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Covid-19 restrictions in Barbados
If you are fully vaccinated, you must show a document with a negative PCR test result, which must not be older than 72 hours, upon landing in Barbados. If you are not vaccinated, you will be sent to a seven-day quarantine, which you will spend in the chosen hotel. After five days, take a PCR test, if it is negative, your quarantine is over. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Barbados
Honestly, if you want good, the price will be anything but wallet friendly. Especially if you are not ready to shell out more than 50 euros/person for the night. Despite the large number of accommodations, the prices of which range from several thousand euros, we found two that offer the most for their price.
Santosha Barbados
The lovely apartments are located in a rural part of the island, 300 meters from Walkers Beach. In front of the apartments, there is a large outdoor swimming pool where you can lie down on the deckchairs. The rooms are air-conditioned and promise a view of the sea. In the accommodation, they offer you packages with basic groceries, if you don't feel like going to the store, which is 20 minutes away from the apartments. It is a 35-minute drive to the airport and a 45-minute drive to the capital.
Bellevue Plantation & Polo Club
A slightly more expensive version of the holiday, but compared to the other offer, it is still quite friendly to the wallet. It has a large outdoor pool, next to which there is also a bar and a lounge area. The four-star accommodation is located on a huge estate, where guests are also offered yoga and wellness programs. In the mornings, they spoil you with a rich breakfast. Bridgetown is 7 kilometers away and the airport is 11 kilometers away.
