How to Visit Barbados

Cave in Barbados

Whoever thought of the phrase "island paradise" must have seen Barbados. With miles of peerless beaches, mountains and dense rain forest, Barbados' natural beauty is awe inspiring. Add to that numerous outdoor activities for the adventurous, historic attractions, top-notch hotels, bars and restaurants and plenty of shopping, and you've got a vacation destination that's almost certain to please.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visit some of the best beaches in the world. Barbados is known for its superior beaches, which most agree are high on the list of the world's finest. If you like lively beaches with bars and water sports, try Payne's Bay, Silver Sands Beach and Sandy Bay. If you like to go where the locals go, try Brighton Beach or Bath Beach.

2. See historic Bridgetown. Barbados was claimed by England in 1625 and settled in 1627. Nowhere is Barbados' long history more evident than in Bridgetown, the capital city. There you can see St. Michael's Cathedral, which has been standing since 1789, then walk down to the old harbor at the Careenage, which has been at the heart of Bridgetown for over 300 years. Don't miss the Synagogue and the Public Buildings, built in the 19th century.

3. Take a catamaran cruise. Catamaran cruises are popular attractions on the island and there are many charter outfits that will take you out onto the sea and serve up plenty of drinks and good eats. A few to try are Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises, Silver Moon Charters and Tiami Catamaran Sailing Cruises.

4. Soak up the history at St. Nicholas' Abbey. There are only three Jacobean mansions in the whole of the Western Hemisphere and this is one of them (there's a second on Barbados and a third in Virginia in the United States). Although the name implies a religious building, it is actually a mansion on a large plantation that is still operating. Stroll about the grounds, taking in the dramatic 17th century stone structure with its picturesque gables, then head inside to watch a short film about Barbados and see the interior of the mansion.

5. Don a hard hat and tour Harrison's Cave, which has been around for about half a million years. You won't soon forget the quiet majesty of the underground rivers, sharp stalactites descending from the ceiling of the caverns and stalagmites rising up from the ground.

6. Visit the Mount Gay Rum Distillery, where you can see first hand how sugar is turned into rum. Walk amongst large vats full of molasses in various stages of fermentation and learn how the rum is blended and aged. Those who opt for the Cocktail Tour are invited stay and make and enjoy cocktails after the regular tour is over.

7. If you like to party, Barbados is the island for you. Long known as a favorite destination of the rich and famous, Barbados is chock full of bars, nightclubs and restaurants to keep those glitzy visitors entertained. Bridgetown is full of lively bars and clubs, and on the south coast of Barbados, check out St. Lawrence Gap, well known for its nightlife.

Tips & Warnings

• Barbados is known for its fine rum, so don't leave the island without trying some of the local labels.