Barbados

April 20, 2010 · Filed Under Travel 

There is an island in the Caribbean that is filled with trees that look like they have long beards, known as bearded fig trees. This island was discovered by the Portuguese explorers on their way to Brazil in the 1500s. This is the island that is known as Barbados today. Today Barbados is one of the most developed islands in the region, and a Barbados vacation has something to offer everyone, from all-inclusive getaways to unrivaled water sports and recreation, from historical landscapes and fascinating landmarks, to old forts and photogenic ruins. Though English is the most commonly spoken langugage on the island of Barbados, you will also hear locals speaking to each other in a form of creole. This is called Bajan.

Five-star luxury resorts lie next to the beaches of the West coast and the South coast. The West Coast tranquil beaches welcome high-end holiday visitors, including jet-setters and celebrities, who flock to former private villas that have been converted into hotels and condos. On the Southern Coast of the island you will find a large number of hotels and vacation rentals that are affordable. Many of these are located along this coast’s white sandy beaches or within a very short walking distance. A stretch of beaches and developments are linked by the main road along the coast, making day trips an easy and attractive option. The East coast, although too harsh for swimming, is legendary with surfers, water sports enthusiasts, divers, and hikers looking for the strong waves and cool breezes of the Atlantic.

When you move further inland the island of Barbados becomes filled with nature, including large sugar cane fields and rolling limestone hills.
days navigating along the twisting, tiny street away from the busy atmosphere of the west and south coast of the island. This is a perfect setting for several days of calm and relaxed exploration of tiny winding roads and little villages amidst some of the most beautiful natural vistas on Earth.

The sun, sand and surf is not the only thing the island of Barbados offers. The capital of the island is known as Bridgetown and it is the most lively city on the island. There are many activitives to take part in here, such as sightseeing ancient Caribbean and English buildings and monuments, while taking in some of the island capital’s unique culture. Beyond walking, sightseeing, engaging in friendly haggling with street vendors, or relaxing at one of the numerous cafes on the riverbanks, one can pay homage to the drink Barbados is famous for: rum, which is available in the city's many dutyfree souvenir shops. Other noteworthy activities for the sports aficionados include watching West Indies cricket at the Kensington Oval, or spending a day at the horse races, at the race course in Garrison.

A vacation in Barbados is a satisfying endevour for those visitors willing to engage in all that it offers and relish in the beaming sun, the beauty of the landscape and the unique culture of this island. Barbados residents are friendly and welcoming to strangers, and are likely to be “sweet fa so”–”very nice” in Bajan. Whether snorkeling amidst colorful fish, drinking rum on the beach, or dancing to the sounds of Afro-Caribbean Calypso music, a Barbados vacation is sure to be an unforgettable one.

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