Barbados

Overview

A consistent favourite with British visitors, Barbados or 'Little England' as it's sometimes known due to its old colonial customs, is blessed with the best sunshine record in the Caribbean, beautiful beaches, and some of the most elegant hotels. The people are renowned for their friendliness and everything is geared to help the tourist relax. Barbados offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities from plantation houses like St Nicolas Abbey and natural wonders like Harrison's Cave (St Thomas) to jeep safaris and submarine tours. The dramatic differences between the rugged east and calm west coast must not be missed. The East Coast Road is one of the most exciting drives on the island. Other points of interest include Bridgetown, St Lawrence with its excellent beaches and great nightlife, Flower Forest a botanical garden with spectacular views of Chalky Mountain, Crane Beach with its dramatic view and Welcham Hull Gully, a vast tropical forest. There is a wide choice of restaurants serving both international and Bajan cusine. Bajan cuisine is based on spicy seafood and exotic fruits and vegetables. Local specialities include flying fish, lobster and sea urchin (oursin). Local fruit includes avocado, soursops, pawpaws, bananas, figs and coconuts. The local beer is Banks and the local drinks are rum, rum-based cocktails, punch, pina coladas and sangria. Bridgetown is good for shopping with a selection of duty free shops. Prices tend to be on the high side but the high quality can often make the expense worthwhile. Special purchases include rum, coral and shell jewellery, prints (batik) and woodcraft.