Insider's Guide: Barbados

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While the beautiful sunny weather and picture-perfect beaches might be what initially draws you to Barbados, it’s the unique culture and warmhearted local people that will quickly make it among your favourite places in the world.

Barbados’s pleasantly secluded location and long history of British rule have helped the island develop a distinctive culture unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Settled by the English in 1627, Barbados remained under British rule until 1966 and today is still fondly known as “Little England.” You’ll see evidence of the island’s British heritage in its historic churches and stately plantation homes, but also in the local way of life: cricket is the national sport, afternoon tea is a well-loved tradition and you’ll notice some Barbadians even speak with a British accent to this day.

Barbadians are known for their friendliness – expect to be greeted by plenty of “good mornings,” “good afternoons” and “good nights” as you explore the island – and you’ll soon find yourself caught up in their infectiously exuberant energy. Barbadians also love to dance and socialize, so you’ll find plenty of places to let loose, from waterfront pubs and clubs to lively street parties and festivals.

Barbados has named 2018 the Year of Culinary Experiences, which means there has never been a better time to discover the island’s flavourful cuisine. Barbados is the only island in the Caribbean to be rated by the prestigious Zagat guide. With everything from sophisticated fine dining to relaxed beachfront restaurants to authentic street food stalls to choose from, how you dine in Barbados is always up to you.

If it’s adventure you’re after, Barbados has got you covered with windsurfing along the southern coast, biking and hiking trails through the tropical island interior, as well as opportunities to explore the whole island by 4X4 safari jeep. History buffs will find lots to love too, with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital city, storied rum distilleries and restored plantation houses to discover. If you just want to relax on the beach with a rum punch in hand, Barbados is also an ideal destination for a worry-free escape. In Barbados, your vacation can be as action-packed or as easy-going as you like.

Happy as a Clam

Diverse culinary influences and world-class chefs make Barbados one of the most exciting places to eat in the Caribbean.

Barbados is often described as the culinary capital of the Caribbean and this year the island is celebrating its reputation for fantastic food by dubbing 2018 the Year of Culinary Experiences. With over 100 restaurants from coast to coast, Barbados offers something for food lovers of all stripes, with options ranging from fancy restaurants to casual beachfront eateries. Whether you’re dining on a romantic clifftop above the sea or with your toes in the sand, you can count on memorable meals in Barbados.

Barbados attracts high-calibre chefs from across the globe

Barbados’s multicultural heritage shines through in the island’s cuisine, which is influenced by American, European, Indian, African and Creole flavours. Barbados may be a small island but it attracts high-calibre chefs from across the globe, many of whom have worked in some of the world’s best restaurants. Some serve up refined takes on international cuisine ranging from Polynesian to Thai and Mexican, while others bring a fresh approach to the island’s delicious local cooking style. Head to Champers on the south coast for exceptional seafood complemented by beautiful water views; Zen restaurant at the Crane Resort for refined Japanese-Thai influenced cuisine; or Daphne’s for elegant Italian-inspired fare with a focus on seafood. You’d be remiss to leave the island without also sampling some of its famed street food. Here are just a few must-try dishes to include on your foodie bucket list for your trip to Barbados.

Barbados Street Food Staples:

Coucou: A mix of okra and cornmeal seasoned with pepper, salt and Barbadian hot sauce. When served alongside steamed or fried flying fish, this meal is considered to be the national dish of Barbados.
Cutters: A hearty sandwich made up of a salt bread roll packed with delicious fillings like fish, ham, egg or cheese. Cutters can be enjoyed any time of day, from a quick breakfast meal to a late-night snack.

Fishcakes: Fried cod fish balls made with flour, pepper and other savoury seasonings. You’ll see these quintessential Barbadian favourites served up everywhere from street stalls to fine dining restaurants.

Pudding and Souse: Pickled pork, typically mixed with cucumbers, peppers, lime juice and parsley, served with breadfruit and a steamed sweet potato pudding.

Macaroni Pie: You’ll find this cheesy casserole throughout the Caribbean, but it’s especially popular in Barbados. This indulgent dish is typically served as a side dish with fried fish. You'll also see spicy version of the dish, made with curry powder or hot sauce

Don't Get Tide Down

From participating in fun-filled annual events to exploring the island by land and sea, we’ve picked ten essential experiences to include in your Barbados itinerary.

Discover Barbados’s history in Bridgetown

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012 for its superb examples of British colonial architecture. Barbados’s capital is filled with engaging historic sites, from the Gothic-style parliament buildings to 18th-century St. Michael’s Cathedral.

Join the party at the Oistins Fish Fry

This Friday night tradition sees locals and visitors alike gathering in the fishing village of Oistins for fresh grilled and fried fish, chicken and lobster. The atmosphere is festive and fun, with diners tucking into their meals at casual picnic tables before enjoying music and dancing.

Go exploring in Harrison’s Cave

A true natural wonder of the Caribbean, this limestone cave features subterranean cascades, twisting streams and deep pools, along with striking stalactites and stalagmites. An electric tram takes visitors on an hour-long tour through the cave’s intriguing depths.

Learn about plantation life at St. Nicholas Abbey

Dating back to the mid-17th century, St. Nicholas Abbey, is one of three remaining Jacobean-style mansions in the Western hemisphere. The grounds are home to pretty gardens and orchards, along with a historic distillery that’s still producing rum. Keep an eye out for the Heritage Railway, a scenic train ride reopening at St. Nicholas in 2019.

Feel the breeze out on the water

Barbados is a top windsurfing destination, attracting experienced windsurfers from across the globe, particularly between November and April when the winds are strongest. Silver Sands Beach is one of the most popular spots on the island to catch the waves, with the shallow offshore reef creating swells that allow windsurfers to reach speeds of up to 50 knots.

Hikes take in scenery like stunning rock formations, dramatic cliffs and lovely beaches

Go on an island safari

Sign up for a jeep tour (or charter your own) and explore lesser-known parts of the island. These 4X4 jeeps are able to drive both on- and off-road, allowing you to take in more remote parts of the island, while learning about its nature and culture along the way.

Party at the Crop Over Festival

While Barbados hosts many exciting celebrations throughout the year, the Crop Over Festival is the highlight of the island’s annual event calendar. Originally commemorating the end of the sugarcane harvest, this three-week long festival features colourful costumes, live music and street parties, culminating with a Carnival-like parade on Kadooment Day, a national holiday, in early August.

Hike along the east coast

Barbados’s less-developed east coast is a hotbed for hikers. Trails range from leisurely strolls to rewarding climbs, taking in scenery like stunning rock formations, dramatic cliffs and lovely beaches. The Barbados National Trust sponsors Hike Barbados, which offers a free weekly hiking program.

Shop ‘til you drop

Leave a little extra room in your luggage en route to Barbados because you’ll definitely want to bring back some souvenirs. Items like cameras, cosmetics, gold jewellery, watches and liquor can often be bought in the island’s duty-free shops at significant savings compared to what you would pay in Canada. Barbados is also known for its talented artists and craftspeople, with black-coral jewellery and clay pottery among the essential local buys.

Discover underwater worlds

The clear waters off the coast are home to over 50 varieties of fish and typically have visibility of 30 metres or more, making the island a prime destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. Snorkellers can explore the calm waters off the island’s west coast, while divers will find over 20 fascinating sites in the same area.

To learn more, go to visitbarbados.org

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