When you depart for the velvety white sand and clear waters of the Caribbean it is easy to lie down on your beach towel and never get up again. To park yourself on the beach for long hours of sunbathing, punctuated with occasional dips in the sea, is what you had been dreaming about every night leading up to one of your Barbados holidays. As you enjoy the sun, sip a frothy pina colada and get intensely involved in your paperback book, no longer paying attention to the forward march of time, it is easy to forget that even though Barbados is a small island, there are still other things to see and do. There is a world to discover that is beyond the perimeter of your beach blanket. It is time to book late holidays, get out there and see the sights.
1. Rent a car for the day and tour the island. Barbados is divided into 11 different parishes. The north and east coasts of Barbados are legendary for their amazing ocean views and panoramic scenic vistas. On the other hand, the interior of the island is a mix of verdant countryside, soft rolling hills and old sugarcane plantations. In comparison to other Caribbean islands, Barbados is flat. Its highest point is Mount Hillabay. Barbados is only 34 kilometres in length, so even if you take a leisurely drive you should be able to traverse the entire island.
2. Stop and smell the flowers at the Andromeda Botanical Gardens. Located in the parish of St. Joseph, this 6-acre garden is beautiful display of the type of flora and fauna that is common on the island. Orchids, palms, ferns, cacti, and begonias are just the beginning of this botanical paradise. The garden also features waterfalls and reflecting pools. This enchanting natural attraction offers visitors a sense of wonder and tranquillity.
3. It is believed that rum was first created in Barbados sometime in the 17th century. That tradition remains as strong as ever at the St. Nicholas Abbey. 1 of 4 distilleries in Barbados, the St. Nicholas Abbey is said to be the last fully intact plantation on the island. Stop by for a tour of the distillery and leave with a world-class bottle of rum.
4. Visit the oldest churches in Barbados. The St. James and the St. John Anglican Churches will give you a sense of the island’s history. The St. James Church is located near Holetown, which is considered the first settlement in Barbados. It is famous for its bell, which dates back to 1696. The St. John Church is a superb example of Gothic architecture.
5. Stop at a rum shop for pork cutters and your refreshment of choice.
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