With over 70 miles of beaches, fantastic festivals and of course, rum, find out more about Barbados and the adventures that await on this stunning Caribbean island
Where:
Barbados
When:
Temperatures stay pleasant throughout the year here, ranging from 25 – 30 degrees Celsius. There are two main seasons: the dry season from December to May, where temperatures are slightly cooler, and the wet season from June to November where temperatures are warmer and there’s an increased chance of rain showers. However, with 3,000 hours of annual sunshine and an average rainfall of less than � inch, Barbados is a fabulous destination for year-round travel.�
Culinary flair
This year is the Year of Culinary Experiences in Barbados and there are a host of events going on to mark the occasion. Take your tastebuds on a journey through Bajan cuisine and rum at the annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival which runs from October 18 to 21 October. Visit the famous Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday night for freshly-prepared fish and seafood, sample of one of the many exquisite fine dining venues lined up along the coast, and try Bajan classics such as flying fish, cou-cou and macaroni pie.
Beautiful beaches
Over 70 miles of beaches grace the shores of Barbados. Their golden sands, gently swaying palms and turquoise waters lapping at the shore capture the true essence of the Caribbean. The picturesque shores of Barbados offer you the chance to snorkel to colourful underwater worlds, explore on a catamaran cruise, or simply soak up the sun with an iced rum cocktail in hand. Barbados’ platinum coast is legendary – here, you’ll find some of the finest hotels in the Caribbean perched on the edge of a golden ribbon of sand.
Fun-filled festivals
Bajans know how to have fun, and throughout the year you can expect a bedazzlement of creative and colourful festivals. The Crop Over Festival is a 200-year-old tradition that celebrates the end of the sugar cane season with street fares, parties, arts and crafts stalls and a carnival bursting with elaborate costumes and lively entertainment. This year, it’s running from�June 2 – August 6�and, as is tradition, it will culminate with the spectacular Grand Kadooment parade. The Holetown Festival takes place every February and celebrates the arrival of the first settlers in Holetown in the 17th Century and features folk singing, street parades, markets and food stalls.
Natural wonders
You’ll set eyes on all manner of intriguing wildlife in Barbados, whether that’s Leather and Hawksbill turtles gliding beneath the waves or green monkeys prancing around hotel grounds. There are beaches sheltered by fascinating rock formations and, beneath the ocean’s surface, stingrays, manta rays and exotic coral. Delving further into the island, you’ll be delighted to come across radiant flower forests blooming with tropical flora, and fascinating prehistoric caves with eerie caverns and sparkling pools.
Rich heritage
Steeped in history and culture, Historic Bridgetown and the nearby Garrison have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status. Take in the old colonial buildings, monuments, churches and cathedrals that make up this fascinating city, built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Take in the Barbadian Parliament buildings and National Heroes Square where the statue of Admiral Lord Nelson stands. Exploring further, you’ll discover crumbling sugar mills, timeworn plantation homes and rum distilleries. �
Barbados enjoys excellent, regular air services from the UK. All flights are non-stop and flying time is approximately 8 hrs 45 mins.�
For more details and #HolidayInspirations, ask about Caribtours at Baldwins Travel Group.�www.baldwinstravel.co.uk
