Barbados is the easternmost island of the Lesser Antilles and lies in the Atlantic Ocean about 800 kilometers northwest of the South American coast. The country belongs to the Commonwealth of Nations. Warm climate, beautiful beaches, cultural festivals and breathtaking natural wonders attract many travelers to this beautiful island every year. But be careful, there is a risk of hurricanes in the second half of the year! See andyeducation.com for education in Barbados.
| Capital City | Bridgetown |
| Size | 430 km² |
| Resident | 278,000 |
| Official Language | English |
| Currency | Barbados Dollar |
| Time Zone | UTC-4 |
| Telephone Area Code | +1 (246) |
Fast facts to know
- Well-known, but not yet overcrowded travel destination.
- Has the third oldest parliament in the Commonwealth of Nations.
- A third of the island’s population lives in the capital city of Bridgetown and its suburbs.
- Only a few animal species live in Barbados (monkeys, rabbits, lizards, leatherback turtles, hummingbirds, waterfowl).
- The tropical rainforest that used to cover the entire island gave way almost entirely to sugar cane plantations.
- Before a trip in the hurricane season you should follow the climate development very carefully!
- There are beaches with white, yellow and pink shimmering sand.
- “Dolphin” on the menu is not a dolphin but a mahi-mahi.
- In addition to the main island, Barbados also includes Culpepper Island.
- The islanders call themselves Bayaner.
Exciting cities in Barbados
- Bridgetown
- Speightstown
- Holetown
- Oistins
- Bathsheba
History of Barbados
- First settled by Arawak and Caribs.
- Named by the Portuguese explorer Pedro Campos for the drooping roots of the fig trees that look like beards (os barbados = the bearded ones).
- After the Spaniards enslaved the inhabitants in 1551, the inhabitants fled.
- In 1625 the English took over the deserted island from the Portuguese.
- Built into the world’s largest sugar producer in the 17th century.
- 1838 full slave emancipation.
- Independence since November 30, 1966.
Climate & travel weather on Barbados
- Tropical climate.
- Dry season November to May.
- Rainy season June – November.
- Hurricanes and tropical storms threaten from August to October (01.06. – 30.11. official hurricane season).
- Recommended travel time:
- Dry and warm months from December to April.
Ideas for trips in Barbados
- Morgan Lewis Mill.
- Barbados Wildlife Park.
- Excursion to Bridgetown.
- St Joseph’s Parish Church and St Nicolas Abbey.
- Caves in the north and center of the island (Animal Flower Caves, Welchman Hall Gully, Harrisons Cave ).
- Trekking tours inland.
- Visit to a rum distillery.
- Swimming at Silver Sand Beach.
- Surfing at Surfers Point.
- snorkel tour.
Eating & Drinking in Barbados
- Mixture of African, Caribbean, European and West Indian cuisine.
- Flying fish is a speciality.
- Barracuda, King Fish, Snapper, Bill Fish, Lobster, Tuna very popular.
- Sweet potatoes, baked bananas, papaya, mango, cassava and yams are often processed.
- Often served: Bajan Seasoning (tasteful mixture of spices and marinade).
- Barbados rum is one of the best in the world and is drunk neat or in a cocktail.
- Most famous rums: Cockspur’s Five Star and Mount Gay.
- Other popular drinks: Ginger beer, Mauby (traditional drink made from bark extract, sugar, spices), fruit juices.
- For dessert, avocados, pears, sour sops, papayas, mangoes, bananas, figs, and coconuts are served.
- Typical dishes:
- Black tree lamb chops with roasted pine nuts.
- suckling pig.
- Hot Pepper Pot (hot, spicy stew with up to seven different types of meat).
- Pudding and Souce.
- Cou Cou (a type of polenta).
- Oursin, Sea Egg.
- Crane Chubb (carp fish).
- Jug-jug (guinea grains and green beans).
- Conkies (cornmeal, coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potatoes, spices, steamed in a banana leaf).
Particularly scenic
- Gorgeous white sandy beaches.
- East Coast Rd.
- Impressive caves.
- underwater world.
- Rocky cliff landscape on the east and north coast.
- Coastal tropical mangrove swamps.
