Facts about Barbados
You want to discover the beautiful island of Barbados! It lies 104 mi / 168 km east of Saint Lucia / St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Also 110 mi / 180 km south-east of Martinique. And 250 mi / 400 km north-east of Trinidad and Tobago. It has a population of 287,025 (2019 est.). Christianity is the largest religion. The capital is Bridgetown. The national dish is cou-cou and flying fish with spicy gravy. And pudding and souce: pickled pork with spiced sweet potatoes.
If you want to discover the beautiful island of Barbados, this is important to know:
- The official currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD)
- Official languages are English and Bajan Creole
- The time zone is UTC -4
- Driving side is left
- Calling code is + 1 -246
- Grantley Adams International Airport is serviced by several major airlines from points around the globe.
Best Time to Travel to the beautiful island of Barbados
Barbados has a tropical monsoon climate. Monthly temperatures vary from 70°F / 21°C to 88°F / 31°C. The wet season is from June to December. And the dry season runs from December to May. The sea is warm enough for swimming all year round. The sea temperature ranges from 81°F / 27°C to 84°F / 29°C. Barbados is outside the principal Hurricane Belt.
Towns
The major towns are:
- Bridgetown, the capital. Lots of duty free shops! Also visit the colonial Parliament Buildings.
- Holetown, well-known for its Barbados Holetown Festival. And excellent restaurants, shopping areas and night spots.
- Speightstown. Offers a look into the beautiful architectural heritage of Barbados.
- Needhams Point. Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And has some of the best beaches on the island.
Attractions
The most popular attractions are:
- The beaches! For example the beaches of Carlisle Bay (Pebble Beach, Bayshore Beach and Brownes Beach). Or Bottom Bay Beach which has a stunning setting. With imposing cliffs on three sides. And towering palm trees near the back of the beach. Or Silver Sands Beach for kiteboarding!
- George Washington House. A beautiful colonial building. The future first U.S. President George Washington stayed here in 1751. Apparently Barbados was the only country outside the present United States that he ever visited. Designated as a UNESCO protected property.
- The Crop Over festival in July/August. The largest carnival-like cultural event on the island.
Discover the beautiful island of Barbados!