This island is known for its beaches of fine white sand that line the turquoise waters of secluded bays. There is, however, much more than swimming and sunbathing to discover in Barbados. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beautiful countryside as well as taking part in outdoor adventures and sampling island fare. The island was first settled by the Saladoid-Barrancoid group of farmers, fishermen and ceramicists who arrived by canoe in 350 A.D venturing out from the Orinoco Valley in Venezuela. The name came later and was given in 1536 by a Portuguese explorer Pedro Campos. He called the island Os Barbados or "The Bearded Ones" after the aerial roots of the fig trees. The island's economy was always dependent on sugar, molasses and rum until tourism took over in the 20th-century. It's now a stable country with the highest rates of literacy in the Western Hemisphere.
From the West coast with its luxury resorts to the wilder East coast and the inland highlands you'll find plenty of beautiful scenery to admire and attractions to enjoy. Be tempted into a distillery for some rum tasting or take a tram underground at Harrison's Cave to see its stunning formations.
A visit to St Nicholas Abbey has something for everybody with its great house, distillery, gardens and museum. Nearby Cherry Tree Hill has an avenue of mahogany trees and breath-taking views of the island's East coast.
The Earthworks is a working pottery where you can watch beautifully decorated tableware take shape before your eyes and stroll around a small gallery displaying works by local artists. Before you leave, buy some pottery as an island souvenir.
A stroll around the charming Hunte's Gardens at Saint Joseph is accompanied by a backdrop of classical music, a whimsy of the eccentric British owner Anthony Hunte. The gardens are part of the old Castle Grant Plantation and mix lush botanical collections and hidden secret corners with historic buildings.
Whatever the time of year the island always enjoys a celebration and has a packed calendar of artistic, cultural, sporting and music events that bring together centuries of tradition with modern lifestyles.
Reggae Festival: Held at the end of April, this is one of the leading reggae festivals in the West Indies. Concerts are held on beaches and at different island venues, often delivered by some of the world's best reggae singers and musicians.
Golden Oldies World Cricket Festival: Barbados loves its cricket, so every May overseas teams of veteran players including ex-Test team members turn up for a week of games and tournaments.
Crop Over Festival Culminating: Celebrated on 7th August this is the island's annual carnival and traditionally marks the end of the sugar cane harvest. A week of calypso singing is rounded off with a costumed and masked parade through the streets of Bridgetown.
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