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An Overview

Formation

It’s that little dot sitting way out to the right of the rest of the other Caribbean Islands … Made up of 11 parishes and 4 main cities on 2 of the 4 coasts. The capital, Bridgetown, in St. Michael, more on the South West of the island, and Oistins more South in the parish of Christ Church. Then there’s Holetown and Speightstown on the West coast of the island, in St. James and St. Peter, respectively.

“Sitting at a very unique location in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the other West Indies islands and boasting a Latitude 13º10′ N and Longitude 59º 32′ W, the island of Barbados is the most eastern island of the English Caribbean chain of islands (Lesser Antilles). Measuring 14 miles at its widest point, 21 miles long and 166 sq miles, Barbados is the eastern most island of the English Caribbean chain of islands (Lesser Antilles).”

barbadospocketguide.com

“The island, which is less that one million years old, was created by the collision of the Atlantic crustal and Caribbean plates, along with a volcanic eruption. Later coral formed, accumulating to approximately 300 feet. It is geologically unique, being actually two land masses that merged together over the years. the Barbados Saga Begins – An Island Stands alone (i)”

barbados.org

“Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. Coral reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment, including about 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard corals and hundreds of other species. Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, give jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. They are also a source of food and new medicines. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.”

noaa.gov

The island is pretty “flat” as far as not being mountainous, but very “hilly” and you’re in for quite the treat when some hikes offer views like this one below.

The Culture

Barbados like most islands has its cultures deeply rooted with European and African influences. Over the years with independence and the brave souls after the end of slavery, traditions were developed and continued. Crop Over is one of the major cultural events the island boosts during the Summer Season. Initially to commemorate the ending of the sugar season, the crop harvesting and such. Today has evolved into a grand showcase of several creatives in costume design, art exhibits and more. Concerts and “Fetes” (parties) are huge! With guests singers from all over the Caribbean. Alongside the soca vibes, there’s also the Barbados Reggae Festival in April.
And if you’re not too interested in the carnival scene, Barbados also has more cultural and varying events, like the Holetown Festival in February: a week-long celebration commemorating the arrival of the first settlers in 1627, featuring parades, street fairs, and local music, and the Barbados Food & Rum Festival in October.
More than festivals, Barbados is also world-renown for it’s cricket legends, and the islands hosts many international matches.

The History

“Barbados was first occupied by the British in 1627 and remained a British colony until internal autonomy was granted  in 1961. The Island gained full independence in 1966, and maintains ties to the Britain monarch represented in Barbados by the Governor General. It is a member of the Commonwealth.”

barbados.org

The first indigenous people were said to be Amerindians who arrived from Venezuela. Barbados’ history includes The Arawak’s Tribe, Portuguese, and The Africans brought to work on the sugar plantations created by The Europeans .

“The economy of the early colonial era was marked by a pattern of family farms and by a diversity of products including aloes, fustic (a dye-producing wood), indigo, and, above all, cotton and tobacco. The search for a profitable export crop ended in the 1640s, when Dutch assistance enabled the colonists to convert to sugar production.

britannica.com

Getting around

The bus fare as of Summer 2024 is $3.50. There’s the big blue and yellow buses, more formal, the yellow smaller busses, less formal, and then the white vans, also referred to as “ZR’s”, definitely informal. Bus stops are clearly marked through out the island indicating the directions “to city” and “out of city”. City mainly the main town, Bridgetown, The Capital of the Island, in St. Michael. You’re either going one way or the other. It’s pretty straight forward, and many folks are really kind, where if you’re uncertain, and ask a question, they’ll point you in the right direction. Public transportation vehicles are labelled with their direction or road travelled, or with the vans, have specific numbers (some with letters) for specific routes. Taxis have a “TAXI” sign on the top of their vehicle. These are gathered and available in specific areas around the island. Suggested: wherever you are staying, ask about the general cost of the taxi for the route you plan to take.
If you’re going to rent a vehicle in Barbados, just note they drive on the left side of the road and you’ll need to obtain a local visitor’s driving permit. And to some, this may be odd, but when you go to the gas stations, there are “gas station attendants” that “pump the gas” for you!

Explore the Coasts of The Island below

Bridgetown, The Island’s Capital.

“Barbados was first occupied by the British in 1627 and remained a British colony until internal autonomy was granted  in 1961. The Island gained full independence in 1966, and maintains ties to the Britain monarch represented in Barbados by the Governor General. It is a member of the Commonwealth.”
Did you know that Bridgetown is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites?! View here: unesco.org

Caves

Gardens

The Wildlife

The most you need to concern yourself with on the island is maybe sandflies or mosquitoes, being honest. And for those you can try essential oils like citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or even lavender. The more popular animals on the island with many opportunities to see them or interact with them are the monkeys, the sea turtles, and the fishes. And occasionally you’d probably see a mongoose. Those you won’t be able to do much with but catch a quick glance of them as the run away into the bushes. Actually, the monkeys you might need to concern yourself with, because some of the wild ones are like some bad a$$ kids, always up to mischief. But they’re so cute! But you still need to take caution.

Local Food

Oistins, on the South Coast, boosts the Island’s major Friday night “to-do” events! An outdoor Fish Fry (Festival of sorts) Local, deliciosa comida! (So good had to switch up languages for effect!) Here, you’ll definitely get your fresh fish, as the area is one of the island’s fishery/fishing points, and seasoned to perfection by some of the best cooks. As Barbados was of the English ruling, the “fish and chips” thing is popular here, but!! you NEED TO HAVE a cheat day for the “macaroni pie” (next level mac and cheese). When you visit, you can go early in the evening to miss the long lines at some of the stalls, and as the evening gives way to the night, the entertainment revs up!
While at it, enjoy a nice, ice, cold Banks beer, if you drink. It’s “The Beer of Barbados”. Or, if you can handle it, try one of the famous rums. Barbados is generally recognized as the birthplace of commercial rum production, with records dating back to 1651. Fair warning: many think they can handle the liquor in Barbados, and it never ends well. Please proceed with caution.

Here are a few ideas some friends put together of other things to do around the island.

In addition …

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