Tourist Attractions in Barbados

Because of its English street names and places remaining from British rule, Barbados is the only Caribbean island known as "Little Britain." It beckons visitors to its relaxing sandy beaches, ultra blue waters and quiet lifestyle. Barbados houses the famous Harrison Caves and the retired Concorde that sits majestically at the airport museum.

Harrison Caves The Harrison Caves have undergone recent renovation to ensure that they remain Barbados' number-one tourist attraction. This limestone cavern hosts some of the most unique stalagmites and stalactites seen in the Caribbean. Visitors ride around on an electric tram to assist the preservation of the subterranean environment. Natural oils from human skin can slow or even stop the formation of these magnificent structures, so no touching is allowed. The caves are full of unexpected delights, such as waterfalls and lakes, which enhance this spectacular and mysterious natural wonder. The Caves are located in the middle of the island at the somewhat Gothic-looking Anglican church of St. Thomas Parish. Nearby are the two plantation homes of Bagatelle Great House and Fisherpond Great House, where visitors can stop for a meal. After filling up, head to the sheltered valley area of the Welchman Hall Gulley to be stunned by a spectacular tropical garden. You can also witness the 18th-century European architecture of the Sharon Moravian Church in this area.

Crane Beach Not all Caribbean beaches are created equally, as seen by the breathtaking Crane Beach, prouly declared one of the world's best beaches. Not too far away is the majestic Crane Resort that offers sumptuous Caribbean dining and incredible panoramic sea-views. Close by you can tour the Heritage Park & Rum Factory, a restored sugar refinery, and animal-lovers can indulge in the Oughterson Zoo Park located on a plantation area of 22 acres. If you're interested in a serene experience, the nearby East Point Lighthouse situated at Rugged Point offers picturesque views of the southern coast.

Crop Over Barbados's culture comes to life in the annual carnival celebration known as the Crop Over Festival that takes place in Bridgetown during the summer months and lasts for about five weeks. Thousands of revelers fill the streets, masquerading and dancing to steel-pan and music trucks that play the latest in calypso. Mount Gay Rum also has its base in this area and welcomes visitors to see how Bajan rum is made. When the gaiety is over, head to the impressive, coral-stoned St. Michael's Cathedral amid the downtown hustle and bustle. Just across the road is the Fountain in Heroes Square that commemorates the first piped water in the capital. Further afield you'll spot the Harry Bayley Observatory, the only one of its kind in the eastern Caribbean.

Sunbury Plantation House The Sunbury Plantation House is a fully-restored colonial mansion open to the public with guided tours allowing visitors to step back in time to view the opulence of a wealthy plantation house first-hand. The famous Georgian mansion known as Sam Lord's Castle is also nearby and impressively set on 72 acres of tropical land. The close-by L'Azure restaurant serves sumptuous seafood at their convincing location on the oceanfront cliff. Beaches in the area include the Crane, Harrismith, and Bottom Bay; but if you prefer, you can take a dive in the swimmingpool at the Kendal Sporting Club, where you can also take part in archery and even paint balling. Harbour Lights In the evening, the Harbour Lights beachfront show takes culture and music to another level, as does the famous Tropical Spectacular Bajan Roots and Rhythms show located close by. During the day, the verdant Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary offers a great eco-tourist destination complete with a mangrove, or you can wander through the dazzling Ocean Park marine aquarium. For adults, the Barbados Golf Club offers three courses to tee off, and with the entertainment hot spot of St. Lawrence Gap just in the area, party-goers are spoiled for choice when it comes to nightlife, clubs and, of course, an abundance of restaurants to eat at, including David's Place and Bubba's Sports Bar. Known simply as "the Gap", this lively, vibrant stretch is the perfect destination for dancing, drinking and parties.

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