Barbados is a state in the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean. The climate is tropical with constant winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The first settlers in Barbados were Indian nomads who came by canoe from the Orinoco River valley in 350 AD. They named the island “Ichirigoganaim”.
The name “Barbados” came up with the Portuguese Pedro Campos in 1536, he called the island “Os Barbados” – “Bearded” because of the many fig trees entwined with beard-like epiphytes.
The island is very popular with tourists.
Resorts and attractions in Barbados
Each of us at least once in our lives dreamed of relaxing on the islands. Barbados – island exotic. This is a small coral island with an area of 425 sq. km. It is amazing and unique because it was formed in the process of joining continental masses. The coral reefs that line the coastline provide a memorable and amazing snorkeling experience.
According to Shopareview, Barbados is located in the very east of the Caribbean. The island is 34 km long and 23 km wide. The east coast is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, and the western by the Caribbean Sea.
For most who have visited the island, Barbados is heaven on earth. Gentle sun and warm sea, endless beaches and green fields, an abundance of historical monuments, cultural and sporting events make this island a priceless pearl in the crown of the Caribbean.
Known around the world as Little England, the island has absorbed the traditions of the British Empire, from the famous afternoon tea served in many hotels to the islanders’ love of golf, polo and cricket.
Today Barbados is one of the most developed Caribbean islands with a high standard of living and extensive infrastructure. Barbados is proud of its tradition of wedding ceremonies. Secluded coves and gorgeous pink sand beaches, special honeymoon suites at most hotels, and a plethora of activities make this a perfect honeymoon destination.
For 300 years, the famous rum has been produced in Barbados. The island has a large number of reserves, where unique species of tropical plants and animals have been preserved in the wild.
Every year, Barbados hosts the largest jazz festival, bringing together famous jazz musicians from all over the world. Due to the mild tropical climate, the temperature of water and air practically does not change during the year: +26-30*C. Trade winds and sea breezes prevent the exhausting heat. The greatest amount of precipitation falls from June to October.
Interesting Facts
Grantley Adams International Airport, GAIA receives direct flights from the US, Caribbean and European countries.
There are international class hotels on the island. You can pre-book a small hotel or villa. Among tourists, the western and southern coasts of the island with white sand beaches are popular. On the east coast – good conditions for surfing.
The biggest cultural event in Barbados is the Crop Over Festival dedicated to the harvest of sugar cane. It starts in early July and ends with a costumed parade on the first Monday in August (Cadument Day).
The national flower of Barbados is the orchid – Cesalpinia the Beautiful.
Culture: The main historical and cultural values are concentrated in the Barbados Museum. At the same time, it is also a research center, on the basis of which the Historical Society operates. The museum’s scientific library contains rare materials about the West Indies: books, maps, manuscripts and archival documents (starting from the 17th century). The library fund contains 159,000 volumes. (The Bridgetown Public Library holds 173,000 volumes.)
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 17.00, on Sunday from 14.00 to 18.00. Entrance fee for adults – 10, for children 5 Barbados dollars. Tel: 427-0201, 436-1956.
The best way to experience the sights of the island – purchase a special tourist passport (Heritage Barbados Passport) which gives you the opportunity to visit 16 major museums, natural and architectural monuments with a 50% discount. These are the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, St. Nicholas Abbey, the Francia Plantation House, the Museum Village, Garrison’s Cave, the rainforest in the Welchman Hall ravine, signal stations in the Grenade Hall forest and on Gun Hill, a zoo, Cordington College, a museum of equipment for the sugar industry and the Barbados Museum, monuments of colonial architecture “Oughterson House”, “Sunbury House”, a Barbados synagogue. The cost of a passport is $35. “Minipassport” for visiting 5 museum objects costs 12 USD. The passport holder can be accompanied free of charge by two children under 12 years of age. You can buy a passport at any hotel or at the “Barbados National Trust”: 10th Avenue, Belleville, St. Michael, tel: 426-2421.
Excursions and activities: The national sport is cricket, but the island also has wonderful facilities for practicing other sports: surfing, windsurfing, golf. Numerous routes have been developed for lovers of walking.
Despite the small size of the island of Barbados, a wide range of excursions is provided:
– acquaintance with the Caribbean Sea on a steamer or a submarine;
– Inspection of the island from a helicopter;
– Harrison’s grotto, which is a chain of karst caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Tourists pass the grotto on an electric tram;
– the history of the production and tasting of rum at the factory or in the visitor center;
– nature reserves, including the Barbados Nature Reserve, the Barbados Zoo and the Flower Reserve;
– reserves of the National Trust of Barbados, including the fantastic Andromeda Botanical Gardens, the traditional village of Tyrol Cot, reflecting the daily life of local residents;
– old houses of planters;
– St. Nicholas Abbey, built in 1663 – the only building on the island with a fireplace.
For lovers of discos, there are numerous opportunities on the south side of the island.
