Barbados, the island that so many love, has year-round appeal. With the tourist season running from January to June and temperatures ranging from 24 to 29°C all year round, it really does have a lot to offer beach lovers. During the low season it can rain a lot, but the downpours tend to be quick and short. Although the Caribbean is known for hurricanes, it is very rare for the island to experience one. For UK tourists, now is a great time to go to Barbados because the islands’ currency, the Barbados dollar (BBD), is pegged to the US dollar, so with such good exchange rates, there is value if you go. ; especially while the euro is strong.

Banks and ATMs are freely available and cash withdrawals can be made. British citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 6 months and can only travel with a valid passport. The west coast of Barbados is known as the ‘Platinum Coast’. It is this area where the VIP villas have most of their villas on the west coast. Barbados is truly a luxury destination and this area is a high end tourist destination.

North of the capital, Bridgetown, there are numerous luxury beach resorts nestled along the shores of the clear, warm blue waters that gently lap the golden coral sands.

Beaches

Barbados is a relatively flat island with an abundance of large, gradually sloping coral beaches that skirt the land.

In the north, coral and sandstone cliffs rise directly out of the sea and reach several hundred feet in height. Cliffs from 50 to 100 feet rise and fall along the coast, separated by small coral beaches and bays. On the flatter southwestern and western coasts, you can walk for miles along unbroken white-sand beaches, stopping only to admire clusters of coral rocks jutting out into the sea. Along the coast, the large and small beaches are interrupted by coral formations, the soft coral rocks worn away by the waves of the Caribbean, forming abstract monoliths that mark the seascape.

Barbados is a coral island and its beaches are made of finely ground coral, a fine, clean grain. Few beaches are not of very fine sand. Generally, if there is a beach on the shore, it is of beautiful sand. Here are my top ten beaches that are a must for all tourists who love to enjoy paradise.

1 lower bay

Just north of the famous Sam Lord’s Castle, this bay is protected by high cliffs. A wide, palm-fringed private sandy beach, Bottom Bay has a true Robinson Crusoe vibe. Crystal clear waters, medium waves, light undertow and a good place for a picnic.

2 Crane Beach

Originally a port, Crane Beach is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It was voted one of the top ten beaches in the world by ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’. The name “Crane” was derived from the large crane situated at the top of the cliff that was used to load and unload ships in years past. The bigger waves make it good for body surfing, but in the cove to the left you can safely swim close to shore.

3 Point Church

A very special beach. Clean, not very wide and somewhat sheltered, the waters are almost always calm, without hangovers and with good snorkeling. This beach fronts the stunning Heron Bay House, which is almost as beautiful to look at as the pristine beach looks.

4 long beach

This is the last in the island loop and stretches for over a mile, a great find as it is secluded and private. The nearby Long Beach Club has facilities, otherwise this is a fairly private setting.

5 Dover Beach

Located at the southern end of the ‘strip’ of St. Lawrence Gap, this is a popular beach with visitors to the south coast. Medium waves and a number of nearby facilities add to its appeal.

6. Cattle washing

This is by far the longest beach on the island. Its rough and rugged splendor makes it a popular place for sightseeing and relaxation. It is several miles long and very often deserted so care must be taken when swimming as the waves and rip currents are very strong. Ask the beach lifeguard for advice. It is a perfect place for nature lovers. Interestingly, this beach was nicknamed “Cattlewash” as it was once the bathing place for herds of cattle that were herded down the hill from neighboring towns.

7 bathrooms

One of the few truly ‘safe’ swimming beaches along the entire Atlantic side. There is usually a lifeguard and there is parking, changing rooms, picnic and places to eat. Medium to small waves and a light undertow near shore make this a good swimming beach. The best swimming is to the left of the beach bar.

8 Mullins Bay

This is another popular place, a picturesque bay with a nice and calm beach almost all year round. Lots of facilities from parking and food, Mullins is also a very good area for diving. VIP villas have numerous Beach Villas here.

9 Folkstone Beach

The beach is located in St. James Parish, one mile north of Holetown, and is home to the Folkestone Marine Park. There are plenty of water-related activities, along with freshwater showers and shops. There is an interpretive center and a museum with exhibits on the marine and coastal environment, exhibits on the island’s fishing industry, and a saltwater aquarium. The underwater park area stretches from Sandy Lane to the Colony Club and you can rent snorkel gear around the fringing reef or hire a boat to dive.

10 Sandy Lane Bay

Sandy Lane Beach, the island’s most opulent resort, is home to Villas on the beach, Barbados. This is a long and wide beach that is in perfect condition and well maintained. There is a public beach access at the south end of the hotel. Since it is located in a kind of bay, the beach is very well protected with little wave movement most of the year and no undertow. It can literally be a VIP beach with many celebrities vacationing here.

In general, the seas on the west coast are the calmest, but good, safe, and calm swimming is possible in the many calm bays along the southwest and south that touch the Caribbean Sea. If you like calm waters with a soft sandy bottom, then the west coast is probably the best for these conditions.