Top 10 Beaches in Barbados
Barbados, the island that so many love has year-round appeal. With the tourist season running from January to June and temperatures hovering between 24-29°C throughout the year, it really does have a lot to offer beach lovers. During the low season it can rain a lot, but 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 tourists from the UK, now is a good 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 require 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 the majority of their West Coast villas. Barbados is truly a luxury destination and this area is a high-end tourist destination.
North of the capital, Bridgetown, are numerous luxury beach resorts nestled along the shores of clear, warm blue waters gently lapping against golden coral sands.
Beaches
Barbados is a relatively flat island with an abundant supply of large, gradually sloping coral beaches that fringe 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 coasts of the Southwest and West, you can walk for miles along uninterrupted white-sand beaches, stopping only to admire clumps of coral rock jutting into the sea. Along the coast, beaches large and small are interrupted by coral formations, the soft coral rocks worn away by Caribbean waves, forming abstract monoliths that punctuate the seascape.
Barbados is a coral island and its beaches are made of finely ground coral, a fine, clean grain. Few beaches do not have very fine sand. Generally, if there is a beach on the shore, it is beautiful sand. Here are my top ten beaches that are a must see 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 private sandy beach lined with palm trees, Bottom Bay has a true Robinson Crusoe vibe. Crystal clear waters, medium waves, slight undertow and a good picnic spot.
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 on 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 on 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 good snorkeling. This beach is located in front of the impressive Heron Bay House, which is almost as beautiful to look at as the pristine beach it looks like.
4 long beach
This is the last on 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 St. Lawrence Gap ‘fringe’, 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 laundering
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 lifeguard on the beach for advice. It is a perfect place for nature lovers. Interestingly, this beach was named “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 the shore make this a good beach for swimming. The best swimming is to the left of the beach bar.
8 Mullins Bay
This is another popular spot, a picturesque bay with a nice, quiet beach most of the year. 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, about a 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 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 Colony Club and you can rent snorkeling equipment around the fringing reef or rent a boat to dive.
10 Sandy Lane Bay
Sandy Lane Beach, the most affluent resort on the island, 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 access to the beach 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 you can swim well, safely and calmly 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 of these conditions.