Barbados may be one of the smaller Caribbean islands, but it consistently surprises travelers with its diverse offerings. From thrilling horse races and cricket matches to lush botanical gardens and awe-inspiring caves, the island brims with activities and attractions. And, of course, there’s no forgetting the sun, rum, and surf that draw visitors from around the globe.
When choosing where to stay in Barbados, you’ll find four distinct regions, each offering something unique: the refined west coast, the untamed north coast, the vibrant south coast, and the tranquil east coast. The south and west coasts are the most sought-after, but each area provides its own flavor, ensuring your choice aligns with what you’re looking for in a vacation.
If you’ve already picked the best time to visit Barbados, this guide will help you find the best area to stay, setting the stage for an unforgettable tropical escape.
Table of Contents
• Considerations for Choosing the Best Area to Stay in Barbados
• South Coast
• West Coast (Platinum Coast)
• East Coast
• North Coast
• Recommendations Based on Traveler Types
• Conclusion and Sandals Connection
Considerations: Best Area to Stay in Barbados
When it comes to planning the best place to stay in Barbados, there are a few things to consider. This includes location and accessibility, atmosphere and ambiance, amenities and attractions, budget considerations, and safety and security. All of these factors can influence your decision, and if you plan carefully, you’ll be able to select a location that aligns with your preferences and needs.
Some of the main things to keep in mind about Barbados is that this island has one main airport, the Grantley Adams International Airport. The airport is located in the southeast of Barbados. There are many ways to get around this island including via local buses, taxis, car rentals and even scooters. And once you figure out the basics, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable island exploration!
Location and Accessibility
When it comes to finding the best area to stay in Barbados, convenience matters. For some, this is the most important vacation consideration of all. As you plan your Barbados vacation, you’ll need to decide how close you want to be to the beach, the airport, and public transportation options. In some areas, you’ll have easy access to multiple attractions, while others are a little more remote. Generally, many of the popular visitor areas in Barbados are within a 30-45 minute drive from the airport.
When it comes to getting around Barbados, keep in mind that this island has an extensive bus network with routes extending to most areas. Some hotels and resorts offer airport transfer services, which can be convenient for first-time visitors.
Good to know: The west and south coasts have the highest concentration of beaches and tourist facilities in Barbados.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
The atmosphere of a place is something you can’t fully grasp until you get there. However, visitor reviews and experiences make it possible to get a sense of a destination in advance. Take the west coast of Barbados for instance. This area is known for its upscale, relaxed atmosphere. Or the south coast, lively and tourist-oriented. Areas like Oistins where the popular fish fry event is held in Barbados offer a mix of local culture and visitor amenities, while rural parishes in the center and east of the island offer a more authentic Bajan experience. From the tranquil and laid-back to the lively and energetic, each part of this island has a different ambiance and it certainly is something to look forward to ahead of your vacation.
Amenities and Attractions
The amenities and attractions are also something you can take a look at so that you can plan ahead when it comes to your Barbados getaway. If you want to be able to shop and enjoy a wide selection of dining during your vacation, Holetown on the west coast can be ideal. For nightlife and restaurants, St. Lawrence Gap on the south coast is an excellent pick. Bridgetown, the capital, is famous for its historical sites and museums while the east coast is known for its natural attractions and surfing spots. The experiences vary widely, and this is something you’ll see for yourself as you explore.
Budget Considerations
Vacation planning is incomplete without any mention of spending. In Barbados, the price you’ll pay for your vacation can vary based on where you stay. The west coast, frequently referred to as the Platinum Coast, can be more expensive when it comes to finding accommodation. In the south coast on the other hand, you’ll find a mix of upscale and more budget-friendly options. Generally, there are more affordable accommodation options in rural areas and on the east coast, though many of the popular hotels and resorts are outside of this area.
When putting the budget together for your Barbados vacation, try to decide from early on whether you’d prefer an all-inclusive experience or you’d prefer to pay as you go along. If you want to cut costs, be sure to book early as peak season (December to April) sees higher prices across the island.
Safety and Security
Barbados is one of the safest vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Even with that said, there are still areas on this island with lower crime rates than others. Generally, as you explore, stick to the safety measures you’d use in any other destination: stay away from isolated areas, don’t venture into areas that aren’t well lit, and generally be cautious as you make your way around. Also, be sure to use reputable taxi services or car rental companies.
If safety is top of the list for you (as it should be), consider staying at one of the hotels and resorts on this island as these typically have their own security staff. All-inclusive resorts like the Sandals Resorts in Barbados tend to have an increased focus on visitor safety with just about all you need for your vacation available on property.
Good to know: Visitor-friendly areas in Barbados generally have a higher police presence which can be reassuring!
1. Southern Coast of Barbados
Best for: A lively beach vacation. This is the best area in Barbados to learn how to surf. Barbados’ most popular golf club is also located on the south coast.
Christ Church
South West Barbados
Photo credit: Luca Bertalli/Shutterstock.com
Top point of interests in Christ Church: Enterprise Beach, Dover Beach, and Garrison Savannah.
The south coast of Barbados is where you can find areas like Christ Church, which is home to the island’s main airport, the Grantley Adams International Airport. This is also where you’ll find St. Lawrence Gap (locally known as ‘The Gap’), the always happening entertainment hub of the island.
In St. Lawrence Gap you can find the best restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops, along with hotels and all-inclusive resorts that range from modest, to uber-fabulous. Looking for a party? Saint Lawrence Gap is a top pick, and so is Bridgetown. Both are located near the south-west of the island.
Photo credit: Kudriavtcev Mikhail/Shutterstock.com
While in Christ Church, consider touring the Banks Beer Brewery and watching some horse racing at Garrison Savannah. For a slice of history, visit the St. Lawrence Church which goes back to the early 1800s. Christchurch is also home to the most popular golf club (Barbados Golf Club) and surf school (Barry’s Surf School) of the island country.
Good to know: Guests of both Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados can enjoy tropical cocktails and other (alcoholic) drinks during their stay. Sandals Royal Barbados even comes with a craft beer hall and bowling alley!
St. Philip
South East Barbados
Photo credit: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
Top points of interests in St. Philip: Bottom Bay and Crane Beach.
You may well find yourself enjoying the calmer side of things in St. Philip, Barbados. This includes exploring plantation houses like Sunbury which dates to the 1600s, or enjoying some of Barbados’ most iconic beaches: Bottom Bay and Crane Beach.
St. Philip is quite diverse in terms of the available activities. You can go from beachside lounging to experiencing life in the fast lane at theBushy Park Racing Circuit. Many visitors describe this as one of the “most memorable experiences” in Barbados as it entails pushing the limits of race cars or carts or watching international racing events.
Photo credit: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
Aside from exploring the beaches, plantation houses and racing circuit, while in St. Philip you can also visit the four lighthouses in Ragged Point which promise amazing views, or the Four Square Distillery for a tour that includes tastings.
Also read: 56 Adventurous & Fun Things To Do In Barbados.
2. West Coast (Platinum Coast)
Best for: An active beach vacation. This is the best region for duty-free shopping, exploring historic sights and head out on fishing excursions.
In the west coast of Barbados, you’ll find both high-end resorts and sprawling mansions. The sandy beaches are the appeal for many, like the famed Holetown beach. Previously known as Jamestown, Holetown was where the British first settled on this island. It was named after King James I. Things have changed a lot since then, and now you can find many restaurants, bars and boutiques in this area.
St. Michael
South West Barbados
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Top points of interests in St. Michael: Carlisle Bay, Mount Gay Distillery and George Washington House.
A little way up the western coast is St. Michael, home to the capital city of Bridgetown. Not surprisingly, there are numerous tourist attractions in this area like the Tyrol Cot Heritage Village. This heritage site was once the residence of Sir Grantley Adams, the first Premier of Barbados. The two main areas to explore in this part of Barbados are Bridgetown and the Garrison Historic Area.
Bridgetown
Bridgetown is not just the capital, but the largest city in Barbados. This is where you’ll find government buildings and many of the island’s historical sites. Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and while there you can scope the colonial architecture that has been preserved over time. The shopping centers and markets are also worth visiting.
If you stay near Bridgetown while in Barbados, you’ll have easy access to public transportation and you’ll also be close to some of the island’s major attractions. Bridgetown is also home to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery, the oldest rum producer in the world and Carlisle Bay, one of the best beaches for wreck diving in Barbados.
Going deeper in capital city, Bridgetown
Exploring Bridgetown is a plus for vacationers who want to be at the heart of it all. This is a place where you can connect deeply with the pulse of Barbados. Many thrilling fishing excursions set off from this area. Of the many attractions in Bridgetown, George Washington House, St. Ann’s Fort, Barbados Museum and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are among the most popular.
In Bridgetown, there’s lots to do to stay entertained whether you want your vacation in Barbados to incorporate lots of sightseeing tours, scenic beaches, or spacy experiences, like that of the Harry Bayley Observatory. This Observatory, the only one of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean, makes it possible to scope the night’s sky through a powerful telescope at a low cost. Most of the activities at the Observatory happen on Friday nights, and this experience is one worth trying at least once.
The Mount Gay Rum Distillery and Kensington Oval (a cricket hub) are also located in Bridgetown. There are also some popular attractions near this area, like Brighton Beach just north of Bridgetown. The popular Cockspur Beach Club is located on Brighton Beach and can be included in an extended exploration of this area. As you explore St. Micheal, make some time to visit the Garrison Historic Area which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Good to know: The capital city of Bridgetown hosts many cultural events, including the annual Crop Over festival. During your time there, don’t forget to visit the Chamberlain Bridge and the Lord Nelson Statue.
St. James
North West Barbados
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Top points of interests in St. James: In the western central part of Barbados, St. James Parish appeals to travelers of all budgets. Although this area is known to be one of the go-to spots for celebrities visiting Barbados, there’s more than just ritzy accommodation available. While in St. James, you can expand your knowledge on Barbadian history by visiting the St. James Parish Church. This church was built in the 1600s in an area called ‘God’s Acre’. Tours are available which can offer insight into the colorful past of this stonewall church.
Photo credit: Avatar_023/Shutterstock.com
While in St. James, you might also want to visit the Portvale Sugar Factory. This is one of the last remaining sugar factories in Barbados. The Folkstone Marina Park and the Sir Frank Hutson Museum are also interesting places to explore. Villages like Prospect, Sugar Hill, Appleby, as well as Porters can also broaden your exploration.
Did you know: The General Postal Service in Barbados is one of the world’s oldest!
3. Eastern Coast of Barbados
Best for: Reconnecting with nature. This is the best area to visit in Barbados if you’re into hiking. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful botanical gardens. The water on the east coast beaches tends to be more turbulent, which makes it a great place for professional surfers.
St. Joseph
Photo credit: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
Top point of interests in St. Joseph: Hunte’s Gardens and Bathsheba Beach.
St. Joseph Barbados is where you go to unwind once you’ve experienced the more upbeat side of Barbados. Or this can be the perfect place to kick off a mellow getaway. This is one of the top places to stay in Barbados, if just for a couple of hours. All you’ll need to do is get here and you can explore botanical gardens, like the Flower Forest, which was once a sugar plantation. Quiet botanical garden strolls are also possible at the smaller Andromeda Gardens in St. Joseph Village. Despite its relatively small size, this garden features over 600 types of plants. The gardens were once part of a private collection, put together and maintained by a former horticultural expert on the island, Iris Bannochie. Still more explorations await at Hunte’s Gardens, another botanical garden that you can visit while in St. Joseph.
Photo credit: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
4. Northern Coast of Barbados
Best for: A low-key getaway that entails doing as much or as little as you please.
St. Lucy
North Barbados
Photo credit: Velour Noire/Shutterstock.com
Top point of interest in St. Lucy: Animal Flower Cave.
Much less developed than some of the communities on the west coast of Barbados, St. Lucy in the north is a breath of fresh air. This area is ideal for visitors whose idea of a vacation in paradise means finding delight in the simple things, like rustling trees, and ocean views almost everywhere you look. Most who choose to stay in St. Lucy do so because of its far away appeal–in St. Lucy it literally feels as though you’re away from it all, discovering a part of Barbados only the most privileged get to see.
Photo credit: moorehartphotography/Shutterstock.com
That, of course, is far from the truth, as everyone is welcome in St. Lucy. This is a place where visitors can explore sites like the Animal Flower Cave, a sea cave beneath the cliffs at North Point. It is the only accessible sea cave on the island and guided tours are available. If you plan on going to Animal Flower Cave, bring along swimwear and water shoes. These will come in handy if you suddenly feel inclined to take a refreshing dip into one of the glistening natural rock pools!
Other popular spots in St. Lucy include Maycock’s Bay for surfing, the Fustic House Plantation, and St. Lucy’s Parish Church.
St. Peter
North West Barbados
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Top point of interest in St. Peter: St. Nicholas Abbey.
On the north-west of Barbados, St. Philip’s is hilly in some areas, with lots of sandy beaches. The most popular is Gibbs Beach. Other than the spectacular beaches, the pull to this area is in the abundance of historical sites such as the town of Speightstown (the second largest town on island), St. Nicholas Abbey Rum Plantation and the Arlington House Museum.
Also known as Little Bristol, Speightstown is a charming beach town many consider a must-visit, particularly on weekends when vendors come out to sell everything under the sun. The name of this area comes from the close trading relationship that once existed between Barbados and Great Britain’s Bristol.
Photo credit: Karen Hadley/Shutterstock.com
St. Peter is also known for its sweet hillsides, covered in sugarcane, marinas like Port St. Charles and Port Ferdinand, and The Farley Hill National Park. This national park was once the home of a beautiful Georgian mansion, but today just the ruins remain. This area plays host to several events throughout the year, including the Barbados Jazz Festival. The 1957 movie ‘Island in the Sun’ was also filmed here, featuring Harry Belafonte and Joan Collins.
Love scuba diving? PADI® certified guests of either of the two Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados can dive for free (max. two tanks a day). This includes professional equipment and staff! At an additional fee, it’s also possible to get PADI® certified at the resort. Once certified, you can dive the rest of your vacation for free!
Learnings Recap
There’s so much to discover and indulge in on the tropical shores of Barbados! To help ensure you’re ready to select the best place to stay in Barbados for your all-inclusive escape, here are the key takeaways:
• Barbados offers a range of diverse experiences
• The island caters to various traveler types, from luxury seekers to budget travelers
• Each area has its unique charm, attractions, and atmosphere
• Consider factors like budget and proximity to attractions
• The South Coast offers the ideal blend of beaches, nightlife and relaxation
• The East Coast is best for nature lovers and outdoorsy vacationers
• The North Coast offers a less touristy Barbadian experience
• Sandals resorts on the South Coast provide an excellent all-inclusive option
The Consensus: Best Area to Stay in Barbados
The best places to stay in Barbados will depend on your vacation expectations. Even with that said, at just 166.4 square miles, no matter where you choose to stay in Barbados, you can easily explore other parts of the island. In fact, it takes just about three hours to get around the entire island, though if you’re doing a tour, you’ll certainly want to do that at a more leisurely pace!
Though there are so many wonderful places to stay on this island and a no short supply of stimulating activities and attractions, the best place to stay on this island is the place that most aligns with your vacation plans. We truly hope that this post helped, and that you enjoy your time on this stunning tropical island!
Bonus: Checklist for Choosing Your Perfect Area in Barbados
• Determine your budget
• Decide on your preferred atmosphere (relaxed, lively, authentic)
• List your must-have amenities
• Consider proximity to beaches and attractions
• Think about transportation options
• Research the local dining and nightlife scene
• Check the types of accommodations available
• Consider the time of year you’re visiting
• Read reviews from other travelers
• Consult with a travel agent if needed
Insider Tip: Feel the sway of romance at Sandals all-inclusive resorts, located in the best area to stay in Barbados for couples. All you need for your vacation is included, plus amenities like a rooftop infinity pool, innovative suites, a bowling alley, 21 restaurants, swim-up bars, Barbados’ largest and longest lagoon pool, and more!
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