Barbados

Barbados is a picture book paradise, miles of powdery white sands that are lapped by crystal clear warm waters make for wonderfully idyllic surroundings in which to relax. Many Bajans like to think of Barbados as 'an England in the tropics', its rich history and culture make the island a fantastic place for exploration when spending days away from lazing on the beautiful beaches.

Making the most of Barbados

With its beautiful golden sand beaches backed by palm trees and its amazingly laid-back pace, Barbados is the quintessential Caribbean island. Despite having gained independence from Britain in 1966, some colonial customs still remain, such as afternoon tea, dressing for dinner, and cricket at the Kensington Oval. Its mixed influences have given Barbados a unique culture, reflected in its varied architecture (including large plantation houses and small colonial parishes with cricket greens and traditional churches), cuisine, dance, music, theatre and art.

Must sees

The best beaches on the island are on the tranquil west coast where most of the hotels are scattered, while the south of the island is more traditional and gives you a greater insight into Barbados life. For a change of scenery, take a trip to the east of the island away from the tourist trail and view the dramatic landscape at Bathsheba, much loved by surfers. The capital, Bridgetown, has a beautiful setting on Carlisle Bay, the island's only natural harbour. Stroll through the streets to see a mixture of architectural styles including the Gothic parliament buildings and a distinctive 19th-century synagogue. Along the south-western coast, about nine miles from Bridgetown, there's a cluster of small towns with excellent beaches, the liveliest being St Lawrence, which has the best nightlife on the island. Among the sporting attractions, horse racing at Garrison Savannah is a highlight for many. You may also be surprised to learn that Barbados has several coral reefs, so there's no shortage of opportunities for snorkelling. Another popular watersport here is boogie boarding, while catamaran cruises are the perfect way to get a different view of the coastline.

Must buys

Shopping in Barbados is tax free.The main shopping area is Broad Street in Bridgetown which has several large department stores and duty-free shops. For local handicrafts, try Pelican Village on the outskirts of Bridgetown.

Must tries

Barbados has an abundance of fine restaurants offering local specialities, seafood and continental cuisine, especially near the hotels on the west coast. Casual wear is acceptable in most restaurants by day, though a more formal dress code is expected at night. Don't miss a night out in St Lawrence Gap where all the restaurants and bars come alive at night, or Oistin's Fish Fry on Friday nights, where food, drink and music combine to pull in the crowds. Other options include Plantation Spectacular (an evening of live music and Bajan food and drink) and Harbour Lights (a popular nightspot). If you're in Barbados around July or August, you may catch part of Crop Over, a month-long party to celebrate the sugar harvest.