📍 Barbados

BARBADOS ISLAND LIFE: RUM, DANCING, REEFS AND GOLD

Rum distilleries, fish-fry nights, diving on pristine reefs, Atlantic waves crashing in. Barbados is tropical warmth and authentic island soul.

≈ 12
Days
67
Km
6
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander through Bridgetown, relax on Holetown beaches, admire Bathsheba's waves and share a fish-fry in Oistins with locals. Barbados, small island with immense character and golden beaches.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Bridgetown

colonial port historic rum

Bridgetown - Photo 1Bridgetown - Photo 2Bridgetown - Photo 3Bridgetown - Photo 4Bridgetown - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
National Heroes Square
2
Historic Bridgetown UNESCO World Heritage Site
🎯

Activities

→
Pebbles Beach morning horse swim spectacle
→
Carlisle Bay beaches
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 13.1 km
Travel time: 26min
2
Day

Holetown

plantation era elegant coast

Holetown - Photo 1Holetown - Photo 2Holetown - Photo 3Holetown - Photo 4Holetown - Photo 5Holetown - Photo 6Holetown - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Paradise Beach with Seafloor Sculptures by Philip King
2
Batts Rock Beach and La Cabane beach bar
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming and snorkeling in turquoise waters
3
Day

Holetown

plantation era elegant coast

Holetown - Photo 1Holetown - Photo 2Holetown - Photo 3Holetown - Photo 4Holetown - Photo 5Holetown - Photo 6Holetown - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Folkestone Marine Park coastal reef
2
St. James Parish Church (built 1628)
🎯

Activities

→
Snorkeling with parrotfish and sea turtles
→
Sunset at Reeds Bay with live music at Thunder Bay bar
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 9.7 km
Travel time: 19min
4
Day

Speightstown

fishing village rum heritage

Speightstown - Photo 1Speightstown - Photo 2Speightstown - Photo 3Speightstown - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Speightstown historic town and Queen Street
2
Arlington House merchant mansion
3
St. Peter Parish Church (built 1630)
🎯

Activities

→
Fisherman's Pub for local food and sunset
→
Heywoods Beach swimming in protected coves
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16.5 km
Travel time: 33min
5
Day

Central

island heart sugar plantation

Central - Photo 1Central - Photo 2Central - Photo 3Central - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Saint Nicholas Abbey Great House (1658)
2
Historic steam train ride to Cherry Tree Hill
🎯

Activities

→
Tour rum distillery and tropical gardens
→
Panoramic views of east coast from Cherry Hill
6
Day

Central

island heart sugar plantation

Central - Photo 1Central - Photo 2Central - Photo 3Central - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Welchman Hall Gully limestone gorge
2
Kow Ata Underground Lake 60m below surface
🎯

Activities

→
Guided nature walk observing wild vervet monkeys
→
Swimming in warm mineral hot springs
7
Day

Central

island heart sugar plantation

Central - Photo 1Central - Photo 2Central - Photo 3Central - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Hunte's Garden in historic gully
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll through curated botanical sections with classical music
→
Relax on colonial-style veranda with refreshments
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6.1 km
Travel time: 12min
8
Day

Bathsheba

atlantic waves cliff drama

Bathsheba - Photo 1Bathsheba - Photo 2Bathsheba - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Bathsheba Beach Soup Bowl surf spot
2
Saint Aiden Chapel (1837)
🎯

Activities

→
Watch massive waves breaking on coral boulders
→
Soak in natural mineral pools carved from reef
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 21.8 km
Travel time: 44min
9
Day

Oistins

fish-fry friday night ritual

Oistins - Photo 1Oistins - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Sunbury Plantation House Great House (1660s)
2
Collection of horse-drawn carriages
🎯

Activities

→
Guided tour of antique furnishings and artifacts
→
Traditional Bajan meal in courtyard
10
Day

Oistins

fish-fry friday night ritual

Oistins - Photo 1Oistins - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Berinda Cox Fish Market
2
Oistins Bay Garden food court
🎯

Activities

→
Sample fresh flying fish and local specialties
→
Miami Beach (Enterprise Beach) swimming
11
Day

Oistins

fish-fry friday night ritual

Oistins - Photo 1Oistins - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Dover Beach surfing spot
2
St. Lawrence Gap entertainment district
🎯

Activities

→
Worthing Beach relaxation
12
Day

Oistins

fish-fry friday night ritual

Oistins - Photo 1Oistins - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Rockley Beach (Accra Beach)
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in calm shallow pool
→
Richard Hayne's Boardwalk shopping and cafes

🗺️ Itinerary map

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (December-May): Perfect weather, minimal rainfall, trade winds, peak tourist season, highest prices, advance booking essential.

Shoulder Season (June-August): Good weather with occasional showers, fewer crowds, moderate prices, still excellent for beach activities.

Wet Season (September-November): Hurricane season risk, higher humidity, lowest prices, many hotels offer deals, September-October highest storm risk.

Crop Over Festival (July-August): Caribbean's biggest cultural festival, vibrant atmosphere, calypso and soca music, colorful parades.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Barbados?

Sophisticated Caribbean island with British colonial charm, rum heritage, and pristine beaches. Experience cricket culture, flying fish cuisine, and luxury resorts alongside authentic chattel houses. The island combines refined elegance with laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. Barbados offers cultural depth beyond typical beach destinations.