Photos by Goats on the Road
When we were given the opportunity to pet sit on the West Indies island of Barbados, we jumped at the chance. We'd heard about the pristine beaches and beautiful people, and having spent much time in the Caribbean before, we had a good idea of what to expect in terms of food and culture. What surprised us were the activities. For such a small island, there are endless amounts of things to see and do! Here are our top five favorites from six weeks spent in Barbados.
Oistins Fish Fry Fridays
Being an island nation, it comes as no surprise that seafood is a top food choice among the locals and tourists. On Friday evenings, the sleepy fishing village of Oistins is transformed into a party town. Tourists and locals flock here to sample the delicious grilled fish, drink local beers and shake their hips to the soca and calypso beats! Freshly caught mahi mahi, snapper, tuna, swordfish and marlin are grilled on massive BBQs and served up with sides of your choice - mac pie, green salad, rice and baked potato. The portions of food are huge, the setting is informal and the vibe is very lively. The cost of a meal is equivalent to $15, but if you don't want to eat, you can still go and enjoy the music, dancing and drinks!
READ MORE: A Taste of Barbados: Must-Try Bajan Cuisine
Hike Barbados
Hiking around Barbados is a great way to get a feel for the various landscapes and parishes around the island. The group "Hike Barbados" meets weekly at various locations. Similar to hashing in Grenada, this is a great way to meet people from the island, find some trails that you otherwise wouldn't have known about, and of course, get some exercise. The walks are free, but donations are welcome. Click here to see the upcoming schedule.
Attend a Q Party
These community parties are a great way to mingle with the local people during your trip to Barbados. The parties are operated by Q 100.7 radio station, which is why they are given the name "Q". There are a few different events around the island, but the ones on Thursdays are a lot of fun, as they are held around a rum shop! Just listen for the blaring soca music and you'll arrive at a park, field or neighborhood with lots of local people enjoying BBQ, drinks and dancing. The good times go on well into the night.
Go To The Beach
Of course going to the beach had to be on this list. Barbados has many beautiful stretches of sand to choose from, for all types of beach goers. If you're looking for some easy waves for boogie boarding, check out Accra Beach or Rockley Beach. If you'd rather relax in calm waters, head to the west coast beaches of Mullins Bay or Paynes Beach. Out of all of the beaches on the island, Carlisle Bay is probably our favorite. The water here is impossibly turquoise, there are some great little shacks serving lunch and the sea is typically calm.
READ MORE: The Enchanting Beaches of Barbados
Drive Around The Island
Having your own wheels is the best way to see this island properly. You can either hire a guide and vehicle for the day, or you can rent a car. Rentals are a bit expensive, but if you split the cost with some friends or family, the price isn't so bad. Trust us, it's worth the money.
Unlike its volcanic neighbors, Barbados is a coral island, meaning that it is relatively flat. The roads here are really good, and there is even a highway! On your road trip, explore the cities of Bridgetown, and the smaller west coast towns of Holetown and Speightstown. Also don't miss out on Harrison's Cave which is in the center of the island, as well as the east coast beaches, which aren't safe for swimming, but are great for watching surfing, or walking along the deserted stretches of sand.
Enjoy your trip to Barbados!
Topics From This Article to Explore
