Overview

Beach near Bridgetown © ulybug

Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island and is surrounded by an ancient coral reef. Its exotic resorts and glorious beaches make it the perfect getaway, where visitors can look forward to year-round sunshine. The destination also has friendly people, a throbbing nightlife and well-developed amenities. Snorkelers, scuba divers and other water-sports enthusiasts will enjoy themselves.

The locals call themselves 'Bajans' and are of West Indian descent. English culture and customs have to a large extent shaped the island. These influences pervade much of Barbados but are most clear in the stone Anglican churches and in the many cricket games played on village greens. The 'Little England' legacy dates back to colonial days, when the sugar industry reigned supreme. Barbados gained independence in 1966. Today, tourism rather than sugar is the local economy's mainstay.