Coral Cliff House
Barbados
Local Attractions
Barbados is known as a paradise island, not surprising given its natural advantages of clear blue seas and silver sanded beaches. With eight or nine hours of sunshine a day, temperatures between 75 and 90 degrees F and a gentle steady breeze from the Atlantic, the island offers the perfect year round holiday.
Although only 21 miles long by 14 miles wide, Barbados has a surprising diversity of scenery. Just a few miles takes you from the tranquillity of the Caribbean west coast, with its luxury hotels and palm fringed beaches, to the dramatic cliffs and wild Atlantic rollers of the eastern coast.
The interior has its own beauty as well. Green and lush, the spine of the island rises to more than 1,000 ft at Mount Hillaby while the rolling hills of the northern tip earned it the name, Scotland, from early settlers. On the south coast you’ll find the capital Bridgetown, the Airport and most of the vibrant nightlife
Sporting Attractions
There are plenty of land sports for participants and spectators alike. There have been lots of developments recently, with more in the pipeline, that will push Barbados to the forefront as an international golfing destination. Apart from golf, there are numerous tennis courts and up-to-date squash and gym facilities at locations around the island. Cricket is the national sport and is played at all levels from international Test Matches to friendly games on the beach. The island’s most prestigious race meeting is held in March at the historic Garrison Savannah, one of the main centres for racing in the Caribbean. Polo is also an extremely popular sport in Barbados and is played to an extremely high standard - there are matches throughout the season that are great fun for spectators. As one might expect in the Caribbean, watersports are excellent. Snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, windsurfing and sailing are all well catered for. Several regattas and windsurfing competitions are held throughout the year.
Nightlife
A choice of nightlife ranges from staged dinner and cabaret shows based on the island’s history and traditions through the sophisticated bars and night-clubs along the west coast to the lively all-night bars and food stalls of Baxters Road, Bridgetown or the St Lawrence Gap. Whether you prefer rock or reggae, you will find a club or bar to suit your tastes.
Natural History
Those interested in natural history and gardening will appreciate the rare and exotic plants such as orchids, heliconias and ginger lilies of Andromeda Gardens, Welchman Gully and the Flower Forest. The Barbados National Trust offers are a variety of ways to discover the island’s treasures. Its Heritage Passport series offers visitors entrance to many sites and properties of interest for one fee whilst an Open House Programme offers an insight into some of the many beautiful and historic private homes on the island between January and April.
History
The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1536, and became a British colony in 1627 (until 1966). Barbados is now an independent state, yet still a member of the British Commonwealth. Sugar Plantations were previously the Island's main source of income. With names such as Bath, Hastings, Worthing, Christchurch and even Scotland dotting the island, Barbados has rightly been called ’Little England’, with afternoon tea served at many hotels. Interestingly you will find some strong ‘Celtic links’ also. Scots and Irish families were indentured to work the land when labour was short so it’s not unusual to hear Celtic names, phrases and see locals with green / blue eyes. To this day Scots are referred to as ‘red legs’ – a legacy of the kilt. The island can justifiably claim to have something for everyone whether you favour sports, cuisine, heritage, culture, shopping, partying or just lying on the beach.
Culture
Barbadians themselves are proud of their heritage and the annual calendar of events contains a wealth of colourful festivals celebrating the island`s culture and traditions. The island’s biggest festival, Crop Over, marks the end of the sugar-cane harvest, and is an explosion of calypso, costumed bands, street fairs and dancing from mid-July to early-August, culminating in the grand finale of Kadooment Day. Other festivals include a Jazz Festival in January, The Holders Season in March, the Oistens fish festival in April and a Gospel Festival in May.
Climate
The period from December to June boasts the Dry season, although the remaining months are mainly only punctuated by some brief rain showers. The subtropical climate is given a welcome respite by sea breezes, and Barbados is sunnier and drier than many of it's neighbouring islands.
Climate Chart for Barbados (Averages)
28 9 76 28 9 25 29 9 25
30 9 25 31 9 51 31 8 102
30 8 152 31 9 152 31 8 178
30 8 178 29 8 203 28 8 102
KEY:-
Temp = Temperature in ° Celsius
Sun = Hours of Sunshine per Day
Rain = Monthly Rainfall in mm
This chart is produced as a GUIDE ONLY.
Further information should be obtained from a recognisable source.
© Coral Cliff Barbados Website 2008 - Site by Chola Design
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