Barbados is the epitome of what most people perceive a Caribbean island to be - beautiful white sandy beaches, great surf, and luxury holiday resorts, which are clustered along the western shoreline. While the southern coast is somewhat developed, the heart of Barbados is made up of lush hillsides and plantations with a strong colonial heritage.Keen surfers tend to favour the eastern side of Barbados, where water sports are in plentiful supply, along with the associated nightlife that you might expect. Head away from the tourist hot spots and you will discover a whole new Barbados, with a Calypso vibe, a tasty fusion of British and Caribbean cuisine, and lots of local Barbadian rum.
Each year, more than 500,000 visitors come to Barbados, to enjoy a mixture of sun, sea and sand at its very best. Located on the south-western coast, Bridgetown is the island capital and is always busy, offering both beaches and culture, as well as some excellent hotels. Bridgetown resides within the parish of St. Michael and features Georgian buildings, established museums and neo-Gothic parliament buildings.
Next door and on the southern shore is the parish of Christ Church, where the principal towns, villages and resorts include Charnocks, Hastings, Providence, Sargeants, Silver Sands, St. Patricks and Worthing. Tourists also tend to be drawn to the St. Lawrence Gap and the famous Oistins Fish Market, which is where all and sundry hang out as the sun sets.
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World Guide to Bridgetown, Barbados
World Guide to Christ Church, Barbados
Barbados Information / Barbados Fast Facts
- Country: Barbados
- Population: 300,000 million
- Status: island nation / Lesser Antilles
- Capital city: Bridgetown (population 100,000)
- Language: English / Bajan (Barbadian English)
- Area: 166 square miles / 430 square kilometres
- Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
- Time zone: Eastern Caribbean Time Zone (UTC-4)
- Country dialling code: +1
- Telephone area code: 246
- Religion: mainly Christians (Anglican faith), also Roman Catholics, Spiritual Baptists and Jehovah's Witnesses
Map of Barbados
Barbados Parish Map
