Discovering Barbados – Six Must-Know Facts

 

With its rich culture, eco experiences and culinary escapades, Barbados is a destination that will leave you yearning for more.

 

From January to December, this 166-square-mile island offers 365 days of countless activities for any type of traveller to enjoy.

 

And, with the return of Copa Airlines flights from Panama City to Barbados, Latin American travellers now have easier access to the island.

 

So, before you book your next flight to Barbados, here are six facts you should know!

 

Barbados is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean

 

From farm-to-table concepts to cuisines inspired by vibrant Latin American flavours, a food truck utopia and the most breathtaking beachside restaurants, Barbados has over 400 diverse dining experiences around the island. As the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, the island is also home to one of the most anticipated food festivals in the world, The Barbados Food and Rum Festival. This festival is a mecca for foodies designed to tantalize your taste buds with the best of Barbadian cuisine. It features local and international chefs, renowned rum producers and culinary personalities. This year the festival will be held from October 19th-October 22nd

 

and through six signature events, it is truly a celebration of high-quality and authentic gastronomic art.

 

The island is the indisputable original rum connoisseur 

 

As the home of the oldest rum in the world, Mount Gay Rum, Barbados is the Birthplace of the rum. The creation of this liquid gold dates back to 1703. Many can have the opportunity to visit where it all began with guided tours at the original distillery.

 

It is said that you can find a rum shop on every corner, so tasting the finest blends in Barbados is not a hard task. With over 1500 rum shops, the island is a rum lover’s paradise.

 

Summer in Barbados is a unique cultural experience. 

 

Crop Over, the sweetest summer festival, is held annually. As one of the Caribbean’s biggest festivals, Crop Over invites locals and tourists to celebrate a 200-year-old tradition that honours the end of the sugar cane season. It’s six weeks of non-stop fetes, arts and craft markets, music competitions and indescribable vibes, all culminating on Grand Kadooment Day. Considered the best Monday of the year, Kadooment is held on the first Monday in August where masquerade bands make their way through a guided route on the island. Masqueraders are dressed in costumes decorated with colourful feathers, jewels and bright accents dancing behind music trucks blazing soca music.

 

The island’s national hero and billionaire mogul, Robyn “Rihanna” frequently attends the festival and celebrities like Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton have also experienced it. This year, Crop Over will be held July 1st – August 7th.

 

It is a Sports Isle 

 

Throughout the year, Barbados hosts a number of events for sports enthusiasts to experience. Because of this, the island can be referred to as the Sports Isle. One of the most popular sports on the island is Polo, which attracts the best players from all over the world. There are five world-class polo grounds on the island with the polo season running from January to May.

 

Furthermore, the largest marathon in the Caribbean, Run Barbados, is another premier sporting event on the island. Known for its festive atmosphere and spirit of camaraderie, the marathon takes participants on a scenic journey route through some of Barbados’ most historical landmarks. This year the marathon will celebrate 40 years since its establishment and will be held from December 8th-10th .

 

Also known as the Surf Isle, Barbados is home to the biggest surfing event in the Caribbean, the World Surf League Barbados Surf Pro QS 5000. This event was held this year at the infamous Soup Bowl and attracted surfers from Mexico, Cost Rica, Panama and Brazil just to name a few.

 

But that’s not all, the island has also claimed the title of Motorsport Island as Barbados is home to Formula Two Red Bull racer and motorsport champion, Zane Maloney. Bushy Park, the leading circuit-racing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean can also be found on the island.

 

During the year there is also cricket, motorsports, sailing, swimming, equestrian, athletics and so much more.

 

The island is a top pick for romantic getaways.

 

Barbados is a great backdrop for a romantic getaway with its idyllic white sand, lush green gardens, and awe-inspiring views. Couples can spend their time watching the sunset on a luxurious catamaran, exploring the unique ambience of the enchanted gardens or even go off-roading tours through the hills and fields.

 

It also has a list of picture-perfect spots where one can pop the infamous question.

 

Barbados is an Award-winning Sustainable Destination

 

For travellers seeking eco-friendly experiences, Barbados is considered a sustainable destination. For its efforts to preserve its natural beauty, Barbados won the 2023 Green Destination Story Awards for Environment and Climate.

 

On the island, you can experience its greatest wonders like Harrison’s Cave, explore the forested terrain at Walkers Reserve and get lost in the tranquillity that Coco hill Forest brings.

 

So, there are 365 days, 52 weeks or 8760 hours to choose from to make your time in Barbados one for the books. With these six facts in mind, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Learn more about Visit Barbados