The 110km of Beaches in Barbados
When you think of a trip to Barbados, the first thing that probably springs to mind is the island’s collection of beaches. With over 110km, or 70 miles, of beautiful beaches to choose from, you could visit a new beach each day of your trip and still only just have touched the surface of what the island has to offer. Contrary to popular belief, the island is actually located in the western Atlantic Ocean and not the Caribbean Sea, which is 100 miles to the west of Barbados. The seas and beaches are very different on each side of the island. The East experiencing much more dramatic seas and rugged coastline, compared to the calmer relaxing beaches of the west, often referred to as the Platinum coast. Today we’re going to look at some of the highlights of the 110km of beaches on the island to help you plan your next holiday in Barbados.
Heron Bay
The closest beach to our villa is Heron Bay, and you are conveniently located just a two-minute walk away from this beach. Most of the time Heron Bay is reasonably uncrowded, and you’ll be able to find a secluded spot to enjoy some privacy. While you are out and about exploring the local area, enjoy walking to Holetown from the villa, which takes you past some lovely expanses of beach and The Sandpiper and The Coral Reef hotels. Holetown is great for a spot of shopping after a day at the beach, and you’ll enjoy wandering around this area as it’s so close to the villa.
Carlisle Bay
Located just a few minutes from the downtown area of Bridgetown, this is a popular beach with visitors to the island. Many cruise ship guests come to Carlisle Bay for the day, and there are multiple public beaches to choose from. If you are spending some time exploring Bridgetown on your holiday, you’ll find this beach to be a convenient option for an afternoon swim. To finish off your day, enjoy dining at one of the restaurants located along the waterfront. It is great to visit Carlisle Bay by a chartered Catamaran for the day which can be organised to collect you from Heron Bay by the villa.
Needham’s Point
Not far from Carlisle Bay, you’ll find Needham’s Point. It’s important to note all the beaches here are public access, so you do not have to worry about being near the hotels located here. For a quieter beach, head past the lighthouse to Drill Hall Beach. There’s a small restaurant here which offers you a relaxing environment to enjoy watching the ocean while eating lunch.
Bottom Bay Beach
If you are looking for a more secluded beach to visit on your trip to Barbados, head to Bottom Bay Beach. It’s located not far from the popular Crane Beach, but you’ll need to access the beach by walking down a set of stairs. Throughout the year, you’ll find this beach to be absolutely deserted, so it’s ideal for couples looking for privacy and a romantic day out. It’s generally safe for swimming here, but there are a few larger waves from time to time.
Rockley Beach
Also known as Accra Beach, this beach looks like a photo straight out of a holiday brochure. It has the white sand and turquoise waters that Barbados is known for, and the water is shallow enough to be suitable for kids and weak swimmers. Enjoy strolling along the Barbados Boardwalk, where you’ll find restaurants for lunch and dinner. If you are looking to do something a little more adventurous on your trip, consider renting a surfboard, boogie board or sailboat here.
Dover Beach
Not far from Rockley Beach you’ll find Dover Beach, which is popular with both tourists and locals. It’s not the most relaxing beach on the island but makes for a fun day out for the whole family. You’ll love the calm waters here and the soft white sand beneath your feet. One benefit of swimming here is that lifeguards are often on duty, so it’s a great option for anyone with kids and teens.
Crane Beach
If you are looking to visit the more rustic side of the island then head to Crane Beach for the crashing waves and surfers paradise. Right behind the beach is the famous Crane Hotel, but you can enjoy sitting on the beach’s pink sand with the cliffs, coconut trees, and crashing waves, it’s a lovely spot to spend a day in the sun here in Barbados. But due to these rough waters, it is recommended for older stronger swimmers only and do not swim at all if there is a red flag showing.
Shark Hole Bay
This South Eastern beach, off the beaten track is often overlooked by visitors and is hidden between Bottom Bay and Beach Head Bay and you’ll take a small path to the hidden beach. You may need to ask for directions when you arrive, and it does fill up quickly here at the weekend as it’s a smaller beach than others in the area. However, if you are looking for a tucked-away beach during the week or off-season, it’s a great spot for couples and families.
With 110km of beaches to explore, you’ll never be bored on a trip to Barbados. Each of these beaches offers different activities and leisure opportunities. If you fancy scuba diving, surfing, or even yoga-paddle boarding on your next trip, you’ll be sure to find somewhere to do these activities on the island. Of course, most people are more than happy just relaxing on a deck chair with a cocktail in hand and taking a dip in the beautiful turquoise oceans the island is known for. After a day at the beach, you’ll love returning to your private rental villa at Queens Tower, where you can relax before another busy day exploring the island again tomorrow.
