Caribbean, the charm of Barbados between beaches, music, rum and history

Take advantage of the dry season (December to mid-April) to visit Barbados (visitbarbados.org), a charming coral island located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the main chain of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. During this period, the climate is warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging between 24°C and 30°C, little rain and lower humidity than in the rainy season. It is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches, diving, lush nature, numerous outdoor activities and cultural events.

Let's start with the beaches. The Platinum Coast, along the west coast, is famous for its calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and water sports. The popular beaches of Carlisle Bay and Mullins Beach are appreciated for their white sand and the shade of palm trees. On the south coast, beaches such as Dover Beach and Accra Beach, with turquoise waters and moderate waves, are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and relaxing. For underwater enthusiasts, there are coral reefs, populated by tropical fish, turtles and fascinating shipwrecks, including that of the Berwyn, a merchant ship that sank in the present-day Carlisle Bay Marine Park during the First World War.

Experienced divers can choose from over 40 sites, suitable for both beginners and more experienced divers. Among the most interesting are those in the Folkestone Marine Park, on the west coast, particularly appreciated for its biodiversity, with corals, groupers, barracudas, rays and sea turtles. Those who prefer to explore the underwater world without getting wet can opt for a day or night tour with the Atlantis Submarines submarine, to admire corals, turtles, tropical fish and shipwrecks through panoramic portholes.

In addition to its beaches, Barbados is famous for its rum, which began being produced around 1640 when British settlers began distilling sugar cane juice. The first commercial rum distillery was established in 1703. The spirit was originally known as Kill-Devil due to its intense flavor. Since then, the island has continued to produce some of the finest and most popular rum in the world. Today, Barbados is home to some of the most renowned distilleries, such as Mount Gay, believed to be the oldest rum distillery in the world, St. Nicholas Abbey, and Foursquare Rum Distillery.

Guided tours allow you to discover sugar cane plantations and distilleries, learn the secrets of producing this tropical spirit, taste freshly distilled rum, discover the ancient traditions of distillation and even learn how to create cocktails.

The island also enchants visitors with its vibrant and authentic culture, influenced by its colonial history and African traditions. Music is a central element of Barbados culture and resonates every Friday night at the Fish Fry in Oistins, a small fishing village in the parish of Christ Church, where dozens of stalls and restaurants serve traditional food based on fresh seafood, to the rhythm of calypso or soca.

For a deep dive into the history of the island, visit the Barbados Heritage District in the capital, Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling through its streets you can admire historic buildings dating back to the 17th century, with a combination of Georgian, colonial and Caribbean architecture; the picturesque The Careenage, along the river, where you can find old docks and historic warehouses, and the famous Parliament Building.

A short walk from the center is the Garrison, the old military garrison built by the British in 1680, which houses the Cavalry Museum and George Washington House, where the future first president of the United States stayed in 1751 during a visit to Barbados. Guided tours lead to the discovery of some tunnels discovered in 2017, which are believed to have been used by the British military as secret passages for safe travel or as supply routes.

In recent years, the island has invested in sustainable tourism, adopting waste recycling programs, solar panels, electric buses and electric bicycle rental stations. It has also dedicated significant resources to the protection of coral reefs and marine areas through the Barbados National Conservation Trust. Visitors can contribute to natural conservation by participating in initiatives, volunteering and excursions organized by the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, which works to protect endangered sea turtles.