Life in Barbados

Settled first by Amerindians, then the Portuguese, and finally the English in the 1620s, Barbados gained full independence from Britain in 1966. The local culture is a distinct mixture of English, Scottish, Irish, and African heritages, evident in the island’s creole-inspired cuisine and the traditional music, a combination of Scottish fife and African drum. Most people on the island speak English.

Barbados is known for its natural beauty—here, you can visit the cliffs at Bathsheba Beach, go spelunking in Harrison’s Cave, and see macaws and green monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. And don’t forget to explore the island’s “seven natural wonders."

Take a stroll through the white colonial buildings in Bridgetown as you visit the rum shops and sample the street food. Head down to the village of Oistins on Fridays for a fish fry that’s out of this world. And don’t forget to join in the celebrations during the colorful Crop Over Festival.

The average daily temperature on Barbados is about 80˚ F—with cooling, coastal northeast trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. (In other words, ideal weather for snorkeling, surfing, or just taking a stroll.)