Discover why Barbados is the pearl of the Caribbean

Friday, 3 February 2012 9:23 AM

If you want to get away from it all on a break to a paradise-like destination, consider booking Barbados flights. The island country in the Lesser Antilles is one of the Caribbean's premier holiday hotspots, and it's not difficult to see why.

Barbados is renowned for its vast stretches of white sand, fringed with palm trees and bathed in glorious sunshine. The island is also well-known for its laidback friendly ambience and rich culture, so you can be sure of an enjoyable break here.

After completing cheap flights to Barbados, get settled in your accommodation and head outside to explore this beautiful location. One of the first things you might like to do is hit the beach, and there are certainly plenty to choose from.

Whichever coast you decide to make your base for a holiday, you'll find all the stretches of sand have one thing in common - sheer beauty. If you're staying on the east of the island, you'll discover the beaches here are windblown and wide, while those on the north coast are backed by tall sandstone and coral cliffs.

If you stay close to the west and south coasts, you'll be able to visit calm spots where the sand often continues unbroken for miles. Spread out your towel and relax in the warm sun to unwind after a long flight.

The beach is an ideal place for getting active as well as to loosen up, and you'll find a range of water sports on offer. Kayaking, jet-skiing and windsurfing are all popular activities, but many people choose to head underwater during a getaway in Barbados.

It's little wonder, as the island is comprised largely of coral, and by going under the surface you can admire this ecosystem up close. Strap on your snorkelling gear and plunge in - you're sure to spot tropical fish, turtles and manta rays, in addition to various types of coral, like sea fans and staghorn.

As well as snorkelling, you could go scuba diving and head even deeper under the waves. There are plenty of shipwrecks to explore, especially at Folkestone Marine Park and Carlisle Bay.

A really fun daytrip is a journey onboard the Jolly Roger - a mock pirate ship that will take you on a tour of the western side of the island. Dance to the calypso music and sample the captain's famous rum punch as you travel. You can even venture into the water to swim with turtles!

If you'd rather stay dry, however, why not opt for a submarine excursion? A trip onboard the underwater vessel will allow you to see life below the surface and learn more about the creatures and plants that dwell here.

All that exertion may have meant you've worked up an appetite, so once you're back on land, make your way to one of the nearby eateries and sample some local fare. Fish is commonly served up, and a popular dish is flying fish and couscous, which is traditionally eaten on Fridays. Pork and sweet potatoes also feature heavily in Bajan cuisine.

If you want to explore the island's heritage, there are plenty of interesting attractions to visit. One such place is the Barbados Museum, which can be found inside the former British Military Museum. Here, you can take a look at a natural history display that describes the coral structure of the island and exhibits of artefacts that date back to when the first people settled in the Caribbean.

The island had a strong sugar industry for many years and you can tour the sugar museum and Sunbury Plantation House to find out more about the trade. The latter was built in the 16th century and is the only grand house in the area to allow visitors into every room of the property.

When evening falls, you'll find a wealth of restaurants to visit for a meal, whether you want an informal bite to eat or fine dining that overlooks the sea. Afterwards, why not head to a bar or a hotel to witness some traditional Caribbean music and dancing - and perhaps join in yourself?

If you're looking for an exotic getaway that combines sun, sea, sand and culture, there's nowhere better to visit than Barbados.