The Caribbean's easternmost island, located in the southern corner of the Lesser Antilles, is home to powdery sand and turquoise waters on the Caribbean coast and perfect swells on the rugged eastern, Atlantic coast, a haven for surfers and for the naturalists away from the upmarket resorts. There are more than 60 beaches along 70 miles of coastline, made up of powedery coral sands both pink and white. Here's a quick look at seven of the best:
Rockley/Accra
A wide and popular stretch of white sand (top) along the south coast in the lively tourist area of Rockley, it offers both cool waves and calm swimming (in a pool-like area protected by rocks). Water sports are common, including windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and of course body surfing. Vendors ply the beach; there are colorful kiosks selling clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts; and there are great little beach restaurants serving tasty Bajan fare. And right across the street, Quayside Centre is a small mall with more great eating and shopping.
Bath
This one's on the Atlantic coast, but there are almost no undertows and minimal waves, making it especially great for swimming. It's also a bit more "castaway" feeling, with relatively few amenities apart from parking, picnic areas under casuarina trees, changing/washrooms, and a modest snack stand. Nearby is a small waterfall and the remnants of a train line that once ran to capital Bridgetown. A truly charming experience!
Bottom Bay
Down on the southeast coast, this expansive and picturesque cove beach is surrounded by coconut palms and high, jagged coral cliffs. But moderately rough surf and undertow in these crystalline waters makes it too dangerous for swimming (though you'll likely spot intrepid - or foolhardy - surfers out there riding the waves). Instead, people come here to stroll and picnic. And also be aware that there are no facilities or amenities whatsoever.
Cattlewash
Talk about castaway. The island's longest beach, amid dramatic cliffs and hills on the east coast, also features powerful waves and undertow, which means it's often all but deserted (there are, however, also a number of natural, rock-shielded pools where you can splash around safely). So pack your cooler and hit the beach where herds of cattle once bathed as they were shepherded from nearby villages (hence, of course, the name).
Matt Hintsa
Crane
One of the island's most beautiful strands (indeed, considered by some experts as one of the best in the entire world) is down on the southeast coast. Powerful waves make for great surfing and boogie boarding, but again, there are also sheltered coves for calm swimming. And perched on a cliff above the beach is The Crane Resort and Residences, the Caribbean's oldest continuously operated hotel (founded in 1867) and one known for its luxury and elegance.
Dover
Just 15 minutes from Bridgetown, on a short stretch of southwest coast called the St. Lawrence Gap (known for its restaurants, hotels, nightlife, and shopping). this wide and expansive stretch with moderate surf but no strong currents is lined with family oriented hotels. There are a lot of activities on offer, including kayaking, jet skis, Hobie cats, boogie boards, standu-up paddle board, and windsurfing. You can also often catch cricket or football matches at the Dover Playing Field across the street.
Silver Sands
At the island's southernmost tip, this wide, expanse of white - yes, almost silvery - powder is considered one of the world's top windsurfing spots, due to its stiff breezes and active surf, and there are plenty of other adrenaline-pumping water sports on offer here as well, including surfing and kitesurfing (casual swimming not so much); in fact, it's the site of annual festivals and competitions contected to these sports. Amenities are minimal, though. There's also an affordable oceanfront resort here called, unsurprisingly, the Silver Sands Resort.
For more information on this beautiful island, check out this great ZenBreak's travel guide to Barbados.
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