Photos by Goats on the Road
Unlike its neighboring island nations, which are volcanic, Barbados is composed of coral. Surrounded completely by a coral reef, and created from a raised reef, it comes as no surprise that the beaches here are idyllic!
Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean, and although your flight time may be an hour or so longer to arrive this far southeast, you'll realize the journey was worthwhile after you step off of the plane. The beaches here are world-class, with a stretch of sand to suit everyone's beach holiday needs.
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Paynes Bay
This beach is located directly beside the famous Sandy Lane Resort, which is popular with the rich and famous. The sand here is soft and unlike some of the beaches in Barbados, the water is calm for swimming. There are some chunks of coral in the water here, so watch your step! Jet skis are available for rent, and so are beach chairs. There isn't much shade available on this stretch of sand, so when the sun is at its most intense, be sure to pop in to the local restaurant on the beach and have a drink...while enjoying the shade. The food is very affordable at the little shack restaurant - enjoy fish cutters (fish sandwiches) and a bucket of beers (six for $18).
Carlisle Bay
This bay is a must-see on your holiday in Barbados. No matter where you are staying on the island, make a trip down to this west coast beauty. Just a few minutes from the city of Bridgetown, meaning it's just a few steps from the cruise ship docks, you'll find this lovely bay. The water is impossibly calm, with some boats anchoring offshore.
This is home to the Barbados Cruisers Club and the Yacht Club. Despite the central location, there are many empty areas that you can lay out a towel and enjoy the peace and quiet. Chairs are also available for rent, and there are restaurants and bars on the sand offering delicious, local food. Park (or get dropped off) near the Cruiser's Club and have a fish sandwich from Cuzz's shack - the cutters here are amazing, and $4 each. After that, stroll down the entire bay, to walk off the food. As a bonus? The snorkeling here is very good.
Mullins Bay
This west coast beach is picture perfect. The sand here is soft and the water is clear. Again, like with some (most) of the beaches on this coral atoll, there are some rocks/coral in the water, nothing to worry about, just watch your footing in some spots.
There are chairs and umbrellas for rent here, which is a good thing as there isn't much shade available. The Mullins Restaurant is located right on the sand, and it offers up tasty local meals and drinks. Try a roti, or a grilled chicken meal with rice n' peas and mac pie. The sunsets from the restaurant, or simply the sand, are incredible. There is also a small shack serving affordable beers and rum punch cocktails.
Accra Beach
This southern beach is known as either Accra Beach or Rockley Beach. The water here is the typical turquoise blue that you come to expect from the Caribbean Sea in Barbados. The difference with this beach compared to the ones above is that there are waves here, which make for fun swimming or boogie boarding. Some days it's calmer, while others, there are some fun (safe) waves.
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If you're hungry, or thirsty, head to the Tikki Bar at the south end of the bay. For $15, you can combine a lounge chair with umbrella rental along with food and drink at the bar. This is an excellent deal! At the northern end of the bay is where the seaside boardwalk starts. Make sure to leave your chair for a while and check out the walkway.
Bottoms Bay
This bay is located on the southeast coast of the island, and although it looks like it's postcard perfect, We've put it last on the list for a reason - the swimming here is rough and there are strong currents. The beach is absolutely stunning to look at, with its swaying palm trees and impossibly blue waters. But this is the spot to picnic, not swim.
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