A tropical island of limestone origin, Barbados is situated on the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In the past, the economy of Barbados was mainly based on sugar cane cultivation and related activities; today it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Travel information: useful info
Inhabitants: 284,215 (in 2015)
Capital: Bridgetown
Languages: English - Basan (English Creole dialect)
Local currency: Barbados dollar (€0.44 = 1 Barbados dollar)
Climate: warm tropical climate all year round, with temperatures fluctuating slightly.
Vaccinations: no vaccinations are required, with the exception of vaccination against yellow fever for travellers coming from countries at risk of transmitting the disease (excluding Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago) as well as for travellers who have even transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a country at risk of transmitting the disease.
Entry requirements: for a stay not exceeding 90 days, a visa is not necessary: however, you must be in possession of a return ticket. The residence permit stamp is placed on the forms distributed by the airlines. All incoming travellers will be fingerprinted. Pets must undergo a procedure, with certificates being issued by both the country of origin and Barbados, and arrival must be announced at least three days in advance. It is advisable to ask your veterinarian for information on what to do even before organising your departure.
Distance from Italy: 7,588 km (22-31 hours flight time)
Location
Barbados is an independent island nation, part of the Lesser Antilles, located on the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state (with the title 'Queen of Barbados') and is represented on the island by a governor-general.
How to get there
From Rome: the best-known airlines covering the Rome-Barbados route are Alitalia, British Airways, Air Canada and Iberia. There are no direct flights, all of them have 1 or 2 stopovers at night or during the day, depending on which varies the total duration of the flight from 15 to 27 hours. Flights with only one staircase stop over at one of the London airports, from where it takes about 9 hours to reach Barbados. Flights from Rome to Bridgetown from €521.00
FromMilan: There are also no direct flights from Milan. In addition to the companies listed above, Easyjet, Thomas Cook Airlines and Caribben Airlines also operate the route from Milan. Also in this case, flights with only one stopover, mostly overnight, stop in London. Flights from Milan to Bridgetown from €521.00
From themain European capitals: From London the route is covered by Thomas Cook Airlines, Brithish Airways and Virgin Atlantic: they are all direct flights, lasting around 9 hours. From Paris there are Air Canada, American, British Airways, air France, Virgin and Lufthansa, with one-stop flights. From Berlin there areeasyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways and Iberia, again with one- or two-stop flights.
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 21 / 28° | 12 days / 65 mm |
February | 21 / 29° | 9 days / 40 mm |
March | 21 / 30° | 7 days / 35 mm |
April | 22 / 30° | 7 days / 50 mm |
May | 23 / 31° | 7 days / 70 mm |
June | 24 / 31° | 14 days / 105 mm |
July | 23 / 30° | 19 days / 140 mm |
August | 23 / 31° | 15 days / 145 mm |
September | 23 / 30° | 15 days / 170 mm |
October | 23 / 30° | 15 days / 175 mm |
November | 23 / 30° | 14 days / 180 mm |
December | 22 / 29° | 13 days / 95 mm |
Climate: tropical and warm all year round, slightly cooler during the months from December to April, when the minimums are around 21/22 °C and the maximums around 28/30 °C. From May to October, on the other hand, the minimums vary around 23/24 °C and the maximums around 30/31 °C. Rainfall is quite irregular, which means that even in the rainiest months the weather can remain good for weeks at a time. For bathing, the sea is warm enough all year round
Best period: February to April, which is the least rainy time of the year. December and January are also good months, although the chances of a few showers are higher.
Period to avoid: the hurricane season runs from June to November, with greater risks between August and October.
Advice: light cotton or linen clothes, a hat for the sun, sun cream, a light sweatshirt for the evenings and a mackintosh for thunderstorms are fine all year round. Snorkelling equipment, water shoes or rubber-soled shoes for the reef.
10 things to see: beaches and places of interest
Crane Beach is described by many as the most beautiful beach in Barbados, given its golden sand and clear waters. This jewel of nature is hidden among the cliffs, and can only be reached by an impassable path.
Bathsheba is located on the east coast and is the perfect place for those in search of romance, perhaps strolling along the seafront. It is characterised by a wild and living nature, which presents itself in all its splendour and 'peculiarity': famous is the Mushroom Rock, a peculiar rock in the shape of a mushroom.
Mount Standfastè is a beach located north of Holetown, which is particularly popular with young and old alike, given the possibility of watching turtles feeding just a few metres from the beach. In addition, the area is the perfect place for diving and snorkelling.
Speighstown is a town with a rural past, which is home to a beautiful 19th century mansion, Arlingtown House, used as an interactive museum of the island's history.
Bridgetown is the only town on the island that comes closest to the western meaning of the term. The streets are filled with shops and chattel houses, the island's typical wooden dwellings. Strolling through the streets of the town, one can also come across numerous buildings and monuments, evidence of the island's colonial past.
Harrison 's Cave is a beautiful cave, nicknamed 'Crystal Hall'. Located in the St. Thomas district, the underground limestone cave, accessible by train, features streams, pools, stalagmites, stalactites and even waterfalls.
Holetown is the oldest settlement on the island and a must-see if you want to learn more about the history of Barbados. Among its major points of interest are the Holetown monument, erected to commemorate the first British landing, and St James Church, a 17th century church.
St Andrew 's is a neighbourhood full of places to visit, including the Chalky Mount Potteries pottery centre, where you can watch the artisans at work, and the Morgal Lewis mill, which has always been a tourist destination for 'souvenir photos'.
Accra Beach is the most famous beach in all of Barbados. Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beach and vast marine life make it a snorkelling paradise, but also a place to relax.
Andromeda Botanical Gardens are among the main attractions in Barbados. Located in the eastern part of the island, near St Joseph, they contain the different specimens of the tropical plants found on the island
What to do in Barbados: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in Barbados cost? Prices, offers and tips
Average prices in Barbados are close to the Italian conception of 'just right': for a three-course meal for two people, in a mid-range restaurant, you pay between €44 and €57.00. As far as transport is concerned, renting a car costs between €10.00 and €26.00 per day: to this must be added the cost of petrol per litre, which is €1.50. The price of a ticket for public transport is €0.87 per ride, with the possibility of a monthly ticket for €26.00. It is therefore advisable to think carefully about the 'type' of holiday you want to take before renting a car. The cost of accommodation is slightly higher than the Italian average, with €74.00 per night for a room in a 2-star hotel, and €120.00 for a 3-star.
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €42.00 per room - see offers
Low cost flights: from €520.00 - look at the offers
