With its golden beaches, tropical sunshine and warm Bajan welcome Barbados is hard to beat. The island has strong English ties and this is reflected in many of the place names such as Hastings, Worthing and Christchurch. The capital, Bridgetown, even has its own statue of Lord Nelson in Trafalgar Square. Don't expect to find deserted beaches here, but do expect a wide array of activities and entertainments. Choose from watersports to riding and golf, from horse-racing and cricket to beautiful botanical gardens and, during the evenings, a good selection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. And yes, it is still possible to simply lie back, relax, and soak up the sunshine.

Barbados has three quite distinctive coastlines: the fashionable West Coast has the best beaches, with long sandy stretches bordered by many luxury hotels, and the gentle Caribbean sea, protected by coral reefs, is ideal for watersports. Evenings here tend to be quiet and sophisticated. The South coast has many good sandy beaches too, but sometimes the water can be rough. There's lots going on here, and you are never too far away from the next bar or restaurant. The East coast is scenic and unspoilt. Atlantic waves crash onto the rocky shore; an impressive sight. This is a great place for a day out, however, swimming is prohibited here owing to dangerous currents.

Getting About.
The road system is very good and car or mini-moke hire is easily arranged. A local licence is required which will be organised by the car hire company for a small charge. You will need to take a full British driving licence. There is an efficient bus service, especially to and from Bridgetown, and locals will direct you to the nearest bus stop. Taxis are easily available, but fix the price before you get in.

Places to visit.
Bridgetown, the capital, is a mixture of historic buildings and new commercial properties brought to life by the colourful street markets. Broad Street is the main thoroughfare, with good duty-free shopping facilities, banks and lots of traffic!

Harrison's Caves are a 500,000 year old series of underground rivers and limestone caverns decorated with stalactites and stalacmites. Despite the many daily visitors, they are an impressive sight.

St. Nicholas Abbey in the north of the island is one of the oldest Jacobean houses in the Americas. It is a fine stone building and was a working sugar plantation until the 1940's.

The Flower Forest and Andromeda Gardens are overflowing with tropical trees, plants and flowers from all over the world. Wander through paths lined with beautiful colours and scents, and enjoy the spectacular views from the heights.
The Atlantis Submarine leaves from Bridgetown, and is a one hour voyage to the depths of 150 feet. View beautiful coral gardens and superb tropical fish, from the comfort of a 46 seater submarine. Day and night dives are available.

Events.
Crop Over Festival
Late July/early August. Traditionally celebrating the last of the cane harvest, this is a street carnival of dancing, food and fun.
Barbados Jazz Festival
13-17 January 1999. Now in its forth year, you can see a multi-cultural medley of musicians, and some famous names perform at selected venues around the island.