A coral island
The island's position towards the Atlantic Ocean is more eccentric than that of the other islands in the Lesser Antilles arc. Its nearest neighbors are Saint Lucia (145 km to the northwest) and Saint Vincent (159 km to the west). Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela lie to the southwest.
Unlike the other islands in the region, Barbados is not of volcanic origin. It was formed by the subduction (sliding) of the Caribbean oceanic plate beneath the South American plate. This process created an accretionary prism, pushing sedimentary rocks to the surface, topped by coral accumulated over time, of which Barbados is the emerged part. The oldest parts, located in the Scotland District to the north-east, form the highest relief. The terrain gradually levels out towards the south-west. The island's highest point is Mount Hillaby (336 m).
The island is also covered in limestone. Erosion, particularly active in the central and north-eastern parts, has created caves and gullies. A large part of the coastline (especially to the west and south) is protected by a coral reef.
A lively, urbanized south coast
The south coast, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, stretches from the capital, Bridgetown, to Kitridge Point.
Highly urbanized, this area is made up of a succession of small towns (such as St. Lawrence and Oistins, as well as Grantley Adams airport) and villages that become increasingly spaced out eastwards along the coast. Still protected by coral reefs, it offers many opportunities for swimming.
Just to the west of the south coast, the large Carlisle Bay became the natural location for the town that was to become Bridgetown. In addition to good anchorage, the future city was located opposite a pass in the coral reef and at the mouth of the Constitution River, which flows through Bridgetown today. Its metropolitan area has a population of around 110,000 (out of an island-wide total of 281,998). Carlisle Bay is also known for its numerous shipwrecks, which have become artificial reefs much appreciated by marine wildlife and divers.
The westernmost beaches, such as Silver Sands and Surfer's Point, are perfect for beginner surfers, but also for a host of water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. Hawksbill turtles can also be spotted here. This region includes the parishes of St. Michael and Christ Church.
The Platinum Coast
Nicknamed the Platinum Coast, due to the number of luxury properties dotting its very long, narrow coastline, bathed by the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea and protected by a coral reef, the west coast was the first part of the island to be settled by the British (along with the town of Holetown). It includes the parishes of St. James, St. Peter and St. Lucy. The latter, located further north, is also the most unspoilt. The center of St. Lucy is home to the famous Mount Gay distillery and one of Barbados' great attractions, Animal Flower Cave, a network of caves formed at sea level and gradually rising with the island.
North of Holetown, in the parish of St. Peter, lies Speightstown, the country's second most populous town and also one of its oldest. The west coast is one of the best places to see green turtles, notably at Folkestone Marine Park, just outside Holetown.
Central and eastern, rural and wild
With the parishes of St. Andrew, St. George, St. John, St. Joseph and St. Thomas, the central-eastern region is the most picturesque part of Barbados. Here you'll find large sugarcane fields, lush gardens (Andromeda Gardens, Hunte's Gardens, Flowers Gardens...), forests (Cocohill Forest, Suriname Forest...), the gullies of Welchman Hall, the limestone caves of Harrison's Cave and large deserted beaches battered by Atlantic waves that are a delight for experienced surfers, notably Bathsheba with its mushroom-shaped rock formations and Walkers Beach. The area is criss-crossed by the Scotland District, the submerged summit of an underwater mountain range stretching from Trinidad south to Puerto Rico. It was named by settlers for its relief, reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The island's highest point, Mount Hillaby, is located here. On the border between the parishes of St. Peter and St. Andrew, on the northeast coast, stands Pico Teneriffe, a coral cliff. It is said to have been given its name by navigators, whose silhouette pointed them in the direction of the Canary island of Tenerife, the first land they encountered after crossing the Atlantic.
Beaches galore
With 97 km of coastline, Barbados has no shortage of beaches. In fact, this is one of its major assets, and the island's geography means that there's something for everyone. What's more, they're all public beaches, and here's a quick overview:
The west coast, bathed by the Caribbean Sea and protected from the waves by the coral reef, is perfect for families and diving fans. Not-to-be-missed spots include Folkestone Maritime Park, Sandy Lane, Batts Rocks Beach, Thunder Bay and Heywood Beach, just north of Speighstown.
The south coast offers the most diversity, with family beaches, urban beaches and watersports spots further west, close to the Atlantic Ocean. Brandon Beach, Pebbles and Browne's Beach, Accra and Rockley Beach, Silver Sands and Surfer's Point, Crane Beach and Bottom Bay are the most remarkable.
Finally, the wildeast coast is battered by a relentless swell. The force of the Atlantic waves and currents is powerful, so swimming is absolutely not recommended, but they can be admired without moderation, and experienced surfers will be delighted at Bathsheba, Cattlewash, Walkers Beach, Bath Beach or Martins Bay.
