Barbados Holiday

Barbados offers holiday makers a culmination of sun, surf and fun plus security, a relaxed resort lifestyle and a jam-packed itinerary.

Vistors could easily walk for miles on the sandy beaches, simply staring into the tranquil ocean with the intense, bright sun beating down on their shoulders.

Barbados is the eastern-most Caribbean island. It is less than one million years old and was created by the collision of the Atlantic crustal and Caribbean plates. Shortly after its formation, coral formed making it the island paradise it is known as today.

Embedded in culture left behind from its many inhabitants the island was originally populated with early Carib Indians, who were visited by the Portugese, the Spanish (who claimed the island in 1492 and wiped out the Carib people with small pox), and finally English colonisation.

The island has a strong history of sugar and slavery and many upper-class citizens were given land to farm tobacco and sugar in plantations in the 16th century. The slaves brought to the island for use during this period were from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

The vast majority of people that now live on the island are the descendents of these workers.

Currently, while on holiday in Barbados - which became independent in 1966 - tourists can experience nature tours, visit museums, partake in and purchase crafts, visit historic sites, and relax on the numerous golden beaches.

For sun-lovers, Barbados is heaven. It is a relatively flat island, which makes transport easy, and has an abundant supply of beautiful sandy beaches.

In the north, coral and sandstone cliffs rise straight out of the sea up to several hundred feet high so swimmers and sun seekers should head to the south where the cliffs rise and fall around the coastline, intermitted with perfect bays and beaches.

Snorkelling and diving is also recommended as the island's bays are teeming with marine life and spectacular corals.

The rich history of the island can be explored either by organised tours or with a handy holiday guidebook. Several of the plantation houses from the slavery era still remain and are located in the centre of the island. Spectacular manors with several acres of thick, dense surroundings, these are definitely worth a visit.

Visiting the busy port town of Holetown is a great way to get in touch with dive trips and tours, while Oistins, in the parish of Christ Church boasts a modern fishing market and thriving fishing community.

Places of interest to visit on the island should include Morgan Lewis Mill, St Nicholas Abbey, Sam Lord's Castle, Cotton Tower, the Emancipation Statue, Parliament Buildings and the Villa Nova.

Entertainment is not in short supply on the island and sporting enthusiasts are encouraged to sample the numerous activities on offer including, hiking, kitesurfing, paragliding, sailing, cycling, golf, horse riding, polo, scuba diving, cricket and fishing.

Those looking for night life will also be fully satisfied with numerous clubs, shows, exquisite dining experiences, romantic cruises and family activities on offer. Nightclubs are mostly located in St Lawrence Gap and along Carlisle Bay, and the majority feature live entertainment throughout the week.

So whatever your age, whatever the occasion why not head over to Barbados, hire a scooter or car and explore the historic island basking in its culture, sunshine and atmosphere.

But be warned, once you arrive here on holiday, you won't want to leave.