Destination guide

Living the island life in picture-perfect Barbados

A Caribbean paradise with beaches that belong on a postcard, Barbados is an island lover's dream, with soft white sand that warms your toes and palm trees that sway in the gentle ocean breezes. Whether you prefer to spend days on the shore soaking up the sun and shopping at local markets, or out on the turquoise waters, surfing, sailing and snorkeling, there are plenty of fun-filled activities for your Barbados getaway. When the time comes to pick your Barbados vacation rental, you'll find everything from beachside villas with pools to homes in the historic heart of Bridgetown, the capital city, with its gorgeous colonial architecture.

Things to do

Rainforest parks and gardens in Barbados

Though the picture-perfect coastline certainly is a big draw to this island paradise, don't forget about the rainforest attractions to be found inland. Hunte's Garden is a favorite spot to admire lush plant life in grounds designed by a local horticulturist. Along paths lined with palms and rare exotic plants, you might encounter hummingbirds and monkeys, so keep your camera handy. You can also spot monkeys and watch them munching on bananas at nearby Welchman Hall Gully, which has a kid-friendly adventure park with zip lines, tight ropes, rope swings and a treehouse in the midst of a natural rainforest setting.

Activities

Waterfront fun in Barbados

Water activities are in high supply in Barbados, with the 33-kilometer-long island surrounded by the gorgeous blue of the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans. Bathsheba Beach is a popular spot for surfing, while families head to calmer spots like Dover Beach for swimming and playing in the waves. Snorkeling and scuba diving are big here, and you can hop on boat tours that take you to the best underwater shipwrecks and reefs where vibrant tropical fish can be found. Traveling without kids? Take a romantic sunset cruise and watch the sky change to shades of pink and orange over the glistening waters.

Weather

Year-round warmth in Barbados

With sun-soaked days that stay in the 70s and 80s year-round, there's no bad time to visit Barbados, though most people tend to opt for a stay during the dry season, which runs from December through April. If you plan to visit in winter, you'll want to book your Barbados vacation rental early to ensure your dates are available, as crowds tend to be higher during this time. Even though hurricane season lasts from June through November, Barbados' eastern Caribbean locale lowers the risk, making late spring, before the summer rains set in, a great choice for a quieter stay.

Natural features

Underground adventures in Barbados

From the sandy beaches and fish-filled tropical waters that ring the island, to the lush rainforests inland, Barbados brims with stunning nature. The island has an oft-overlooked natural feature too, in the form of its limestone caves. You can visit one, Harrison's Cave, and join tram tours and eco-adventures that show off its underground features, including clear streams, pools, waterfalls and stalagmites. Animal Flower Cave on the coast is a sea cave with colorful walls and pools for swimming. After spending a day adventuring in the dark, it's just a quick hop back to your Barbados vacation rental and the warm sunlight the island is known for.

Where to stay around Barbados?

Our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 2,775 vacation rentals near Barbados. From 1,215 Villas to 462 Houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Barbados for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in Barbados?

There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Barbados. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:

  • Bridgetown: 2,705 vacation rentals
  • Saint Lawrence Gap: 289 vacation rentals
  • Holetown: 2,473 vacation rentals
  • Ocean City: 894 vacation rentals
  • Sunset Crest: 349 vacation rentals

And HomeAway offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in Barbados! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in Barbados?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Barbados:

  • Bridgetown: 2,705 rentals
  • Holetown: 2,473 rentals
  • Ocean City: 894 rentals
  • Fitts Village: 2,502 rentals
  • Oistins: 2,147 rentals

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in Barbados?

HomeAway offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Barbados. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

  • Barbados Golf Club: 2,775 rentals
  • Dover Beach: 2,775 rentals
  • Port St. Charles Marina: 2,773 rentals
  • Miami Beach: 2,772 rentals
  • Royal Westmoreland Golf Course: 2,774 rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Barbados listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.

Explore destinations around Barbados

Bridgetown
2,705 vacation rentals
Holetown
2,473 vacation rentals
Ocean City
894 vacation rentals
Fitts Village
2,502 vacation rentals
Oistins
2,147 vacation rentals
Speightstown
1,908 vacation rentals
Mullins
1,920 vacation rentals
Prospect
2,561 vacation rentals
Porters
2,114 vacation rentals
Weston
1,943 vacation rentals
Gibbes
1,933 vacation rentals
Apple Hall
381 vacation rentals
Paynes Bay
2,497 vacation rentals
Bathsheba
2,112 vacation rentals
Saint Martins
863 vacation rentals
Westmoreland
2,096 vacation rentals
Belair
660 vacation rentals
Lower Carlton
1,936 vacation rentals
Mount Standfast
2,076 vacation rentals
The Garden
1,954 vacation rentals