Barbados guide
Sedate but Seductive
Pretty Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands, a coral and limestone-capped isle lying in the path of cooling trade winds. Though the island measures only 34 km (21 miles) by 22 (14), its shores are blessed with almost 100 km (60 miles) of shimmering white strands. The dramatic, windswept east coast is washed by Atlantic waves and dotted with huge boulders-a photographer's dream-while the tranquil Caribbean beaches of the west coast, edged with palms, are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.
Pear-shaped, cosy Barbados boasts over 260,000 inhabitants, though you're rarely aware of crowds, except on a shopping day in Bridgetown, the capital. Bridgetown was founded in 1628 and is today a bustling centre of commerce and sea-going activity. The town probably takes its name from an old Indian bridge said to have spanned the River Constitution. The colourful port, with its venerable coral stone mansions, cool green savannahs and lively open-air markets is what one imagines an authentic West Indian capital to be.
Though almost sedate in some respects and as British as teatime, Bridgetown and Barbados extend a welcome as sunny as the climate. You'll find the Bajans a warm-hearted, helpful people.
