Barbados was first visited by the Spanish in the late 1400s and claimed as a Spanish possession and the Potuguese came to Barbados in 1536 followed by the British almost a hundred years later in 1625 who claimed the island for the crown. The first English settlers arrived two years later and it remained a British colony until 1966 when the island gained independence and is now a Commonwealth nation.
This West Indian Island in the Caribbean is 21 miles by 14 miles and situated some 60 miles east of the Windward Islands and 250 miles north-east of Trinidad and Tobago in the North Altantic ocean.
On the sheltered west coast of Barbados the beaches are a fine white sand formed by the coral and make a popular destination for water sports including swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
The east side of the island is pounded by the Atlantic waves and tends to have a rocky coastline with the trade winds blowing the surf.
Inland Barbados has lush tropical vegitation covering rolling hills with many activities such as adventure tours, eco tours and golf courses.
This Caribbean paradise has a balmy atmosphere, with plenty to do during the day for those with the energy and a great night life with some fabulous restaurants and a warm and friendly people who make visitors feel welcome.
Barbados is outside the main hurricane belt with a huricane striking only about every 25 years but from June to November is the wet season. Average temperatures are around 20 to 30 celcius and with a constant gentle breeze the island has an ideal climate all year round.
There are five main golf courses on Barbados, the Barbados Golf Club, the Rockley Club, the Royal Westmoreland, Sandy Lane with three courses and the Apes Hill Club. There is a nine hole par 3 course at Almond Beach Village.
The capital city is Bridgetown situated in the southwest corner of the island with a wide selction of shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Holiday rentals in Barbados are very popular and there is a good selection of holiday homes including villas, apartments and cottages throughout Barbados which can be rented direct from their owners.