Picking the best beaches in Barbados is obviously somewhat subjective, and the island has so many great beaches that picking the best is not an easy task. But I have been visiting Barbados for more than 20 years and wrote the book "Adventure Guide Barbados" so I think I'm fairly well qualified.
The following are in no particular order except that Crane Beach was the first place I ever stayed in Barbados so I put it first.
1 Crane Beach
Crane Beach is probably the most famous of all the Barbados beaches. Rated as one of the ten best beaches in the world it sits on the southern end of the east coast below the Crane Beach Hotel. The waves are quite strong so if you're not a strong swimmer you may want to just lay on the beach and watch. Alternatively stop in for lunch at the Crane Beach and sit on the deck overlooking this magnificent beach. One thing to be aware of is the wind coming off the ocean makes it feel cooler than it really is and it's very easy to get a sunburn if you're not careful! But I think it's fair to say if you go to Barbados then you must spend at least one day at Crane Beach!
2 Bottom Bay
Bottom Bay is just up the road from Crane Beach but it's not easy to find, which means it's usually quite deserted. Pack a picnic and some drinks and if you can get someone to take you and drop you off that's probably the best way to find it. The first time I went I asked directions and I thought I followed them but I still couldn't find it!
Once you do find it you won't be disappointed. Again the waves are strong and there is no lifeguard, or most of the time anyone else, so it's probably not a good idea to go swimming, and it's not great for kids. But if you're there with the one you love it can't be beat!
3 Needham's Point
There are two beaches at Needham's Point on the south west coast. One has waves and is great for boogie boarding or body surfing. The other is completely calm and perfect for floating face up and thinking how perfect life is. It's also great if you've got young kids.
The Hilton Hotel sits right on the beach and is a great place, if not exactly inexpensive, to stop in for lunch.
4 Brownes Beach
Brownes Beach is one of the largest beaches in Barbados, stretching all the way from Needham's Point in the south to Bay Street on the outskirts of Bridgetown, the capital, in the north. There is a lifeguard on duty but no beach chairs, and not much shade. So bring a towel to sit on and a hat and sunscreen! The water is calm so great for swimming and kids.
5 Bougainvillea Beach
The Bougainvillea Beach Resort sits on this beach. If you're looking for a great place to stay I can definitely recommend this hotel. A smaller, more intimate beach than the others, but just as beautiful. The only draw back with this beach is that some years it is smaller than others because the sea is higher some years. But nevertheless one of my favourites, with plenty of shade and with the Bougainvillea Beach Resort right there you can stop in for lunch, drinks or dinner.
Everyone who visits has, no doubt, a favourite Barbados beach, and if you go you're never very far from one, and I encourage you to explore. But visit any of these five and you'll definitely feel that you've finally found paradise. The only downside is that at some point you have to leave!
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