Barbados has long been a dream destination for many. Famous for its incredible beaches and laid back Bajan lifestyle, people love it here so much they come back here year after year. For such a small island, there are loads of things to do in Barbados. So, to make your research a little easier, we’ve collated all of the best things we did on just the west coast, rather than the whole island.
Over the years, the west coast has become a bit of an upmarket tourist hotspot, with a blend of local culture. Home to calm waters, the best beaches on the island, an array of food choices, incredible hotels and plentiful shopping, you won’t be short of things to do.
To truly experience the island of Barbados and everything it has to offer, exploring the west coast is a must, and this blog will help you do just that.
1. Discover the 8 Calmest Barbados Beaches
Barbados has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The island is home to a whopping 80 beaches in total! And if you’re looking for calm, crystal-clear water and white sand, the west coast is the place to be. The beaches of the west coast are no secret, but there are some hidden gems and quieter spots to be found along the way.
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere with bars, restaurants and sun loungers, or you’re searching for quieter, more tranquil spots, you’re in for a treat on Barbados’ west coast.
Not only are the beaches along the west coast amazing for a beach day, swimming and snorkelling, they happen to be the best places to watch the sunset in Barbados too. Honestly, we experienced some truly magical moments as the sun went down!
Vibrant & Lively West Coast Beaches
- Mullins Beach
- Holetown Beach
- Paynes Bay
Quiet & Hidden West Coast Beaches
- Gibbes Beach
- Heywoods Beach, Speightstown (our favourite!)
- Port St Charles on Heywoods Beach
- Sandy Lane Beach (in some areas)
- Alleynes Bay
You Might Love: 17 Breathtaking Beaches on Barbados That Shouldn’t Be Missed
2. Enjoy a Variety of Barbados West Coast Restaurants
Barbados’ platinum west coast is abundant with food choices. Whether you’re operating on a budget or are ready to splash the cash on a fine dining experience, the west coast offers everything. You’ll find a variety of cuisines, ranging from Bajan, Caribbean, Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean and so much more.
Many of these amazing spots have waterfront locations, giving you beach, ocean and sunset views. Whether you’re thinking of breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, you’ll definitely find a spot to indulge.
Breakfast/Brunch
- Cafe Bar Carizma Chattel Village $$
- Italia Coffee $$
- Orange Street Grocer $$$
- Buzz Bar Health Box $$$
Lunch
- Fish Pot $$
- Sea Shed $$$
- Cafe Bar Carizma Chattel Village $$
- Surfside Restaurant & Bar $$
- The Rustic Chef $$$
- Just Grillin’ Sunset Crest $$
- Adrian’s Bar $
- Bombas $$
- One Eleven Beach Club $$$
- Fisherman’s Pub $$
- Orange Street Grocer $$$
- DeSweetPotBarGrill $$
Dinner
- Nishi Restaurant $$$
- The Tides $$$
- The Cliff $$$$
- Fish Pot $$
- Sea Shed $$$
- Fusion Rooftop $$$$
- Surfside Restaurant & Bar $$
- Sitar Indian Restaurant $$
- Just Grillin’ Sunset Crest $$
- Bombas $$
- One Eleven Beach Club $$$
- Local & Co $$$$
You Might Like: The 8 Best Places to Eat in Barbados – South Coast
3. Enjoy a Shopping Spree in Holetown
There are a couple of shopping options in Holetown. Firstly, the adorable Chattel Village. This small shopping area is a colourful collection of traditional chattel buildings, housing a range of clothing, souvenirs, accessories and food stores. This unique spot is a must-see, just for the aesthetic – there’s also an amazing dessert place for you to try – Life Is Sweet.
When in Holetown, it’s hard to miss the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre. This upmarket shopping mall is very much like something you’d see back home. Packed with designer stores, restaurants, an art gallery and a cinema, it’s definitely worth the visit.
4. Visit Speightstown
Heading further north on the west coast, you’ll find Speightstown. Much less visited than Holetown, but this emerging area of the island has so much to offer. One of the must-sees is the Speightstown mural, a sprawling work of art depicting the many things that make Barbados what it is.
Speightstown is the perfect blend of the old and new of Barbados. As it begins to attract more visitors, you see development and new places opening. But yet, it fuses perfectly with the past and what’s been here for years – a bustling little Bajan town filled with colourful buildings, small streets and welcoming people.
After your walking tour, there are also several cafes and restaurants in Speightstown we recommend, particularly Orange Street Grocer.
🎒 Book your Speightstown historic walking tour
5. Explore Sandy Lane
Want to see how the other half lives? Take a trip to Sandy Lane. This place is a world famous luxurious accommodation and one of the most expensive places to stay in Barbados. This street is also home to the incredibly impressive One Sandy Lane, an illustrious apartment building for the wealthy and famous, housing celebrities such as Rhianna and Simon Cowell over the years.
Away from Number One, you’ll find a beautiful long beach that has both quiet and crowded areas, an array of incredible villas and the luxury Sandy Lane Resort. Even if just for a short stop – these grand buildings are definitely worth visiting. And remember that all beaches in Barbados are public, meaning that you can appreciate the famed white sand Sandy Lane Beach enjoyd by the most elite.
6. Snorkel at Folkestone Marine Park
Snorkelling at Folkestone Marine Park is one of the top Barbados things to do on the west coast. We loved snorkelling here and were able to see some turtles and lots of tropical fish.
As well as snorkelling, you can go diving, kayak, go reef fishing or stay on land and enjoy the picnic area. There is also an education and conservation centre, where you can learn about the marine ecosystem, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving Barbados’ coastal environment.
Where to on the West Coast of Barbados
Located near Speightstown and just a few minutes’ ride from the immaculate Heywood’s beach, you’ll find Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle on the coast, this Venezuelan-inspired hotel is like nothing else in Barbados.
Unique in architecture, ambience and peacefulness, if you’re looking for a relaxing and tranquil getaway, you have to stay here. The hotel is set in lush gardens, surrounded by rainforest and boasting its own gully. We loved it here, it felt like being transported to utopia as we lay by the pool or in the gardens.
Our stay at Sugar Cane Club was perfect. We prefer a peaceful location that makes the perfect base for exploring, and we definitely found that here. The all-inclusive food was possibly the best we’ve ever experienced, and the staff were incredible.
🏡 Book your stay at Sugar Cane Club here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is south or west coast best in Barbados?
To answer whether south or west is best, you need to decide if you want a more relaxed or energetic vacation. The west coast has calm water, making it much better for relaxing days at the beach and snorkelling. It also tends to be more expensive to stay on the west.
The south, on the other hand, is more lively and affordable. If you want more nightlife and a bit of a more local, lively and family atmosphere, then head south. The beaches are equally as beautiful, but the water is less calm.
Is Holetown worth visiting?
Yes, Holetown is definitely worth visiting. It’s a relatively small, laid back town that has become known as an upscale shopping hub with a selection of restaurants and great beaches too.
What is the best beach of the west coast of Barbados?
In our opinion, Heywoods Beach is the best beach on Barbados’ west coast. But, there are no amenities here. If you want to be equipped for a full beach day, we’d suggest heading to Mullins Beach.
More Barbados Travel Guides
If you’re heading to Barbados on vacation, we’ve got some more travel guides you’ll want to check out.
The Top 13 Free Things to Do in Barbados
The 8 Best Places To Eat In Barbados – South Coast
The 8 Best Things to Do in Bathsheba, Barbados
Renting a Car in Barbados: Everything You Need to Know
Your Guide to Oistins Fish Fry, Barbados
Shark Hole in Barbados: A Beach Most Tourists Never Visit
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Looks amazing on the west coast!