Top 5 Beaches in Barbados

Posted On Tuesday, September 08, 2015 By Barbados Sotheby's International Realty

Every beach on the island of Barbados, including those that are part of the top resorts, is open to the public. The beaches on the western side of the island front the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and are favoured for swimming and water sports, while the wild but beautiful eastern side churns with the more turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Although scenic to explore by horseback or jeep, the Eastern beaches are not preferred for swimming, so do be careful! Here are our favourite beaches in Barbados: 

1. Brown’s Beach in Carlisle Bay 

The white sand, clarity of the water, and convenient location on the outskirts of Bridgetown make this South coast beach a favourite spot for family picnics, swimming and walking. Snorkelers and scuba divers come for the adventures to be had amongst the shipwrecks in the bay.

2. Cattlewash, St.Joseph 

Quiet and uncrowded, this beach on the Southeast end of the island is the place to combine sunning and swimming with  a climb to a vantage point to see the beach from the hills that line the coast.

3. Miami Beach, Christ Church 

By most measurements the best, and certainly busiest, beach on the island, with lovely views across the South coast. There are also several picnic benches shaded by trees where you can enjoy a snack and cool off in the shade.

4. Payne’s Bay, St.James 

Payne’s Bay is perfect for swimming and there’s a reef close to shore where you can easily swim with turtles – just look for the catamarans parked to the north of the beach and bring a snorkel and mask. West Coast Villas manages luxury properties such as Old, Trees, Smugglers Cove and Coral Cove – all of whom can enjoy the sand, sun and complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas available at these properties.

5. Mullin’s Beach, St.Peter 

Perfect turquoise water and stunning tropical reefs make Mullin’s Beach a picturesque tropical paradise and one of Barbados' best swimming beaches. Located on the West Coast, there are minimal waves and almost no undertow. It also happens to be the home to the famous Mullins beach bar - one of the best on the island, with live music on Sundays, a wide range of watersports and fresh local are served daily.

Beachy Tip: If you want to feel the sand between your toes the moment you arrive in Barbados, or for one last time before your departure, head for lovely, wave-pummelled Long Beach, just south East of the Grantley Adams International Airport.