Pear-shaped Barbados is only 21 miles (34km) long and 14 miles (23km) across at its widest point. What’s more, the country is generally less mountainous than its Caribbean neighbours, so altogether much easier to explore. It can easily be divided into six areas, as indicated on the map.

Bridgetown & West Coast

The capital Bridgetown, home to over a third of the country’s 288,000 population, sprawls round delightfully sheltered Carlisle Bay, on the southwest coast. Heading north out of the city, the main road takes you along the famous West Coast, renowned for its glorious beaches, sheltered coves, chic restaurants and some of the island’s swankiest hotels and private villas. The country’s oldest existing settlement, Holetown, and second ‘city’, Speightstown, are also located here.

The North & East Coast