The name Barbados came from Portuguese explorer Pedro Campos who named this island “Os Barbados”, in 1536, which in Spanish means “The Bearded”, due to the appearance of fig trees and its hanging outside roots.  Since the arrival of the first British colonizers between 1627 and 1628 up until its independence in 1966, Barbados was under the control of Britain.  The island of volcanic origin is the easternmost of the Caribbean islands and is part of the Smaller Antilles.  Barbados measures 34 kilometers long by 23 kilometers wide.  Its coastal regions are plain and the interior of the island has mountainous areas.  The highest elevation is Mount Hillaby measuring 336 meters high.
The island of Barbados is beautiful, possesses exotic sites and a passionate history.  Full of art and culture, exciting music, festivals; incredible night life; diverse sports and entertainment and overflowing nature that includes reserves of wild life.   If you prefer you can go horseback riding, ride a helicopter, play golf, organize an excursion, explore caves or go mountain biking.  Dive or navigate in a cruise ship, experiment the deep sea where you can find remains of shipwrecks; underground fishing, practice sailing or ride the Atlantic submarine that plunges some 50 meters beyond the water with an impressive view of the ocean.  The island has an endless number of restaurants and hotels that offer quality and first rate services which together with the attractions and options turn this island into the pearl of the Caribbean world.
The majority of its population is of African origin, although there is a minority of Europeans and a mixture of races. It is one of the world’s most densely population nations. Barbados is divided into 11 parishes and named by the British after the Anglican religion.
The largest city and its capital is Bridgetown.  It is located inside the St. Michael parish.  One of the most interesting sites is the Barbados Museum and can be combined with a walk to appreciate the public buildings like the Trafalgar Square and the capital’s historic plazas.  In Queen’s Park you can find Baobab trees, two examples of ancient species possibly with the thickest trucks you can find in the Caribbean.  You can also visit the Jewish Synagogue constructed in 1654 beautifully decorated with Gothic arcs as well as different styles.  Bridgetown is a city with overflowing life, stores, businesses and tourism.  There are many restaurants, comfortable hotels and and live music that will cheer up your night life.
Holetown is a historic place located in St. James parish in the western coast.  It is recognized as the oldest villa in Barbados.  Here is where the British disembarked for the first time in 1625. It has incredible restaurants, a diving school, an attractive shopping center with wooden booths and beautiful beaches.
Towards the northwest of Barbados you can find Speightstown in St. Peter.  This is the island’s first port and a vital center for commerce.  After years of neglect the city has been refurbished and reactivated.  Port St. Charles is a sports port.  There are good options for lodging and also restaurants that illustrate the zone.
Ostins is found in Christ Church parish in the island’s south and it is a great fishing community with a modern market.  You can find the St. Lawrence Gap one of the main tourism complexes in the country.  You can enjoy genuine fishing festivals on Fridays and Saturdays.  This event attracts not only locals but vacationers from the world over.  Towards the center of the country you can find the St. Thomas parish with Harrison’s Cave known as one of Barbados’ wonders.  It is an impressive underground gallery with a river of crystal clear water that crosses the area and forms several waterfalls and wells of impressive beauty and geological importance due to its location.
The coasts of Barbados are very popular for the beauty of its beaches.  The south is a mixture between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and its waters are wavier than the west.  One of the favorite sports in this area is windsurf.  Famous beaches in the west are Batts Rock, Paynes Bay, Folkestone Park, Gibbs, Mullins Bay and many more. The eastern coast bathes with the Atlantic Ocean there are places ideal for surfing.  The beaches to the north of the island are internationally famous for its spectacular landscapes.  Here you can find keys and hospitable private bays.