"Favorite beaches" are not automatically those graced by the placid waters of the
west indies sea. It's true that many of us like the "zen" of the calm. But some of us crave the exciting
rough and tumble of the Atlantic Ocean.
In its 70 miles of beaches, Barbados offers both. The water lapping the beaches of the west coast, aka our
"Platinum Coast," is the west indies sea, which is as calm as a lake. The Atlantic Ocean on the east coast serves
up world-class surfers' waves; it's fun to sit on the beach at the "Soup Bowl" in Bathsheba on the east coast and
watch surfers risk life and limb for a ride on the perfect wave.
The south coast offers a mixture of West Indies and Atlantic Ocean waters - these waters are not calm but not
tumultuous, either. The lively water and sugar-white sands make the south coast beaches a favorite for many of our
visitors.
Any "best" list is a personal effort, and listing Barbados's best beaches is necessarily even more personal. There
are so many to like, there could be any combination in any list. But here's a stab anyway.
1. Carlisle Bay. We start near the city, on a mile-long stretch of beach running the length of
historic Carlisle Bay, from the Hilton at one end (called Needham's Point) to Bridgetown at the other. Actually,
this beach is further divided into local sections like Yacht Club Beach, Burke's Beach, Browne's Beach and so on,
but it's one dazzling expanse, beloved by many Barbadians.
2. Brandon's Beach. On the north side of the city, along the beginnings of the West Coast. Another
long stretch of amazing white sand, nestled by calm, warm waters. Brandon's beach becomes Brighton Beach and then
turns back into Brandon's again. But whatever you call it, it's a beauty.
3. Sandy Lane Beach. The centre of West Coast opulence. This a good place to hang out and watch
the stars from the world-famous Sandy Lane Hotel come to luxuriate in the warm west indies Sea. Madonna, Pavarotti,
Jagger, Cowell, Tiger Woods (who honeymooned there) - they've all been there, and they all come back. And no wonder
- the beach is a pristine white, with water so clear you can see your toes wiggle.
4. Cattlewash Beach. Running for several miles along Barbados' rough east coast, Cattlewash beach
absorbs the power of the Atlantic waves' first landfall after a journey of 3,000 miles. As a result, the surf is
magnificent, pounding in day and night. The places to swim are little pools and secluded areas - other spots can be
dangerous. Interestingly, the east coast beach is rough, coarse, brown sand.
5. Crane Beach. A marvelous sight from the towering perspective of the Crane Hotel, and a delight
to swim at or stroll along. This is the south-east of the island, but the waves are broken by a long barrier reef,
so the sea is safe and shallow. Accessible through the hotel property or via public road.
6. Accra Beach. Right in the action area of the South Coast. You'll often spy the super-star
singer Rhianna here. She's a Barbados native and comes home often. And why wouldn't she choose Accra Beach? Accra
is a half-mile of blazing white beach, with great body-surfing and swimming areas along it.
