Barbados
North Coast
"The Untouched Caribbean Coast"
The
Barbados north coast is
definitely the forgotten stretch of coastline on this beautiful
island.
However, we Bajans are well aware of
the beautiful
spots that are prevalent within this area, and prefer to head for
this coast of the island to relax and enjoy a picnic.
Breathtaking is the only word that can be used to describe the
magnificent photo opportunities that are afforded along this remote and
isolated stretch of coastline.
It is absolutely the only place to
come
when you are keen on leaving the busier parts of Barbados and want to
lose yourself in the unspoilt and serene rural communities which exist
here.
Much of the north coast of Barbados is very
rural and isolated and you will definitely need your own mode of
transport to navigate along the quiet tracks. Therefore hiring a car is
always a good idea if you really want to explore this forgotten coast.
Your own car gives you total freedom
to go off and explore the rugged cliffs and amazing oceanic views that
are in ample supply along this entire coastline. Just make sure you
take your camera along.
Barbados North Coast Communities and
Attractions
The northern most tip of Barbados is
included within the parish of St. Lucy. Here you will find much smaller
villages and hamlets and these will all provide you with a better
glimpse at how life was before tourism exploded on this
Caribbean island.
The Parish of St. Lucy
When looking at a Barbados map
you will find the parish of St.Lucy at the top of the island. A
journey to the very most northern tip of this parish will lead you to
the north point of Barbados.
This stretch of the north
coast is lined with steep, rugged cliffs and awesome views and here you
will also find the ruins of an old resort known as the Barbados North Point Surf Resort. Although beaches are not as prevalent
in this part of Barbados, they are not completely lacking. Little Bay, Cove Bay and River Bay are three
safe swimming areas that you can head for if you are looking to
sea bathe on this part of the island.
Experienced surfers will also find
themselves in
seventh heaven at Maycock’s
Bay, but do notice that the word ‘experienced’ is not
being used loosely here. There are some strong currents and sharp reefs
around this
part of the Barbados north coast and this is definitely
not for swimmers
or surfing novices.
Tourist attractions wise; you can head to The Animal Flower Cave,
which is also located within the parish of St. Lucy. Over the centuries
the Atlantic Ocean has managed to forge out an impressive cave in the
rocks and this is now home to some remarkable creatures.
Fustic
House, an old plantation house private estate available for vacation rental, as well
as the Mount Gay Rum
Distillery are
also found along the north coast of Barbados; both of which provide for
some
interesting insights into our cultural traditions.
The Parish of St. Peter
If you are in dire need of just a wee
bit more of the north coast life, you’ll need to head southwest into
the parish of St. Peter.
This parish is definitely much less remote than St. Lucy
and also
boasts considerably more beaches.
This is because this stretch of the
Bajan coast is not quite so vulnerable to the relentless pounding of
the Atlantic Ocean.
Cobbler’s
Cove, Mullin’s
Beach and Heywood’s
Beach are examples of some of the popular beaches
which are to be found in the parish of St. Peter. The water at all of
these is much calmer and safer; so they are all ideal for people who
are looking to swim or take part in watersports.
Port
St. Charles is a
must see in St. Peter. This is a
luxury village development which boasts impressive yachts moored in the
harbour, a bar and a fine-dining restaurant which goes by the name of
La
Mer. Port St.Charles is a private, exclusive
residential community
so though you will not be able to enter this community if you do not
choose it as your accommodation, its beauty is
visible from the nearby Heywoods Beach.
There is also a good variety of
tourist attractions to keep you busy in
St. Peter. This ranges from the old plantation house of St. Nicholas Abbey,
which is an absolute must for all of those history buffs who are keen
on finding out about this island’s past; to the town of Speightstown
which will bring you in contact with more life and an abundance of
facilities such as a supermarket and village shopping.
One thing is for certain and that is the Barbados north coast
provides for an often welcome getaway from the more commercial parts of
the island. It is Barbados untouch and at its absolute
best.
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