Parishes & Areas of Barbados

Let's simplify the island so you can get to know it better...

Barbados is made up of 11 parishes, each offering something completely unique.  As you move between them you will notice significant changes to the terrain, beaches, sea temperament and local life.  The whole island should be explored and appreciated for all it has to offer with it's diverse beauty and distinct culture.

Where you stay depends on what you are looking for in Barbados, they have something and somewhere to suit everyone.  

Christchurch will give you the nightlife, a plethora of eateries and here you'll find easy to curate package holidays with slightly more affordable accommodation, it is buzzing with culture and there is plenty to do and see. Here you will find stunning beaches such as Miami Beach and Dover Beach, the international airport and the infamous Oistins Fish Market.

St. James will give you the high end hotels and villas, nicknamed the 'Platinum Coast' it offers secluded stunning and clam beaches, reputable restaurants, exclusive golf courses, plenty of tennis and padel, luxury and modern shopping and some of the island's most exclusive real estate. It does also provide a significant part of the island's history, it is in this Parish in the town of Holetown that the first English settlers arrived in 1627. Overall, St. James is a blend of old and new Barbados, steeped in colonial history but polished with modern sophistication, it is a pricer part of the island but it does deliver, so if you're seeking elegance and opulence this is your Parish.

St. Michael, where you will find the capital city, has shopping, culture and more of a business and corporate vibe in places but it also provides real Bajan lifestyle, and abundance of history, the harbour and more restaurants and beach clubs then I can even begin to list... that would take a whole new blog!

St. Peter will give you fine dining, historic architecture and activity filled beaches.  There is a simplicity to this parish that draws you in, parts of it are rustic and raw and others are graceful and chic, both of which you will want to immerse yourself in and some stay in this parish without leaving due to its addictive nature.

The East Coast parishes are quite the haven for experienced surfers, wildlife lovers and rustic adventurers - there are an array of retreats and hideaways to enjoy on this side of the island which allows you to explore a whole new side to Barbados. These parishes include St. Andrew, St. Joseph, St. John and St. Philip - they provide a jungle style landscape, rugged coastlines and real back to basics island life, it is certainly something to experience even if it is just for a day.

St. Lucy offers a more secluded and less commercialised experience compared to other parts of the island. This parish is steeped in history, with remnants of old sugar plantations and windmills that hint at its colonial past. St. Lucy is also notable as the birthplace of Barbados' first Prime Minister, Errol Barrow. With its quiet villages, natural blowholes like the Animal Flower Cave, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucy provides a unique glimpse into the island’s rural charm and cultural heritage.

The final two parishes are landlocked but what they lack in coastline they make up for in beauty. Both St. Thomas and St. George play a vital role in the island’s geography, agriculture, and tourism through their natural and historical attractions. St. Thomas is known for its hilly terrain, lush greenery, and natural attractions such as Harrison's Cave (a crystallized limestone cavern with flowing streams, deep pools, and towering columns).

St. George, located just southeast of St. Thomas, is primarily rural and agricultural, with small villages scattered across its gently rolling landscape. It offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and is known for historic plantations, old churches, and its contribution to the island’s food production.

Every Parish and Area in Barbados offers something completely unique and is totally worth a visit. This magnetic island boasts a vast array of accommodation types.  From beachside private villas with staff, to all inclusive luxury, condos, gated complexes and apartments, you can literally find something to fit all budgets, styles and tastes.