Ever dreamt of experiencing a Caribbean carnival in the flesh? From bejewelled attire glistening under the sun to masquerade bands descending the streets, Barbados and its legendary Crop Over season is worth capturing. Dating back to the 18th century, the festival originally marked the end of sugar cane season; while its celebrations dwindled during the Second World War, Crop Over officially returned to its former glory in 1974. Half a century later and the month-long carnival continues to be a calendar highlight for every Barbadian (Bajan) local.

Read on to uncover why you shouldn’t miss Barbados’ carnival season, plus our top island recommendations for first-time visitors...

Packed out with vibrant displays and eye-catching parades, the opening gala signals the official beginning of Crop Over. Taking over Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, this annual event is a celebration of Barbadian culture. Locals have continued to come together since the 18th century to honour their ancestors. This opening event is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike, complete with traditional dances, vibrant costumes, community performances and workshops, as well as the ceremonial delivery of the last canes and the crowning of the king and queen of the festival.  

While a 3am wakeup call might not sound the most appealing, experiencing Crop Over like a local means partying it up at one of the island’s breakfast parties. There are multiple events hosted across Barbados throughout the carnival season. However, for an all-inclusive package, complete with a buffet-style breakfast, free-flowing drinks and live DJ sets, we’d recommend booking the Mimosa Experience. Taking over Bellevue Plantation in St. Michael, this annual event will see you dancing into the sunrise with classic soca beats pumping through the air.  

Crop Over isn’t all about the adults; the Kiddies Kadooment is a testament to this, allowing children to take to the streets in their full colourful attire. A key highlight in the official month-long calendar, the day feels like a warmup event to Grand Kadooment; traditional music floods the air, while kids dress up in striking rainbow-hued costumes and parade through the National Botanical Gardens. It’s a truly special experience and unmissable for those visiting with little ones.

After an electrifying month (or, three-months depending when you kickstart celebrations), this is the climatic event every local attends. Taking place in early August, this finale sees St. Michael parish transformed; it’s a day-long parade filled with masquerade bands, bright-coloured costumes and dancing. Local vendors are on hand to serve classic Caribbean fare, while a mix of soca and calypso music wafts through the air. And as the locals will tell you, popstar Rihanna never misses Crop Over so you might spot her dressed in sparkles on one of the floats.  

Originally named ‘Indian Bridge’ by early settlers, Bridgetown has a wealth of history waiting to be uncovered; it’s both the island’s capital and largest city, and was officially named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Nowadays, visitors flock from across the globe to soak up its historic architecture, many museums and impressive food culture. We’d recommend strolling through the city’s streets, dropping in and out of local bars and eateries, before heading to one of the local beaches for an afternoon dip.

Stretching along the waterfront, the Wickham Lewis Boardwalk (locally known as Bridgetown Boardwalk) is a serene stroll along the city’s edge. Complete with crystal-clear waters underfoot and colourful buildings adorning the path, expect to walk past fishing boats, yachts and catamarans. Rest up on a bench to soak up the soaring sun or peer over the edge and see if you can spot a turtle or two.  

Experience life like a local as you weave between the vendors at Cheapside Market. This daily market, located in Bridgetown, is awash with fresh produce, vibrant colours and a bustling atmosphere. From coconuts plucked straight from the tree to ripe soursops ready to eat, plus street food vendors serving up Bajan favourites including plantain and roasted corn, this is a local experience that’s hard to match.  

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Ever wondered where the queen of pop was brought up? Aptly renamed Rihanna’s Drive, you can walk down the Barbadian mega-star's street, snapping a photo in front of her childhood home. Awash with hues of orange, green, blue and red, the humble home is hard to miss – and even boasts a ‘Rihanna’ name plaque on the driveway. At the top of the street, there’s a more in-depth sign with information on the star’s rise to fame, alongside a rustic bar with outdoor umbrella-lined seating.  

Those looking to escape the carnival chaos for a day should book in for a catamaran experience. Feel the wind rush through your hair as you sail through the Caribbean Sea, soaking up the crystal-clear waters and catching a glimpse of the mesmerising marine life surrounding you. We’d recommend booking in with Tiami Catamaran Cruises for a breathtaking five-star lunch cruise, complete with a traditional Bajan buffet meal (think jerk chicken, macaroni pie and rice and peas), an open bar and a soca soundtrack to suit.  

Slide (quite literally) into the balmy waters and spend the afternoon exploring the Platinum Coast. You’ll float above an old shipwreck, as well as snorkel alongside turtles, stingrays and a school of fish. Those looking to top up their tan can swim ashore and bathe on the white sands or stretch out on one of the daybeds before docking back at the harbour.  

This vital fishing town may be scarce bar a few fishermen by day, but come Friday night, Oistins becomes a hub of activity. Located along the southwest coastline, in the parish of Christ Church, the active fish market is taken over at the weekend, transforming into a space brimming with food and drink stalls. Tunes blast while locals cook up a seafood storm right before your eyes.  

While menus vary from vendor to vendor, sampling flying fish is a must when visiting Oistins. The national fish – and dish – of Barbados, this delicacy is mild in flavour, with a slightly sweet and salty finish. Best enjoyed fried or grilled, it typically comes served with your choice of sides; think macaroni pie, rice and peas, coleslaw, green salad or Bajan-style sweet potato pie.  

With a history stretching over 350 years, St. Nicholas Abbey is a must-visit for those wanting to delve deep into Barbados’ culture. This working plantation, stretching over 400 acres, continues to produce innovative single-cask rums. Alongside the opportunity to sample some of its produce, visitors can explore the tropical gardens, on-site museum, factory, distillery and the giant Jacobean Great House; beautifully restored to its former glory with classic Tudor and Elizabethan design, the latter dates back to 1658 and is one of just three buildings of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

Perfect for adults and children alike, there’s also a quaint, Victorian-style steam railway running through the estate. On your journey, the conductor will guide you through the history and inner workings of the abbey, before stopping off at the northern tip of the island where you can take in the rolling hills and sea views. Here, you might be lucky enough to spot a few monkeys swinging from tree to tree, while chirping parrots and other exotic birds swoop low overhead.

Situated moments from the old Sam Lord’s Castle (a Georgian mansion dating back to 1820), Dis Ole House offers visitors an authentic taste of traditional Bajan hospitality. Originally a run-down neighbourhood house, the restaurant’s shabby chic interior charms locals and tourists alike. Striking murals, tropical plants and strings of fairy lights surround you as you dine on flavour-packed Caribbean-influenced dishes. Choose between pan-fried salt fish with plantain and sweet potato, cou cou and fish with pickled cucumber, or coconut chickpea curry bowls with crunchy poppadums, and make sure to save room for a sweet-loaf bread pudding with a caramel-rum sauce and ice cream.

The oldest garden on the island, Andromeda Botanic Gardens has been a part of the Bajan community since 1954. Spread across eight beautiful acres, the gardens are home to over 600 plant species, from tropical palms and succulents to fruit trees including breadfruit, bananas and more. Expect to be surrounded by fluttering butterflies as you wander and immerse yourself in the eye-catching displays. Feeling hungry? There’s an on-site restaurant, too, serving up fresh juices, salads and locally caught fish.

Barbados boasts 11 parishes in total, each with its own personal charm and pull, whether you’re after white sand beaches, party vibes or attractions the whole family can get stuck into. Set on the west coastline, Saint James is a popular day destination encompassing all three. A favoured spot of the rich and famous, there’s a string of high-end restaurants and designer stores perfect for celebrity spotting, while shopping fans can get their fix at Chattel House Village’s colourful boutiques; you'll also find some of the island's prettiest beaches. 

No Caribbean holiday is complete without a beach trip, and Barbados is home to beautiful beaches by the bucket load. One of the island’s most popular (and for good reason), Crane Beach boasts palm-lined golden sands, turquoise waters and plenty of room to pitch up for the day. It’s accessible via a footpath next to the Crane Resort, with umbrellas, sun-loungers and boogie boards available to hire.

A pretty harbour located on the southwest coastline, Carlisle Bay may be located moments from the capital’s hustle and bustle, but you could never tell. Palm-fringed and caramel-hued sands, this bay is renowned for its marine life and six accessible shipwrecks, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Venture further west and you’ll uncover Mullins Beach, another idyllic bay that looks as though it’s been plucked from a glossy magazine. It’s easy to spend the afternoon stretched out on one of the rentable sun loungers, dipping into the glistening waters when the heat gets too much. Easily accessible with parking close-by, it’s one of the island’s most picturesque locations.

An essential visit whether you’re a rum aficionado or not, Mount Gay is the self-proclaimed birthplace of Barbadian rum. Dating to 1703, visitors are invited to dive deep into the distillery’s long history, discovering the rum-making process from fermentation to finished product. Alongside the estate’s tour, you’ll have the chance to try the produce firsthand with an exclusive tasting or mixology masterclass.

Possessing over 400 luxury rooms and suites, Wyndham Grand Barbados is situated on the former site of Sam Lord’s Castle. Once the home of pirates in the 19th century, the legacy lives on thanks to the resort’s preservation of history and the old Georgian-style castle located on-site. A brisk 15-minute drive from Grantley Adams International Airport, the resort is truly special, with six swimming pools, four restaurants, two bars, a striking Atlantic-facing beach, a fitness centre and a full-service spa all at your fingertips. We'd recommend spending a day recuperating from Crop Over, dipping between pool-side tables, beach loungers and full-body spa treatments.

Dining inside Wyndham Grand Barbados’ signature restaurant, Castle View, is essential. Looking out over the historic Sam Lord’s Castle, whose original owner Sam Lord is said to have lured in ships and captured cargo for his personal use, the restaurant is stylish and modern; expect golden accents, emerald green leather-bound seating and curved arch window displays. Enjoy a drink by the bar, before embarking on a fine dining feast centred around steak and seafood, complete with an elevated self-service salad bar available.