10 Best Beaches in Barbados

Barbados has roughly 80 named beaches, all public, divided between the calm west coast (Caribbean Sea) and the wilder east coast (Atlantic). Here are the ten that consistently rank highest with locals and visitors.

1. 1. Crane Beach — Regularly named one of the best beaches in the world — pink-tinged sand, 80-foot coral cliffs, turquoise water. Public access at the southern end.
2. 2. Bathsheba — The dramatic east coast at its wildest — huge coral boulders, the Soup Bowl surf break, rock pools safe to swim in at low tide.
3. 3. Carlisle Bay — Closest beach to Bridgetown. Calm water, shipwrecks for snorkelling, sea turtles, and the Boatyard / Copacabana / Harbour Lights beach clubs.
4. 4. Mullins Beach — Lively west coast beach near Speightstown — calm Caribbean water, jet skis, the Sea Shed beach club at the northern end.
5. 5. Accra Beach — Blue Flag beach in Rockley — calm water, lifeguarded, walkable from south-coast hotels and the Hastings Boardwalk.
6. 6. Miami Beach — Locally known as Enterprise Beach — a south-coast favourite among locals on weekends with calm water and a long sandbar.
7. 7. Dover Beach — Blue Flag beach at the Dover end of St. Lawrence Gap — family-friendly with calm water and walking access to the Gap.
8. 8. Bottom Bay — Postcard-perfect south-east cove framed by coconut palms and coral cliffs. Strong currents — for photos and walking, not safe swimming.
9. 9. Folkestone — Marine reserve on the west coast in Holetown — snorkelling over the Stavronikita shipwreck and protected reef.
10. 10. Pebbles Beach — Northern end of Carlisle Bay — calm, walking distance from Bridgetown, the location of the Boatyard and morning sea-turtle swims.