Discover the Best Road Trips in Barbados with iBestTravel

Everyone starts off a trip to the gorgeous Caribbean island of Barbados on the beach, but when you fancy a change from the sand, the rest of the island awaits. Scenic highways meander beside brilliant turquoise waters and backcountry routes criss-cross the rural interior, making Barbados a pleasure to explore by road.

Drifting around the island with a rented car or scooter, you might stumble across an action-packed game of cricket on a parish green or spot troupes of inquisitive green monkeys chilling by the roadside – a side of Barbados that’s far removed from the big resorts and cruise ships.

Here are five of the best road trips on the island, taking in stately manors, gorgeous gardens, and the forest-filled gullies of the interior as well as the wild scenery of St Lucy parish and the Atlantic coastline.

1. Barbados’ West Coast

Best for calm waters and snorkeling
Bridgetown–Six Men’s; 23km (14.5 miles)

Barbados’ famous Platinum Coast stretches up the western side of the island from just north of Bridgetown towards the northern end of the island. This paradise strip is home to the country’s most tranquil waters and luxurious villas.

From the capital, head out to Hwy 1 and pass Brandons and Brighton beaches en route to Paynes Bay for a morning swim and snorkeling with sea turtles in front of luxurious beachfront properties. From there, it’s just a short hop to Holetown for a walk along the boardwalk and a gourmet meal with a view before you continue north to Folkestone Marine Park, where you’ll once again need your snorkel.

North of Folkestone, narrow Hwy 1 enters its most attractive stretch, hugging the water’s edge as it twists and turns through tiny villages. Stop for a break on the lovely sands at Mullins Beach before visiting historic Speightstown, home to the Arlington House museum and its atmospheric waterfront.

Finally, rejoin Hwy 1 and continue north to the tiny village of Six Men’s. Here, the unpretentious Braddie’s Bar awaits right on the water’s edge with cold drinks, dominoes, and killer sunset views.

2. Across Barbados

Best for gardens, gullies, and caves
Holetown–Bathsheba; 23km (14.5 miles)

This cross-island journey serves up the best of Barbados’ nature on a soul-soothing drive from coast to coast. Begin in the heart of Holetown and follow Hwy 1A uphill to Rock Hall, at which point the countryside of rural Barbados takes hold.

Continue east to the famous Harrison’s Cave to check out the eerie subterranean caverns. Pop back out into the sunshine and enjoy a picnic at Welchman Hall Gully just north of Hwy 2.

Cross to the other side of Hwy 2 and visit the Flower Forest Botanical Gardens or hike on trails at Coco Hill Forest, which offer sweeping views down the forested slopes to the Atlantic.

Next, follow Richmond Rd down to Hwy 3a and explore Hunte’s Gardens, a lush, tropical site set in a craterlike depression formed by a collapsed cave.

The last leg of the trip is downhill to the village of Bathsheba, where you can finish the journey in style with a meal overlooking the Soup Bowl, one of the Caribbean’s best surf breaks.

3. Flavors of Barbados

Best for tasty treats and outdoor dining
Maxwell–Martin’s Bay; 40km (25 miles)

For a full day of Caribbean culinary delights, embark on this relaxing drive to experience the flavors of both coasts. Begin in Maxwell where you will find local restaurants serving traditional dishes that will energize you for your journey ahead.

After a hearty breakfast, head inland to find a farmers market where local goods and artwork abound. Then head east on Hwy 5 to sample some of the island’s best sandwiches before enjoying a picnic at the tranquil hidden cove of Shark Hole.

Continue along the coast to Bottom Bay and spend the afternoon at one of the island’s finest beaches, known for its stunning cliffs and soft sands. Finally, follow Hwy 5 up the east side of the island to Martin’s Bay, where you can savor the freshest seafood dishes offered at local eateries.

4. Atlantic Barbados

Best for historic buildings and panoramic views
Bathsheba–St Nicholas Abbey; 16km (10 miles)

This off-the-beaten-path road adventure is a great way to escape the crowds and explore Barbados’s rich history. The journey begins at the boulder-strewn beach of Bathsheba, following the Ermy Bourne Hwy and Hwy 2 along the windswept coastline.

Find long stretches of sand at Lakes Beach and Walkers Beach, backdropped by rolling hills that invite long scenic walks. After taking in the views, visit the beautiful St Andrew’s Parish Church before heading north to the magnificent Morgan Lewis Windmill, one of the last of its kind in the Caribbean.

Continue to Cherry Tree Hill, which offers stunning views over the coastal plain, marking the entrance to St Nicholas Abbey, a historic gem worth visiting.

5. St Lucy Loop

Best for dramatic cliffs and hidden coves
Speightstown–Speightstown; 30km (18.5 miles)

The craggy northern tip of Barbados is a stark contrast to its tranquil southern beaches. This drive through St Lucy parish takes you to striking clifftops and isolated bays, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Beginning in Speightstown, follow Hwy 1B, hugging the coastline to reach the Harrison’s Point Lighthouse for fantastic sea views. Visit hidden gems like Archer’s Bay, framed by forest and featuring clear waters ideal for photography.

The route continues to the northernmost point of the island at Animal Flower Cave, a deep grotto surrounded by stunning cliffs. From here, the highway bends south to River Bay, one of the few safe swimming spots along this rugged coastline.

This extraordinary journey showcases the beauty and diversity of Barbados’s landscape, offering breathtaking views and incredible experiences at every turn.