Here is a fun fact about Barbados … it is home to one of the oldest rum distilleries in the world. Because of this, it is often considered the “birthplace of rum.”
Are you interested to know more interesting facts about Barbados? These Barbados facts will detail everything you should know about one of the bucket list destinations in the Caribbean. Find them below!
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BARBADOS:
• Meridian Inn (I stayed here)
• Southern Palms Beach Club (top location on Dover Beach)
• South Gap Hotel (on the beach and close to Gap)
• Sugar Bay Barbados (great location and close to Carlisle Bay)
• OceanBlue Resort (I stayed here)
TOP EXPERIENCES and TOURS IN BARBADOS:
• Turtle and shipwreck snorkeling (my favorite)
• Catamaran cruise with lunch and snorkeling (top-selling tour)
• Harrison Cave tour (I did this)
• Barbados food tour (incredible food tour)
• St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway (I did this)
Barbados attracts thousands of tourists, honeymooners, and adventurers with its pristine beaches, rich history, and rum each year.
The easternmost Caribbean island is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site capital Bridgetown, two famous figures, monkeys, and poisonous trees.
Here you will find 23 Barbados fun facts – a perfect winter travel destination and one of the safest islands in the region.
If you have any other Barbados travel facts to share, please email them to me.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Fun facts about Barbados
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Learn some incredible things Barbados is known for, what are the best Barbados facts, and things that originated in Barbados.
● Find out some fascinating facts about Barbados’ unique wildlife, monkeys, turtles, and UNESCO sites.
● Get surprised by Barbados’ interesting facts about culture, people, history, and events happening here.
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List of most interesting facts about Barbados
1. Barbados got its name from a tree
It was once known as “Los Barbados“.
The name Barbados comes from the Portuguese word ‘Los Barbados,’ meaning ‘the bearded ones.’ When explorers arrived, they saw bearded fig trees with long, hanging roots, resembling beards, and named the island after them!
2. Barbados was making Rum before the U.S. became a country
Barbados is the birthplace of rum.
It has been distilling rum since 1703 and Mount Gay Rum is the oldest operating rum distillery in the world. That means Bajans were perfecting their rum long before the United States declared independence in 1776.
ALSO READ:
• What to buy in Barbados: Best Barbados souvenirs
3. Here you can find one of the world’s most dangerous trees
Manchineel trees can kill you.
This tree is often found near beaches. It has a red band around its trunk and a sign on it. It is so toxic that its sap burns skin on contact. Manchineel tree fruit is nicknamed the “death apple” and can kill you if you eat it. It is not safe to even stand under a tree in the rain because it can cause severe blisters!
Indigenous people know its dangers. Arawaks and Caribs used its poison to tip their arrows, and early settlers reportedly tied enemies to the tree as a slow, painful death.
Things to know before visiting Barbados: Never touch a manchineel tree. Never eat its fruit. And definitely don’t use it for shade.
4. Barbados was once British
Barbados was one of the first Caribbean islands to gain independence. But not the first.
Haiti, a former French colony, became independent in 1804, followed by Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago in 1962. Barbados peacefully gained independence from Britain on November 30, 1966, while remaining part of the Commonwealth.
In 2021, it became a republic, officially removing the British monarchy, with Dame Sandra Mason as its first president.
5. Europeans were not the first settlers
Barbados was first settled by Amerindians around 1600 BC, who came from Venezuela.
Later, the Arawaks arrived from the Orinoco River region (modern-day Venezuela). They were followed by Kalina (Caribs) who came from the northeastern coast of South America. They lived on the island for centuries before the first Europeans arrived, the Portuguese visited in 1532-1536, followed by the British in 1625.
The Indigenous people left behind pottery, tools, and petroglyphs. They even influenced words still used today like hurricane and canoe, which survived through European records and early maps that documented their presence.
6. It is the easternmost Caribbean island
Barbados is the first Caribbean island to see the sunrise.
It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 miles (160 km) east of the main Caribbean archipelago. It is the only island in the region that isn’t technically in the Caribbean Sea! The position of Barbados also puts the island just outside the hurricane belt, which means it gets less direct hurricane hits than many other islands in the Caribbean.
7. It’s made from corals
Unlike other islands in the Caribbean, Barbados is not a volcanic island.
It was formed by corals rising from the ocean due to tectonic activity over thousands of years! The entire island sits on a foundation of limestone and makes him geologically unique. That’s why here you can find soft white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and underground cave systems like Harrison’s Cave.
8. Barbados has no rivers but was the first Caribbean country to get piped water
Despite its green landscape, Barbados has no natural rivers.
But thanks to its karst landscape and underground limestone caverns, it stores some of the purest water in the world. That is also the reason that in 1861 Barbados became the first Caribbean country to have piped water system.
Tap water in Barbados is safe to drink and also some of the best in the world. Reduce, reuse, refill. No need for bottled water.
9. Harrison’s Cave is the island’s underground wonder
Harrison’s Cave is a limestone cave system filled with stalactites, stalagmites, flowing streams, and underground waterfalls.
Though locals knew about the cave for centuries, it was officially rediscovered in 1974 by Danish speleologist Ole Sørensen. After years of exploration and development, it opened to the public in 1981. You can visit it with a guided tram tour, or go caving.
The cave has a constant 27°C (80°F) temperature, so no need to bring layers, like in Slovenia’s Postojna and Škocjan Caves.
10. Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bridgetown and its Garrison is the island’s only UNESCO-listed site.
Barbados’ capital Bridgetown was once a major hub for trade and defense, as a British naval and military base. In the city’s historic area, you can see old forts built in British colonial architecture, and a network of underground tunnels. Today, it’s one of the best-preserved colonial sites in the region.
The best way to learn more about the city is to take a guided walking tour where you will learn more about the Garrison tunnels, and landmarks like the Parliament Buildings and Chamberlain Bridge!
11. Barbados has the third-oldest parliament in the Americas
The Barbados Parliament was established in 1639.
It is the third oldest in the Western Hemisphere, behind the Virginia General Assembly and Bermuda House of Assembly. The world’s oldest parliament is Althing in Iceland, founded in 930.
You can take a beautiful photo of the neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings, with stained glass windows, and clock towers, from the National Heroes Square. Learn more about it on a Bridgetown walking tour.
12. You can find a pink synagogue in Barbados’ capital
Nidhe Israel Synagogue, built in 1654, is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere.
Synagogue was destroyed by a hurricane, and rebuilt using pinkish coral stone, giving it a one-of-a-kind look. Today, it’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit the synagogue, explore its museum, and see one of the oldest mikvahs (ritual baths) in the Caribbean!
Learn more about the Jewish settlers and Jewish history in Barbados on a guided historic Jewish walking tour.
13. Rihanna is Barbados national hero
Famous singer and businesswoman Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born in Barbados.
She grew up in Saint Michael Parish in Bridgetown before rising to global fame. In 2018, she was named an ambassador for culture and youth, and in 2021, when Barbados became a republic, she was declared a National Hero.
You can visit her monument on National Heroes Square in Bridgetown, take a photo in front of her childhood home on Rihanna Drive on one of the Barbados island tours, or admire her new mansion on Sandy Lane One.
14. You can visit a former US president’s house
George Washington, the first U.S. president, lived in Barbados.
He stayed on the island for two months in 1751 while visiting his sick brother, Lawrence. It’s the only country he ever traveled to outside the U.S. His temporary home in Bridgetown is now the George Washington House museum.
Another interesting fact — while in Barbados, he caught smallpox. Luckily, this gave him immunity, which later helped him survive outbreaks in the U.S.!
15. Barbados got its nickname from a fish
Barbados is called “The Land of the Flying Fish“.
Flying fish are a national symbol and can be seen on Bajan coins, artwork and restaurant menus. These fish don’t just swim, they can ‘jump’ out of the water and glide for up to 50 meters, almost like they’re flying! Flying fish resemble the Skimwings (tsurak by Na’vi) from James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water.
They’re also the star of the national dish of Barbados cou cou and flying fish. You can learn more about cou-cou, made from cornmeal and okra, on Barbados food tours, or taste it at Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry!
16. The island is famous for its sea turtles
Barbados has some of the best spots in the Caribbean for swimming with turtles.
The island is well known for its sea turtles, especially hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles, and has one of the largest hawksbill turtle breeding populations in the Caribbean! All turtle species are protected by law.
You can swim with them for free on many south coast Barbados beaches or you can join a tour.
17. Green Monkeys live free all around the island
Barbados is one of the four Caribbean islands where monkeys roam wild and free.
Green monkeys were brought to Barbados from West Africa over 350 years ago. You can found them all around the island, from George Washington’s house and on the trees in the countryside.
For a close-up encounter, visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where you can watch them play and feed in their natural habitat! Note: Don’t come too close because they bite!
18. Grapefruit was accidentally created in Barbados
This citrus fruit didn’t exist naturally and it came ‘to life’ by accident.
Locals originally called it “forbidden fruit”. It was first discovered in Barbados in the 17th century, as a natural crossbreed between a pomelo and sweet orange. It is now one of the world’s most popular citrus fruits.
19. Cricket is Barbados’ national sport
Cricket is the most popular sport in Barbados and a way of life.
Some of the world’s best cricket players were born in Barbados, including Sir Garfield Sobers. He is considered to be one of the best all-rounders in history.
Locals play cricket everywhere, from beaches to village fields, and the sport is deeply embedded in Bajan culture. For the best cricket experience, visit the main cricket stadium on the island, Kensington Oval.
20. Barbados has its own Carnival-style festival
Crop Over is a colorful summer festival that celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest.
It is the biggest festival in Barbados, dating back to the 18th century. Today, it’s a massive street party with costumes, music, and parades, similar to Carnival in Brazil or Trinidad. Crop Over starts in early June and runs until Grand Kadooment Day on the first Monday in August.
21. St. Nicholas Abbey is not an abbey
Despite its name, St. Nicholas Abbey was never a religious site.
It’s a historic plantation house from the 1650s and one of only three Jacobean mansions left in the Western Hemisphere. This architectural style was rare outside of England and here you can still see ornate chimneys, grand staircase, and signature gables.
You can explore the estate on a guided tour, taste the award-winning rum from their rum distillery, and ride the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway! It is one of the best things to do in Barbados.
22. Barbados once (had) a scenic railway
From 1883 to 1937, Barbados had a railway that stretched along the east coast.
It was built to transport sugar but later carried passengers, from Bridgetown to Belleplaine in St. Andrew. The route it once followed is now a scenic Bath to Bathsheba hiking trail, where you can walk along the old railway path.
For a working train experience, visit St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, where a restored steam train takes you through a historic plantation to Cherry Tree Hill!
23. The flag of Barbados has two colors and a broken trident in the center
Barbados flag was officially adopted on Independence Day, November 30, 1966.
The blue represents the ocean and sky, while the gold color symbolizes the sandy beaches. The broken trident represents Barbados’ break from British colonial rule. Its three points stand for the core principles of democracy: government of, for, and by the people.
BONUS FACT: Barbados has a world-famous surf break
Soup Bowl is one of the best surf spots in the Caribbean.
Famous surfing spot is on the west coast of Barbados in Bathsheba, Saint Joseph Parish. It has a powerful, consistent waves and is a favorite among both local and pro surfers—including Kelly Slater, an 11-time world champion! Even if you’re not surfing, it’s a great spot to watch how people ride the waves.
Final thoughts on fun facts about Barbados
What is the most interesting fact about the Barbados you found out today?
Was it the birthplace of rum, the flying fish, or the fact that Rihanna is a National Hero? Maybe the underground wonders of Harrison’s Cave or the legendary Soup Bowl surf? Whatever it was, Barbados is full of surprises!
If you’re planning a trip to this stunning island in the Caribbean, make sure to experience the highlights firsthand. Swim with sea turtles on the south coast, explore the historic streets of Bridgetown, or sip world-famous rum at Mount Gay Distillery. Barbados has something unforgettable for every traveler.
Want to know more? Have a look at my other Barbados travel guides and plan your Caribbean vacation with the help of my Barbados itinerary, guides on where to stay in Barbados, things to do in Barbados, what are the best catamaran cruises and many other useful tips.
➤ Read more Barbados travel guides
• Perfect first-timers Barbados Itinerary
• 10 Best things to do in Barbados (+ Map) for a first time visitor
• How to get to Barbados from the USA, UK, Europe, and Australia
• Is Barbados safe to visit? Everything you need to know
• Ultimate Barbados Packing list: What to pack for Barbados (+ FREE pdf)
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