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Best Beaches & Hidden Gems of Barbados

Discover Barbados’ most beautiful beaches – from famous shores to secret gems. Your essential Newmont Travel guide to exploring the coastline.

Barbados – The Coastline that Captures Every Heart

Barbados isn’t just an island — it’s a living postcard. With over 70 miles of coastline and 60 pristine beaches, each stretch of sand has its own rhythm, character, and charm.

Some are lively and full of life, others secluded and soul-stirringly quiet. Whether you’re coming home to your island roots or visiting for the first time, the beaches of Barbados offer something for everyone — adventure, peace, romance, and connection.

At Newmont Travel, we’ve walked every beach and watched every sunset, so here’s your insider’s guide to the best beaches and hidden gems across the island.

The Best Beaches in Barbados

Carlisle Bay – The Heart of Bridgetown

Located just outside the capital, Carlisle Bay is one of Barbados’ most loved beaches — and for good reason. The calm turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, and beneath the surface lies a world of marine life and shipwrecks ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Newmont Tip: Visit early morning to watch locals exercising or horses cooling off in the sea — a sight you’ll never forget.

Accra Beach (Rockley Beach) – Where Locals and Visitors Meet

On the south coast, Accra Beach (often called Rockley Beach) is lively, fun, and full of energy. The boardwalk stretches along the coast, lined with rum bars, food shacks, and vendors selling crafts.

Perfect for families, groups, and anyone wanting a real taste of island life.

Newmont Tip: Try the fish cakes and coconut water from a local stall — authentic, fresh, and unforgettable.

Miami Beach (Enterprise Beach) – A Local Favourite

Located in Oistins, Miami Beach is a spot loved by Bajans. Calm waters on one side, gentle waves on the other — it’s ideal for both swimming and bodyboarding.

It’s also just minutes away from the Oistins Fish Fry, where you can end your beach day with grilled fish, music, and rum punch.

Newmont Tip: Pack your camera — the sunsets here are some of the best on the island.

Mullins Beach – West Coast Relaxation

On the Platinum Coast, Mullins Beach is where turquoise water meets golden sand and lazy afternoons. It’s popular but never too crowded, with nearby beach bars offering excellent cocktails and light bites.

Newmont Tip: This beach is great for couples or solo travellers who want a little luxury without losing the laid-back vibe.

Bathsheba Beach – For the Adventurous Soul

On the rugged east coast, Bathsheba is wild and windswept — a world away from the calm west. Known for its dramatic rock formations and world-class surf at the Soup Bowl, this beach is pure drama and beauty.

Newmont Tip: Visit at sunrise for golden light over the boulders — a photographer’s paradise.

Bottom Bay – The Hidden Treasure

Perhaps the most photographed hidden gem in Barbados, Bottom Bay feels like a secret paradise. With dramatic cliffs, swaying palms, and turquoise waves, it’s picture-perfect — yet often quiet.

Newmont Tip: Bring a picnic — there are no bars or shops nearby, which is exactly why it’s so peaceful.

Crane Beach – One of the World’s Finest

Regularly ranked among the world’s top beaches, Crane Beach combines natural beauty with easy access. Set below the famous Crane Resort, this pink-tinted sand and rolling surf make for unforgettable views.

Newmont Tip: Ride the glass elevator down from The Crane Hotel — the view is incredible.

Paynes Bay – Snorkel with Sea Turtles

Just south of Holetown, Paynes Bay offers calm, clear water and the incredible chance to swim with turtles.

Newmont Tip: Visit in the morning for the calmest sea and best visibility.

Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches

  • Foul Bay: Don’t be put off by the name! This long, unspoiled beach near the airport is stunning, quiet, and often empty.
  • Consett Bay: Great for watching fishermen and buying fresh catch right from the boat.
  • Cattlewash: A vast east coast beach with strong waves and a wild beauty perfect for walking and thinking.
  • Shark Hole: A natural pool carved into the cliffs — small, safe, and spectacularly unique.

Newmont Tip: Hire a local driver for a day tour — they’ll take you to secret viewpoints and coves not listed in any guidebook.

Why Book Barbados with Newmont Travel

At Newmont Travel, we’ve been guiding travellers across the Caribbean for more than 60 years. We know every beach, every island, and every hidden spot that makes Barbados so special.

With deposit-based bookings, ATOL protection, and culturally grounded expertise, you can travel with confidence.

Barbados awaits — and with Newmont, you’ll experience it like a local.

FAQs – Barbados Beaches

What side of Barbados has the best beaches?
West coast for luxury and calm seas. South coast for lively beach life. East coast for wild beauty.

Are Barbados beaches public?
Yes! All beaches are public — even in front of hotels.

Can you swim with turtles in Barbados?
Yes — especially at Paynes Bay, Carlisle Bay, and Alleyne’s Bay.

What’s the best time to go to the beach?
Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.

Are there hidden beaches?
Yes — Bottom Bay, Foul Bay, and Shark Hole are some of the best-kept secrets.

Does Newmont offer beach packages?
Yes! Try our Land & Sea Escapes to combine island-hopping with curated beach stays.

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