South Coast: Christchurch, St Lawrence + Silver Sands
The south coast of Barbados is the centre of the country's tourism industry, with several beautiful white sand beaches and a more diverse range of accommodation, with budget and mid range choices alongside the more exclusive developments.
The development runs from Bridgetown almost all the way to the airport on the East coast, but while Hastings, Rockley and Worthing tend to merge into one long strip, St Lawrence Gap and Dover Beach are very attractive in their own rights, and once you continue to Silver Sands and beyond to Long Beach it thins out considerably, with quieter beaches and backdrops.
Hastings + Rockley
The closest resorts to Bridgetown, Hastings + Rockley house a good number of midrange hotels and attractive beaches. Inland, the towns are reasonably built up with plenty of shops and restaurants. Rockley Beach buzzes with activity, with snack bars, street vendors and lovely shady trees as well as plenty of sun loungers to relax on as you gaze on the beautiful turquoise waters.
Worthing
Further along the beach lies Worthing, a good base for those with less to spend who still want to stay in the thick of it, with a number of cheap restaurants and budget guesthouses both on the beach and slightly set back from the sea. Not far east of Worthing lies the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, 14 hectares of lush tropical gardens teeming with indiginous birds - highly recommended.
St Lawrence Gap + Dover Bay
While the inland areas of St Lawrence leave a little to be desired, the mile long road along side the beach is dotted with bars, restaurants and shops yet does not feel overcrowded or overcommercialised. St Lawrence lies at the Western end while Dover Beach lies further east, with a broad stretch of gorgeous white sands that is popular with swimmers and windsurfers alike. It is also possible to sail Hobiecats or ride a jetski if it takes your fancy.
The road running alongside the beach is a pleasant spot to walk at night, when street vendors serving delicious barbequed food compete with tasty restaurants for your custom.There are a also a good number of bars and cafes, both comfortable and upmarket, many of which have live bands and DJs in the evenings.
Oistins
A few miles east of St Lawrence lies Oistins, the hub of Barbados' fishing industry. While few tourists choose to stay here the town comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights when the catch of the day is thrown onto streetside barbeques, the rum flows and the party starts, with reggae and soca blasting into the night. The height of the action is from 10pm - 2am, but if you're not in a party mood it still makes a great place to come and sample great local food at a fair price.
Next to Oistins lies Miami Beach or Enterprise Beach as it is also known, popular among Barbadians on the weekends but uncrowded during the week where you may rent umbrellas and loungers as you feast on tasty snacks like the local fish cakes.
Silver Sands
At the southern tip of the island, Silver Sands is a less developed, attractive area whose breezy weather make it a hotspot for windsurfers and kite boarders.
