Barbados / Special Interests / Archaeology

By Sara Macefield

Like many other Caribbean islands, Barbados was settled by Amerindians who are believed to have paddled from the South American mainland. The Arawaks were followed by the more aggressive Caribs, from where the region’s name comes from. Discoveries of artefacts and other signs of early Amerindian settlement at Port St Charles on the west coast have been dated to around 1600 BC and other settlements were at Stroud Point, Chandler Bay, St Luke’s Gully and Mapp’s Cave. A slave cemetery excavated at Newton Plantation in the 1970s, where nearly 600 bodies were discovered, is believed to date from the 1670s and is thought to be the only one of its type in the Western Hemisphere.

Recommended accommodation view more

Peach and Quiet Boutique/Small Hotels & Inns

A very personable, small 22-suite hotel tucked away on the South Coast of Barbados. Well priced, tranquil and ideal for independent-minded travellers. Read more
The Condominiums at Palm Beach Condos, Penthouses & Suites

Prime South Coast beachfront property in Hastings, within walking distance the Garrison Savannah for horse racing and numerous restaurants, bars and shops. A number of 2-3 bedroom condominiums available for rental - 59 residences. Read more

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Ride the waves at kitesurfing mecca Silver Point
Drive along the breathtakingly beautiful East Coast
Go underground at Harrison's Cave
Hobnob with the stars watching a polo match
Step back in time at the impressive Jacobean plantation house - St Nicholas Abbey

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