An aerial tour of Barbados
Month 18, 1997
(CNN) -- Most tourists to the Caribbean stay close to the sand and sea. From above, it's a whole other world. The land spreads out below like a map of hidden treasures: rocky inlets, pristine beaches and fertile farm land. To take in Barbados, we hopped on a 30-minute tour offered by Bajan Helicopters in Bridgetown.
Barbados is known for its topographical diversity; the terrain and vegetation change dramatically across the 166 square miles, made up of 11 parishes. Gently rolling hills and valleys end to the east along the rugged Atlantic coast. The north is called "Scotland," a reference to the lush countryside it resembles.
Despite the varied lay of the land, Barbados doesn't sport dramatic peaks or cliffs. The highest point. Mt. Hillaby, rises just 1,104 feet above sea level. The residents, known as Bajans, believe that the relative flatness of the land saved the island from pirates because they were unable to see it in the distance.
The countryside
Rows and rows of sugar cane cover the countryside. From the air, you can also see some historic plantation homes
In northern St. Peter Parish, the picturesque Farley Hill National Park features the ruins of a grand plantation house. The structure was partially rebuilt for use in the movie "Island in the Sun," starring Joan Fontaine and Harry Belafonte. Later, fire consumed the building. Gardens, lawns and an avenue of towering royal palms surround the gutted facade.
The helicopter quickly covers the distance to the center of the island, which boasts Harrison's Cave, a popular tourist attraction. This stunning cavern was formed from crystallized limestone over hundreds of thousands of years. An electric tram takes visitors into the cave where stalactites and stalagmites stand like ancient sentinels. A 40-foot waterfall leads to an underground lake.
The coast
Sun-lovers flock to Barbados for its tropical climate and average temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees.
The west coast of Barbados is the most developed side of the island, known for "sugar sand" beaches and gentle surf. Elegant private homes and first-class hotels line this stretch along the Caribbean Sea nicknamed the "Gold Coast."
Beaches on the southern coast are much busier than the western shores and generally draw a younger, more active crowd. No matter which shores you head for, don't expect privacy; all beaches are public.
Along the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast, there are many secluded beaches, but rough waters and a rocky coast make swimming extremely hazardous. Local surfers are among the few who brave the pounding surf. Bathsheba Beach draws world-class athletes every year for the Barbados International Surfing Championships.
The capital
Returning to Bridgetown, the capital, you can get a bird's eye view of Kensington Oval Stadium, where cricket is played almost year-round. The domestic cricket season runs June to late December. International matches are held January through April. Cricket is Barbados' national sport (or religion, some would say).
Shopping is another top pastime in the city. Many tourists flock to Board Street's tony boutiques. If you want to shop, go early; the stores close at 4 p.m. Because Barbados is a major duty-free port, watches, crystal, bone china and liquor can be had for as much as 30-50 percent off U.S. prices.
City Guides and Maps: Barbados
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