The 9 best things to do in Barbados

What Is It: Barbados boasts more than 80 beaches; plant your bum on a least one.

Why Go: On the Caribbean (western) side, crystalline water and fine white sand are highlights of strips such as Mullins, Brandon, Carlisle Bay and Browne’s beaches. Water sports lovers flock to the rugged eastern (Atlantic) coast, where the rolling surf and strong winds at Bathsheba, Cattlewash and Action beaches are ideal for surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding. But whatever your beach-going style, note that, unlike some other Caribbean destinations, beaches here are public and free to enjoy (even those that border its fanciest resorts must be made accessible from the main road). Unfurl your towel anywhere you like; just keep that swimsuit on because topless and nude bathing is illegal.

What Is It? This 1.5-mile-long network of coral caves is an attraction you can’t leave without seeing.

Why Go? Barbados has no shortage of topside attractions, but one of its most visited lies 160 feet underground. You’ll get a different perspective on the coral stone island as you board an electric tram to tour this 1.5-mile network of magnificent caverns, was first mapped in 1974. Harrison’s Cave temperatures average a humid 80 degrees, and you’ll see (but please don’t touch!) soaring stalagmites, icicle-like curtains of stalactites and several freshwater streams and waterfalls during the hour-long excursion.

Tip: Be sure to use the facilities before the tour; the constant sound of trickling water will surely test your bladder.

What Is It? The island claims to be the birthplace of rum, and several tours offer a taste of local flavor.

Why Go? With a history dating back to 1703, rum is inextricably linked to the island’s past and present, so make sure to visit at least one of the distilleries here. The tour of Mount Gay rum’s visitor center in Bridgetown, where they produce up to 10,000 bottles a day, is a popular pick. For a more intimate experience, head to St. Nicholas Abbey, a 1660s Jacobean-style plantation house, which now functions as a museum of colonial life. While you’re there, pick up a bottle of their small-batch five-, 12- or 18-year-old rums, which are sealed with a monogrammable leather stopper and refillable on your next visit. And a stop at a roadside rum shop (there are said to be more than 1,500) is highly recommended ­– strictly for research purposes, of course!

What Is It? Several mornings a week, racehorses swim at one of the island’s best beaches.

Why Go? On any given day, you’ll find visitors enjoying the sun on the white-sand strand at Pebbles Beach, near Bridgetown. But if they knew what happened here at sunrise, they might arrive earlier. That’s because grooms from the racetrack at Garrison Savannah, less than a mile away, regularly walk their horses here for baths and bonding. If you’re staying nearby, it is definitely worth waking up early to watch this ritual. Ask nicely, and the grooms might even let you pet and take a photo with their majestic charges.

What Is It? In Barbados, a sandwich is a “cutter,” and this is the best place to eat one.

Why Go? Although a cutter can have any filling you like, the classic fish cutter comes from a stand called Cuz’s on Pebbles Beach, where a father and son have served them for more than six decades. The winning combination: fried marlin filets nestled on a pillowy-soft salt bread bun and topped with a slice of cheese. Slather yours with honey mustard or Bajan hot sauce, wash it down with a Banks beer, and congratulate yourself on finding inexpensive eats on this notoriously pricey island.

What Is It? Visitors and Bajans alike flock to this fishing village for its come-as-you-are Friday night street party.

Why Go? Kick off the weekend by heading for the south-coast fishing village of Oistins and join a lively crowd for a delicious fish fry and street party. Soca (a mix of funk, soul, and calypso) and reggae blares and there’s no shortage of entertaining characters “wukking up” (dancing) in the streets, but the fish dinners are what everyone comes for. A favorite is Uncle George’s stand, where heaping plates of grilled mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, or kingfish, served with “macaroni pie” (that’s mac and cheese, to the uninitiated) are well worth what’s often a long wait in line.

What Is It? A local specialty that dates from the colonial era, the popularity of this pork dish endures.

Why Go? Pickled pork might not sound that appetizing, but don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Traditionally made by slaves from discarded scraps of pork, souse is now usually prepared on a Saturday and sold directly out of islanders’ homes, so ask hotel staff for tips on where to go. The basic recipe: boiled pork (usually pork belly) that’s sliced and then steeped in a lime, cucumber, and hot pepper marinade. (Think ceviche, but with meat.) Sop up the tangy juices with a side of starchy breadfruit and a slice of savory sweet potato pudding. And if you’re really adventurous, ask for your souse with “features” (the pig’s feet, snout, and ears).

What Is It? What began as a colonial-era celebration of the season’s final sugarcane harvest is now Barbados’ biggest party.

Why Go? With events spread over many weeks in late summer, Crop Over has evolved from its plantation-era roots into a thoroughly modern mash-up of raucous rum-drenched parties day and night, craft markets, and a children’s parade. The season culminates on Kadooment Day with a rollicking “road march” with scantily costumed revelers following flat-bed trucks blaring music as they make their way through the streets of Bridgetown. With similarly electric energy and equal amounts of soca and calypso music, this is your summertime alternative (or addition!) to attending Trinidad’s pre-Lenten carnival, the undisputed king of Caribbean festivals. Bring your stamina and comfy shoes; you’ll need them both.

What Is It? This St. Thomas pottery house produces ceramic tableware that makes a great souvenir.

Why Go? The best souvenirs are beautiful, practical, and unique to the destination, and the pieces at Earthworks check all three boxes. Head inland to tour the factory and observe as artisans handcraft everything from cruets to casserole dishes. There are 50 signature hand-painted place setting patterns to choose from, so pick a favorite to take home, and then add a few more pieces to your collection every time you come back.