A Look at Life on the North Coast of Barbados

The untouched and rugged terrain of Barbados’ North Coast draws in expats seeking an escape from the bustling city life. The region is adorned with rolling hills, imposing cliffs, hidden caves, and serene coves that offer a stark contrast to the busy and developed South and West coasts.

Bask in the sun’s warm embrace, surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and untouched vistas, and leave behind the hustle and bustle of tourists that flood the island’s more popular beaches.

Although not as busy as other areas of Barbados, the North Coast is not lacking in amenities and activities. The region is a perfect blend of seclusion and convenience, allowing you to enjoy a tropical paradise without sacrificing comfort or excitement.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the captivating North Coast of Barbados, exploring its unique lifestyle, climate, and distinct parishes.

Climate and Weather on the North Coast of Barbados

The climate on the north coast of Barbados is tropical, characterized by two seasons – the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, which spans from December to May, has low humidity, minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C.

In contrast, the wet season, which runs from June to November, has higher humidity levels, increased rainfall, and occasional thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C. Despite the wet season, the North Coast is generally not prone to hurricanes due to its location outside of the hurricane belt.

The North Coast Lifestyle

The North Coast of Barbados is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. With its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical foliage, this part of the island truly is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike the more developed south coast, the north coast retains much of its authentic Bajan charm, with small fishing villages, quaint rum shops, and traditional Bajan cuisine.

The pace of life on the north coast is generally slower and more relaxed, with a focus on community and family. Expats who choose to settle in this part of the island can expect to enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Surfing, hiking, and fishing are popular here, as well as plenty of cultural events and festivals to keep them entertained throughout the year.

Parishes Along the North Coast of Barbados

There are two parish churches on this side of the coast – St. Lucy and St. Peter. Let’s look at the distinct features of each.

St Lucy

St. Lucy is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled parishes on the island of Barbados. With its rocky coastline, small villages, and lack of commercial development, St. Lucy is a true gem. Although it doesn’t have the calm white-sand beaches of the south and west coasts, the dramatic coastline of cliffs and coves is breathtaking, and is also great for hiking to see amazing views. According to Bajans, this is where you may get a taste of what the island was like before heavy tourism.

This parish is home to the island’s only accessible sea cave, named the Animal Flower Cave. It was discovered in 1780 by a couple of adventurers and is believed to be the only place in the world where you can see an animal flower. Due to the continuous wave erosion over hundreds of years, the cave entrance is now six feet above where water reaches during high tide. This makes it much easier for people to enter and explore this magnificent cave.

Geologists have discovered that the island gradually rises one inch every 1,000 years. The natural rock pools inside the cave are perfect for swimming on calm days, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean through the cave openings to the ocean are stunning.

If you are looking for a true taste of island life away from the hustle and bustle of the more developed areas, you should consider living in St. Lucy. Feel truly immersed in nature and be a part of the privileged few who get to witness and explore Barbados’ hidden beauty.

St. Peter

Located in the northwestern corner of Barbados, stretching all the way to the east, is the parish of St. Philip. Its hilly terrain and sandy beaches provide a unique contrast to the rest of the island. Similar to the beaches on the South and West Coasts, the Northwest Coast’s tranquil blue ocean provides for a variety of water activities without the crowds. The 3 popular beaches are Gibbs Beach, Heywoods Beach, and Mullins Beach.

In this parish, there are also historical sites like the town of Speightstown, the St. Nicholas Abbey Rum Plantation, and the Arlington House Museum. Speightstown was once the busiest port on Barbados, and its commercial ties with southwest England earned it the nickname “Little Bristol”. A handful of Victorian and Georgian structures remain on the core streets of Speightstown, providing insight into the town’s history. This lovely beach town is definitely worth a visit, especially on the weekends when there are so many vendors selling all sorts of items.

St. Peter not only boasts sweet hillsides blanketed in sugarcane but also marinas such as Port St. Charles, Port Ferdinand, and the Farley Hill National Park. Even though only the ruins of a Georgian mansion are left standing in the park today, the picturesque setting is used year-round for many musical and theatrical events, like the Jazz Festival in Barbados.

Thanks to all these amazing sites, St. Philip’s is a top relocation destination in Barbados for anyone interested in Barbadian history and culture.

An overall perspective on the North Coast of Barbados

The North Coast of Barbados is truly a hidden gem, and definitely worth considering for your relocation destination. With its rocky and dramatic coastline, small villages, and lack of commercial development, the North Coast is a true taste of what the island was like before tourism development. If you’re searching for a more relaxed lifestyle, this might just be the ideal place to call home.

If you’re interested in finding out more about real estate for sale in Barbados, contact the Residence Barbados team today, and we will work with you to find your ideal property. Telephone us on BIM +1 246 230 4982 | UK +44 0208 123 9273 | US/CAN + 1 239 444 8176  or via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Commonly Asked Questions about the North Coast of Barbados

What is the North Coast of Barbados well-known for?
The North Coast of Barbados is well-known for its rugged and remote setting. While the south coast is bustling with tourists and locals alike, if you venture north, you’ll find a calmer side to the island among the hills, cliffs, caves, and coves.

Can you swim on the North Coast of Barbados?
It’s not recommended to swim on the North Coast of Barbados because of the strong waves. However, you might be able to find a gentler bay such as River Bay to swim in, but always stay close to the shore.

What is the most northern parish in Barbados?
The most northern parish in Barbados is St. Lucy. It’s here you’ll find the dramatic North Point cliffs and The Animal Flower Cave.

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The information above about choosing a real estate agent in Barbados is provided only for information purposes. The amenities listed may or may not be available at any time. The contents of this blog post are not intended to amount to advice, and you should not rely on any of the contents of this post. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this post. Residence Barbados disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this newsletter.