For many, the rugged, little-explored east coast is the most beautiful part of Barbados. Almost all year round, the Atlantic waves crash in against this wild coastline, making for superb surfing but difficult and sometimes dangerous swimming. It's certainly worth making the effort to explore since this is a very different side of the island from the heavily touristed south and west; if possible, try to spend a night or two up here. If you can't stay, do at least check out one of the excellent restaurants around the laid-back old resort of Bathsheba for lunch.

 

Although the coastal scenery is the main attraction, there are a few specific places that merit a visit, most notably the delightful Andromeda Botanical Gardens . Specific sightseeing apart, this is a lovely area to drive through, particularly under the steep-sided Hackleton's Cliff that runs parallel to the coast, where the road weaves through lush tropical forest, offering stunning views over the ocean. You can also walk along the beaches at Bath and Martin's Bay , watching the surf ride in.