Things to Do in Saint Andrew, Barbados: Rugged Barbados Travel Guide
Saint Andrew, Barbados, is a hidden gem on the island's rugged east coast, offering visitors a more tranquil and unspoiled experience. Known for its lush hills, dramatic cliffs, and scenic Atlantic views, Saint Andrew is perfect for nature lovers and adventurous travelers. This parish is home to some of the best hiking trails in Barbados, including those around the Scotland District, and features attractions like Chalky Mount and Walkers Beach. This article details some of the top attractions, best places to eat, and where to stay in Saint Andrew, Barbados.
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When to Visit Barbados
Barbados has 2 seasons: wet and dry.
The dry season is December to May, the most popular time of year for tourism, due to its ideal tropical conditions. I visited for a month (from April to May 2025), and the weather was fantastic. While still hot, this time of year has consistent wind that helps cool you down.
The wet season is from June to November, and is hurricane season. While brief afternoon showers are common, they’re often followed by sunshine. For a more affordable, quiet Barbados visit, consider visiting during the rainy season! Just keep tabs on weather radars ahead of your trip, and embrace the beauty these months bring to the island.
How to Get to Saint Andrew
Barbados’ international airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), is located in the southeast part of the island. Access to Saint Andrew from the airport is relatively easy, considering you can get anywhere on the island within an hour or less, depending on traffic.
I recommend getting a rental car from the airport or a taxi to drive you to your destination in Saint Andrew (or anywhere on the island). Taxis are available upon arrival at the airport at the taxi kiosk desks or through the rideshare app, pickUP Barbados. Taxis can often also be scheduled ahead of time with the host of the place you are staying, so they are there to pick you up when you land.
The best way to get around Saint Andrew is by rental car. Saint Andrew is quite remote, so relying on the bus system, rideshare apps, and taxi availability wouldn’t be the most reliable or time-efficient.
You can also refer to Roam2Rio to see how to get from one place to the next via the Barbados bus system if public transit is your preference.
Where to Stay in Saint Andrew
The most populated town in Saint Andrew is Belleplaine. However, there are not many options for places to stay in this quaint and rugged region of Barbados!
The only hotel in Saint Andrew parish is Santosha Barbados - a beautiful aparthotel with spa services and beach access.
Alternatively, here are some Airbnbs in Saint Andrew:
Three Bedroom House East Coast with amazing views in Belleplaine
Fairway Villa in Apres Hill with 3 bedrooms
If you are looking to escape crowds and connect with nature, Saint Andrew, with its limited accommodations and raw beauty, is a great option.
The next closest towns with more hotel options are Bathsheba in Saint Joseph (East coast) and Speightstown in Saint Peter (West coast).
Where to Eat in Saint Andrew
Here are some must-visit places to eat and drink in Saint Andrew, Barbados. (Always check the restaurant website or social media for days and hours of operation.)
Cafe Mosaic
Cafe Mosaic is an eatery located at the Morgan Lewis Windmill, serving Bajan snacks, pastries, and drinks. Be sure to tour the windmill during your visit!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Sand Dunes
Caribbean, open-air restaurant where you can try all the famous Bajan dishes on your Barbados food bucket list!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
The Bay Lounge
Restaurants overlooking the East Coast, known for their fried food and BBQ dishes. Indulge in some Caribbean comfort classics with a view.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
King’s Quick Stop
On-the-go stop for Bajan meat-focused plates. You can order ahead of time for pickup! Only open Friday and Saturday.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Hillview
A countryside local gem for a drink and a food platter in a casual setting.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Scotland View Bar & Variety
Caribbean restaurant with one of the best views in the area. Try the breadfruit coucou!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Tiki Bar
Popular and laid-back hangout spot in Saint Andrew for rum punch and live music.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Grocery Shopping in Saint Andrew
Best Things to Do in Saint Andrew, Barbados
Walkers Reserve
My favorite activity we did in Barbados was doing the Coastal Nature Walk tour at Walkers Reserve on the beautiful East coast! Walkers Reserve is a sand mining quarry turned ecological reserve and regenerative agriculture region. A passionate guide will take you through the reserve, explaining all of the incredible things WIRRED is focusing on to rebuild a natural environment for animals, and to feed the community with orchards and agriculture. If you value eco-tourism, you must visit Walkers Reserve!
They offer a range of tours from a coastal nature walk to a tropical driving tour in an off-road vehicle, to beekeeping and birding.
💰Cost: Depends on the tour. Coastal Nature Walk starts at $52/person USD
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Guided Hiking Tour with Enlightened Travelers Barbados
Saint Andrew is known for some of the best hiking spots in Barbados. Enlightened Travelers takes the logistics of hiking the rugged terrain trails of the Scotland District and Chalky Mount off your hands with a private guided hiking tour.
💰Cost: Depends on the tour. Private guided hikes start at $50/person USD
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Morgan Lewis Windmill
The Morgan Lewis Windmill is one of the only two intact and restored mills in the Caribbean. Grab a bite to eat at The Cafe Mosaic after touring this historic Barbados site.
Tours of the mill are available Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm.
💰Cost: Entrance - $6 BBD ($3 USD); Self-guided tours - $10 BBD ($5 USD); Guided tours - $20 BBD ($10 USD)
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Ngozi Farm And Cultural Sanctuary
An off-the-beaten-path activity to get a real sense of the natural and spiritual Barbados. Ngozi Farm and Cultural Sanctuary is a farm in St Andrew, prioritizing sustainable food production and teaching visitors about plants and herbs, and was featured in the BBC show The Caribbean with Andi and Miquita (episode 2).
You will need to contact the farm (Ireka) directly to arrange a personalized experience before your visit.
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Cherry Tree Hill Reserve
Cherry Tree Hill Reserve is a scenic vista and reforestation reserve 850 feet above sea level. You can drive to Cherry Tree Hill yourself for beautiful views of the East coast, or take the steam railway at St. Nicholas Abbey (below) to the lookout spot for some added adventure.
💰Cost: Train to Cherry Tree Hill starting at $35/adult USD
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway
Technically in St. Peter but on the border with St. Andrew, St. Nicholas Abbey is a plantation estate and distillery offering tour packages suitable for all ages. Tour the Great House, ride the train up to Cherry Tree Hill for views of the East Coast, or join the distillery tour.
💰Cost: Tours starting at $35/person USD
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Jahworks Equestrian Centre
Jahworks is a horseback riding centre on the east coast of Barbados that’s been around since 1999. Schedule a guided tour along the beach with knowledgeable and passionate guides.
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Farley Hill National Park
Farley Hill National Park, located at the border of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew, is the site of the ruins of a beautiful mansion built by Sir Graham Briggs that burned down in 1965. What remains is protected by the Barbados Government as a national park. Surrounding the mansion is an expanse of shaded grounds with picnic tables. Make your way to the lookout point where there are epic views of the east coast (above).
Weekends are particularly popular here for locals who come with their families to BBQ and enjoy the scenic area.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Buy a ceramic souvenir from Highland Pottery
Terra cotta clay is found in this area of Barbados and is the source of material for handmade ceramics that can be purchased from Highland Pottery. Bring back home with you a mug, plate, or monkey jar!
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Book an island tour that goes through Saint Andrew
Some island tours drive you through Saint Andrew, or you can customize an itinerary on a private tour to visit! Here are some Viator tour options that pass through the St Andrew parish (to say you’ve been):
Tips for Visiting Saint Andrew
You can get an eSIM card ahead of your arrival in Barbados using the app Airalo. Get $3 off your first eSIM card with my referral code, ANNA5384
Check establishment websites and social media for days and hours of operation. Many places around the island are closed 1 or more days of the week and for holidays, so do a bit of research on the places you wish to visit before heading that way.
Carry cash with you, just in case. Credit card is widely accepted in Barbados, but as you venture out into the less populated and traveled-to parishes, or dine and shop at more locally owned establishments, you may find cash is more frequently necessary. The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) and USD are universally accepted across Barbados.
The main roads around Saint Andrew are in decent condition. The more rural you go, expect some roads only wide enough for 1 car to drive down or unpaved and covered in potholes. Take it slow and decide what your vehicle is capable of!
Google Maps is not always accurate. This goes for the entire island. Research the locations of the places you are visiting ahead of time to get a general understanding of the area.
Hire a local taxi driver for the day! If you aren’t confident driving around on your own, hire a local driver who knows the area and can navigate difficult roads that they are used to driving. They will also likely be able to give more local recommendations on where to go and give you some history of the areas you are visiting, and it is a great way to support the local economy!
Prioritize sun protection and hydration. This goes for the whole island. Barbados is hot, humid, and mostly sunny! Before heading out, always put on sunscreen. Wear sunglasses, hats, and UV shirts. Handheld fans are helpful for areas or days with little wind. And drink, drink, drink water!
Wear mosquito repellent. Especially at dawn and dusk, if you are prone to being a mosquito target.
Respect and embrace “island time.” Things are not always as efficient and fast-paced as in places like the US, Canada, etc. Be patient and flexible!
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