Saint Lucy, Barbados Travel Guide 2025: Things to Do, Where to Stay, & More
Saint Lucy, Barbados, is the northernmost parish in Barbados and the only parish on the island named after a woman - Saint Lucy of Syracuse. This region is predominantly rural and used for farming and agriculture. It’s known for its natural, rugged beauty and coastline, still mostly untouched by tourism and expansion. What it lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for in its vast landscape, simplicity, and history, being home to the well-known Mount Gay Rum Distillery and the birthplace of Barbados’ first Prime Minister. This article details some of the top attractions, best places to eat, and where to stay for a night or 2 in Saint Lucy, Barbados.
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When to Visit Barbados
Barbados has 2 seasons - wet and dry. The wet season is typically June-November and has the highest chance of a hurricane. Don’t let that deter you from this season, though! Hurricanes usually do not make landfall in Barbados, and rainy days are often just a rain shower. Locals stressed to us, though, that the wet season has no wind. This means high summer temperatures + humidity and little to no wind. It’s very important to stay hydrated!
The dry season is typically December-May, and also the most popular time of year for tourism. I visited for a month in April-May 2025, and the weather was fantastic. This time of year has consistent wind that helps make the heat more tolerable. The trade-off for good weather is higher costs and more crowds.
If you choose to stay in Saint Lucy, I would recommend 1-2 days in the parish. Although, Saint Lucy can be visited on a day trip from anywhere on the island.
How to Get to Saint Lucy
Barbados’ international airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), is located in the southeast part of the island. Access to Saint Lucy 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 Lucy (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.
While in Saint Lucy, the best way to get around is by car. I recommend your own rental car, so you have the freedom to explore. Saint Lucy is quite remote the further north you go, so relying on the bus system and rideshare apps 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.
Where to Stay in Saint Lucy
Barbados is a tourist nation. Most Barbadians have a hand in the tourism industry in some way, and a big investment for many is through Airbnb. Some of the most spectacular, unique, and view-worthy places to stay on the island are found on Airbnb.
Here are just a few well-rated, beautiful places to stay in Saint Lucy, Barbados:
Also, browse places to stay in Saint Lucy and/or Barbados on Booking.com, my favorite site for booking stays and accumulating status for special discounted room rates.
Pictured above: Animal Flower Restaurant
Where to Eat in Saint Lucy
St Lucy has many small, locally owned restaurants and bars. Some have breathtaking sea views, some are hidden down a rural street in town. Either way, you will have a good Bajan meal here. Here are some must-visit places to eat and drink in Saint Lucy, Barbados.
Animal Flower Cave & Restaurant | Located at the edge of a cliff face, boasting views of crashing waves against limestone and the northern-most tip of Barbados. When I tell you this was one of the most incredible and scenic restaurants I’ve ever been to… The food at Animal Flower was great too 😉 After lunch, take a guided tour of the cave!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Sharad’s Bar & Grill | Located on the border of St Lucy and St Peter, Sharad’s Bar & Grill serves traditional Caribbean food in a relaxed indoor/outdoor dining space. Check out their Facebook or Instagram pages for their occasional events and specials.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Catch-22 | Casual seafood restaurant with seaside dining and unobstructed views of the coastline at Sunset Point. It is a beautiful restaurant, out of the way on the North coast, but well worth the effort to get here. Catch-22 also has a pool and can host events!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Hidden Bar + Grill | Opened in 2024, Hidden Bar + Grill is a true “hidden” gem in Saint Lucy, with a full bar and a simple, tasty menu serving items like Bajan fish cakes, tapas platters, and burgers. The space is modern and welcoming - the perfect afternoon lunch choice.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
De Corner Bar | At De Corner Bar you will find a warm, welcoming atmosphere serving drinks and authentic Bajan dishes like pudding n’ souse and catch of the day. Evenings become more lively with music, dancing, and karaoke!
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Denise Variety | Do you need a quick snack on the go? Stop by Denise Variety, a little shop owned by a sweet lady named Denise, selling chips, cold beer, nuts, candy, boxed and fresh goods, and even some toiletries.
📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Best Things to Do in Saint Lucy, Barbados
Do a historic distillery tour at Mount Gay Rum Distillery
Mount Gay is a 300+ year old, fully-operational rum distillery in Barbados - the most notable and historical on the island. Several different tours are offered depending on your interests. From a 2-hour distillery tour to cocktail-making classes! Mount Gay Rum Distillery is a must-visit place in Barbados!
NOTE: I am sober and did the Signature Distillery Tour. I had a fantastic experience touring the distillery grounds and learning the historical significance of Mount Gay. Even though I did not participate in the rum tasting at the end of the tour, I felt it was well worth the visit!
💰Cost: Tours starting at $60/person USD
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
See Harrison’s Point Lighthouse
Harrison’s Point Lighthouse is 1 of 4 lighthouses in Barbados and the only lighthouse in Saint Lucy. It was built in 1925 and is no longer in active use, but can be viewed from the outside. Do not enter as the structure is not reliable. Coastal views and ruins can also be seen here!
NOTE: The road to get here turns unpaved as you near the lighthouse. Expect potholes, drive slowly, and use your best judgment for your vehicle! There is a small parking lot at the end, and then a short walk on a path brings you to the lighthouse.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Visit the cliffs at Cove Bay
Cove Bay is a rugged coastline where green farmlands meet limestone cliffs, meet the sea, located on the northeast coast of Barbados in Saint Lucy. It is not easy to get to. Navigating through a farm field, dodging cows and goats, on a “road” that would be safest driven down in a high-clearance vehicle. Go during the dry season. The reward at the end makes it all worth it!
NOTES:
The last few kilometers of driving to this cove are through farmland along a dirt/grass “road.” A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Avoid visiting during the wet season (June to November).
Locals may attempt to stop you in your vehicle, claiming the road is closed, and to pay them to guide you the rest of the way. This is not true.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Lunch & cave tour at Animal Flower Cave & Restaurant
My favorite Saint Lucy destination! Located on the steep limestone cliffs of Northern Saint Lucy is Animal Flower Cave & Restaurant. As the name suggests, there is a restaurant and a cave! The open-air restaurant overlooks Horseshoe Bay and the sea to the North, with views of the distinct northernmost point of Barbados, serving delicious Caribbean dishes.
The cave, weathered away by water and wind over the years, can be accessed by guided tours taking you down a steep staircase to the large, open chamber below. Bring your swimsuit and shoes with a good grip so you can easily walk your way to the swimming hole at the end of the cave, opening up to views of the rough sea below you.
Also, check out the tourist shops selling souvenirs and follow the signs for “The View” to see more epic views of the dramatic cliffs along Animal Flower Bay.
NOTES:
The restaurant and cave are only open Tuesday-Sunday (waves permitting). Check their website for operating hours.
You do not need to purchase cave tour tickets ahead of time. When you arrive, you can buy tickets at the ticket booth, and they will assign you to a tour guide and group upon availability. We only had to wait about 10 minutes.
It is not necessary to make a reservation ahead of time at the restaurant, HOWEVER, we did, and we were seated at the best table in the house. I truly believe this was because we had a reservation.
💰Cost: 40 BDS/adult (~$20 USD/adult) for guided cave tour including swimming - credit cards accepted
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
See the 1837 St. Lucy Parish Church
For any religious, historical, and/or architectural fiends, quickly stop by the St. Lucy Parish Church. It was the first church in Saint Lucy, originally a wooden structure, built in 1627. It has been demolished by hurricanes and rebuilt 4 times; its most recent in 1837, which is the structure that still stands today.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Visit the sea-carved arches at Little Bay
Little Bay is one of the most popular coastal spots in Barbados. Erosion has carved out a giant arch in the limestone, attracting tourists and locals year-round. Waves crashing into the coastline spew water high into the air.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Take a slow, scenic drive
What better way to get to know a new place than to just explore? Saint Lucy is a quiet, rugged part of the island. Following streets to small, rural towns through acres and acres of beautiful agricultural land may lead you to amazing views and new findings. Take it slow so you can take in all the scenery, but also because the roads are not all in great condition. Rough roads, tight squeezes, and potholes are to be expected on your journey!
💰Cost: Free
Hike down to Archer’s Bay Beach
Located west of the well-known Animal Flower Cave & Restaurant on the North coast is Archer’s Bay. A walk down a grass and dirt road path leads you to a panoramic overlook of Archer’s Bay. Climb down the stairs and you can stand on the secluded bay beach.
NOTE: This area is not safe for swimming.
💰Cost: Free
📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Book an island tour that goes to Saint Lucy
Some structured island tours take you around to parts of Saint Lucy! Here are some Viator options with at least one stop in the St Lucy parish:
Tips for Visiting Saint Lucy
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 (such as Saint Lucy), 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.
Expect tight and bumpy roads. Most roads across Saint Lucy are not in good condition. Some are only wide enough for 1 car to drive down, some are unpaved or covered in potholes. Take it slow and decide what your vehicle is capable of! Depending on your destination, a high-clearance vehicle may even be required.
Google Maps is not always accurate. This goes for the entire island. Do research on the location 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 rough roads and driving around on your own concern you, hire a local driver who knows the area and can navigate difficult roads that they are used to driving in their vehicle. 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.
Some of the more remote viewpoints to visit in Saint Lucy may take you past locals trying to stop you to say the road ahead is closed to your destination, and if you pay them, they will guide you the rest of the way. This is not true. Keep driving!
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