Barbados Areas

There are 11 administrative divisions in Barbados, called parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas, in addition to the city of Bridgetown that may be given parish status.

Every area has its own characteristics, not only geographic and demographically, but also providing visitors with different facilities, amenities and activities throughout the year. As each parish is unique so are its characteristics as well. This is an overview of the different areas in Barbados:

CHRIST CHURCH

This parish is located in the southern end of Barbados Island. Its main town in is the coastal Oistins, a major fishing center and tourist destination. This area includes the parish church of Christ Church, built in 1935 and 4th on the exact site, although the original church was built in 1629 and located near Dover Beach

The Christ Church hospital, the Barbados Coast Guard station, and the offshore landing for ships delivering fossils fuel onto the island belong also to the Christ Church parish area. Another important area inside this parish is the St. Lawrence Gap; it is the most active tourist area on the island, often referred to as just "The Gap".

The Gap houses many of the most popular clubs and bars in Barbados, so it is common to find the area populated by both tourists and locals. One local tourist tradition is the Friday night Fish Fry. Christ Church Parish is the area with the most coastal hotels, south of Barbados.

Area Facts: 57 square km (22 square mi), Largest City: Hastings, Population 46,943 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT ANDREW

This is one of the smallest parishes of Barbados located in the northeast and ideal for those wanting to enjoy nature and quiet solitude with the natural settings.

Area Facts: 36 square km (14 square mi), Largest City: none, Population 624 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT GEORGE

Saint George is a parish located in the center of the island, and one of the two land-locked parishes, which counterpart is Saint Thomas. The most prominent landmark in the parish is Gun Hill Station, providing breathtaking views of the entire island, and one of the few remaining original signal stations dating back to 1818.

Area Facts: 44 square km (17 square mi), Largest City: none, 16,718 people (estimated as of 2000)

SAINT JAMES

This parish is located on the western side of Barbados and becoming the playground of the rich and famous, besides being the most wanted paradise for sunbathers and beach lovers. Saint James was known as the "Gold Coast" at one time, however, the increase in popularity has turned the parish into the "Platinum Coast"

The area shows magnificent beachfront mansions, pristine turquoise beaches, luxury hotels, resorts, and all the amenities any tourist may want. Although the main attractions are closely related to water activities, Saint James has a historic background that attracts people devoted to cultural attractions.

First British settlers landed in this parish back in 1625 under the authority of King James, founding Jamestown (today Holetown). Today, the area includes museums, aquariums, historic plantations, old mansions, water sports activities, and literally tons of shops in which to browse.

Area Facts: 31 square km (12 square mi), Largest City: Holetown Population: 20,771 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT JOHN

Located on the eastern side of the island, Saint John Parish features the classic Gothic Saint John Parish Church, situated near the Hackleton's Cliff, and built in 1836, built to replace a previous structure destroyed by a hurricane in 1831.

Area Facts: 34 square km (13 square mi), Largest city: none, Population: 9,640 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT JOSEPH

Located on the eastern side of the island, this parish is often referred to as the Scotland District for the resembling appearance of its landscape, home of 2 of the most notable botanic gardens in Barbados: the Flower Forest and the Andromeda Gardens.

Area Facts: 26 square km (10 square mi), Largest City: none, Population: 7,204 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT LUCY

This area is a parish located on the northern end of the island.

Area Facts: 36 square km (14 square mi), Largest City: none, Population: 9,277 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT MICHAEL

This parish is the home to the capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, named after the bridges over the Careenage. Bridgetown is the center of many activities in the island; the city is also considered a parish itself. The international seaport Deep Water Harbor is also located here.

Area Facts: 39 square km (15 square mi), Largest City: Bridgetown, Population: 89,840 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT PETER

This parish is the only other parish in Barbados with both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea coastlines, apart from Saint Lucy, and sharing part of the “Platinum Coast” that extends from Saint James on its southern border.

Its privileged situation makes this parish another important tourist destination, with many white beaches, including the world famous Mullins Bay.

Area Facts: 34 square km (13 square mi), Largest City: Speightstown, Population: 10,055 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT PHILIP

Saint Philip is located on the southeastern end of the island, this parish houses one of the three functioning lighthouses in Barbados.

Area Facts: 60 square km (23 square mi), Largest City: none, Population: 20.540 people (estimated as of 1990)

SAINT THOMAS

This parish is located on the center of Barbados, so being away from the coast, its main attraction is the seemingly never-ending rows of sugar cane and historic plantation mansions. The Saint Thomas Parish Church is also located here, on Highway 2A.

Area Facts: 34 square km (13 square mi), Largest City: none, Population: 10.676 people (estimated as of 1990)

BRIDGETOWN

Founded in 1628, Bridgetown was formerly known as the Town of Saint Michael, being today the central hub for the public transport network and most of the commercial and tourist activities on the island.

Area Facts: population 5,928 people estimated in 1990, and a metropolitan area of 110,000 people as of 2000.