Holetown Barbados is a beautiful, quaint and historical city in the St James parish region of the island (West Coast of the island). Formerly known as St James Town, Holetown is known for being the first point of English settlement on the island, and the only city in the island until 1629. It is safe to say then, that it is considered as the first city in Barbados. The term “hole” comes from “The Hole” which is believed to have provided a safe landing place for the first settlers. This historical component adds to the city’s appeal, which also includes its west coast location (surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches) and its convivial and welcoming atmosphere. 

I did not really know about Holetown until my last visit in Barbados when I got to spend some time at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion (a member of the Fairmont Hotels and Accor Family), which is located in Holetown. And as I looked for things to do during my stay there, I did some research and was really excited to find out more about this historical city, which I had never heard of before.

In this blog, I will share with you a suggested 24 hours itinerary if you end up visiting Holetown Barbados during your next trip to Barbados.

Getting to Holetown, Barbados

The city is located 45 mins away from the airport (via taxi), and a mere 20 mins away from Bridgetown, the capital city. Look at the maps below to see the relative distance to travel to get to Holetown from either Bridgetown, or the airport. You can also appreciate the fact Holetown is bordered by the sea, which makes it even more attractive to the beach lover, and adds to its appeal! Now, let’s dive into our itinerary.

PS: as your arrival or departure time might be different, I will omit adding times to this itinerary. Feel free to adjust it based on what works best for you!

First, Check-in at your hotel in Holetown, Barbados

During my stay in Holetown, I checked in at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados. I arrived in the late afternoon, so it was easy to align with the regular check-in time (3:00 PM). If you arrive earlier than that, you might be able to check-in early if your room is ready, but if not: you can simply drop your bag and head out for your adventure.

Staying at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion made it more convenient for me to be closer to the beach, enjoy built-in facilities at the hotel, and not have to worry about things I would do during my stay there as the hotel has activities such as afternoon tea and nightly live entertainment, so that was a plus! It’s also great for solo, couple or family getaways. You can read more about how my stay was at the Fairmont Royal Pavilion or watch the video of my experience at this Fairmont Barbados Hotel.

Second: Go on a Holetown Barbados self walking tour

One of the things I love about exploring Caribbean cities is the fact that you can do self-paced walking tours and explore the city by food. A lot of the shops, restaurants and stops are within walking distance, and even when you need to take public transportation, it is usually just for a short distance. During your walk in Holetown Barbados, make sure you stop at the St James Parish church (also known as “God’s acre”). The church carries a lot of historical value not just in the region but also in Barbados, and you can take a tour of the building to learn more about it and admire its architecture.

 Another popular spot I recommend when visiting Holetown Barbados is the Limegrove Lifestyle shopping mall, which is the most popular and the most luxurious shopping mall in Barbados (according to locals). There, you can find popular designer brands in different shops, as well as local arts and crafts. If you are into movies, there is a live movie theater where you can indulge. Occasionally, the shopping mall has some activities and you can find out more about it by checking their website. But then, that wouldn’t be too much fun: just pop in and see!

Added tip: if you are visiting on a Saturday, make sure you spend at least an hour or two at the Holetown’s Farmer Market. Farmer markets are a great way to mingle with the locals, grab some local souvenirs, shop for fresh fruits or produce, or indulge in freshly made meals.

Next: lunch (or dinner) at the Tides Restaurant:

A very popular spot in Holetown Barbados, The Tides restaurant is not only known for its Oceanview dining experiences, but also as the home of a well-appreciated art gallery (The Tides Gallery) that features local Bajan artists and Caribbean creators, with new finds every month. It is another great way to get in touch with Barbados culture.

Final Stop: Hit one of the Holetown or St James Beaches

Barbados is home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches I have seen in the Caribbean. Holetown Beach in Holetown Barbados, Paynes Beach, Mullins Beach, Sandy Lane Beach: pick your beach! Whichever one you pick, you win: they are all gorgeous. You might want to select the beach of your choice based on your location in Holetown at the time.

That’s it: you have just completed a memorable day in Holetown, Barbados! If you are looking for more things to do in the island of the sun, check out my Ultimate Barbados Travel guide, which includes key activities, sights to see in Barbados and places to eat depending on where you are visiting in the city!