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 verybody
knows Jamaica as the home of Bob Marley, but there’s more to it than just
reggae and Rastafarians. The third largest island in the Caribbean, it
has wonderful white-sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and some
of the best coffee in the world. Kingston is its lively capital, a world
all its own. |
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| The main tourist resorts
are Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and to some degree Port Antonio. Negril
boasts one of the longest beaches in the country, some 11km (7m) of it,
with all the watersports you’d expect in a lively resort. But venture a
little way along the coast and you’ll find ‘the real Jamaica’ with fishing
villages like Treasure Beach and Oracabessa providing quieter retreats. |
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Ever since Errol Flynn cavorted
here with his Hollywood pals in the 1930s and '40s, travelers have regarded
Jamaica as one of the most alluring of the Caribbean islands. Its beaches,
mountains and carnal red sunsets regularly appear in the world's tourist
brochures, and - unlike other nearby islands - it caters to all comers.
You can choose a private villa with your own private beach, carouse until
dawn at a party-hearty resort, or throw yourself into the island's life. |
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A trip to Jamaica may include
river rafting, waterfall climbing, horseback riding, beachcombing, ballooning,
diving, mountain biking, snorkeling or just relaxing in a swaying hammock
watching the sunet. Ocho Rios was once a sleepy fishing village, and while
there are now resort facilities, the town has kept something of the drowsy
atmosphere of a small-town. One of its most stunning sights is Dunn’s River
Falls, a crystal water stairway which leads to the nearby botanical gardens.
Ocho Rios is known as the garden-lover’s paradise. Dating back to 1492,
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s second-largest city and one of the most modern
in the Caribbean. The crafts market is an exciting place to participate
in the old game of barter. |
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| Those seeking heavy-duty
nightlife can visit Kingston with its myriad styles of architecture - from
colonial structures to modern skyscrapers and high-rise hotels. Another
attraction is the Bob Marley Museum. Reggae fans will delight in touring
the home of the late singer. Dive opportunities are found all over the
island with the highest concentration of dive facilities at Negril which
also offers sailing, water-skiing, deep-sea fishing, parasailing and windsurfing.
Despite development, it has maintained its rustic character. Negril is
blessed with quiet hideaways and spectacular sunsets. And while you're
in Jamaica, don't forget to sample the famous Blue Mountain coffee - perhaps
the best in the world. |
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