Jamaica

Jamaica: general info for travelers

Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It has a diverse landscape of mountains, beaches, and rainforests with a vibrant culture that is heavily influenced by its African, European, and Asian roots. The capital city is Kingston and the country is known for its reggae music, delicious cuisine, and famous exports such as Blue Mountain coffee and rum. Jamaica is also home to notable attractions such as Dunn's River Falls, Montego Bay, and the Bob Marley Museum. The official language is English and the currency is the Jamaican dollar.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Jamaica, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Jamaica: places to visit

1. Montego Bay - Known as MoBay to the locals, Montego Bay is a popular tourist destination and one of the largest cities in Jamaica. Montego Bay offers a mix of beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and cultural landmarks such as the Montego Bay Cultural Centre.
2. Ocho Rios - Ocho Rios is known for its stunning waterfalls like Dunn’s River Falls and its renowned beaches like Mahogany Beach and Mystic Mountain. Other popular activities include swimming with dolphins, exploring the Green Grotto Caves and rafting down the Rio Grande.
3. Negril - Negril is famous for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. It has a laid-back atmosphere and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Jamaican sunsets. Negril is also home to the famous Rick’s Cafe, which is known for its cliff diving and breathtaking ocean views.
4. Kingston - As the capital city of Jamaica, Kingston has a rich history and is home to several significant national landmarks, such as the Bob Marley Museum, the National Gallery of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Defence Force Museum.
5. Port Antonio - Located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, Port Antonio is known for its stunning beauty, Lagoon San San Beach, and Blue Lagoon. Visitors can enjoy exploring the quaint town, hiking in the lush rainforest or enjoying the many beaches in the area.
6. Blue Mountains - A haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the Blue Mountains are Jamaica's highest mountain range and offer stunning views, hiking trails, coffee plantations, and birdwatching opportunities.
7. Falmouth - Falmouth is known for its pristine Georgian-era architecture, one of the best-preserved of its kind in the Caribbean. Visitors to Falmouth can also enjoy the famous Martha Brae River and enjoy water sports, swimming and sunbathing on the scenic beaches nearby.
Overall, Jamaica is a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
There is more to see and do in Jamaica: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Jamaica: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Jamaica, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Jamaica has a tropical climate that is typically warm year-round with some variations in temperature and rainfall depending on the season. The rainy season in Jamaica is from May to November with the heaviest rains usually occurring in September and October. The dry season runs from December to April, with November and May experiencing some transition periods.
The best time to visit Jamaica would be during the dry season, specifically from mid-December to mid-April when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and the temperatures are more moderate. However, it is important to note that Jamaica is a popular tourist destination year-round, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

Jamaica: activities and what to do

Jamaica has a wide range of activities and sports that you can enjoy during your holiday. Here are some of the top ones: 1. Water sports: Jamaica is surrounded by beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.
2. Hiking and nature walks: Jamaica boasts lush greenery and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal destination for hiking and taking nature walks. Some popular hiking trails and natural parks include the Dunn's River Falls, Blue Mountains, and Cockpit Country.
3. Golfing: Jamaica has some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, with world-class venues like the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course and the White Witch Golf Course.
4. Horseback riding: You can explore Jamaica's stunning landscape on horseback, whether it be through the countryside, mountains, or beaches.
5. Adventure activities: Jamaica offers thrilling adventure activities such as zip-lining, bobsledding, and ATV tours.
6. Cultural tours: Jamaica is rich in culture, heritage, and history, making it an ideal destination for cultural tours of places like Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. 7. Reggae music: You can't go to Jamaica without experiencing its famous reggae music by visiting local music festivals, bars, and clubs.

Jamaica: few words on history and culture

Jamaica has a rich and diverse history and culture that blend various influences from Indigenous Tainos, Spanish, African, Chinese, and British. The Tainos were the original inhabitants of Jamaica before being conquered by Spanish explorers in 1494. Jamaica was later colonized by the British, and was a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade.
Jamaica gained its independence from Britain in 1962 and today is a cultural melting pot of African, European, and other influences. Jamaican culture is best known for its music, food, and sports. Reggae music, a genre that originated in Jamaica, has become an international phenomenon and is recognized for its political and social messages. The cuisine is a fusion of various cultures, with dishes such as jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and curry goat being popular.
Sports also play an important role in Jamaican culture, especially with their success in sprinting. Jamaica's iconic athlete, Usain Bolt, is considered one of the greatest sprinters of all time. The country is also home to the Rastafarian movement, which is a cultural and religious movement that promotes African unity, resistance to oppression, and the use of marijuana as a sacrament.

Jamaica: how to move around on holiday

The best means of transport to reach and visit Jamaica depends on where you are coming from and what parts of the island you plan to explore. If you are coming from outside the Caribbean, you will typically arrive in Jamaica by plane at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston or Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi or hire a private driver to explore the island.
If you are already in the Caribbean, many islands have direct flights to Jamaica or you can take a ferry or boat.
Once on the island, you can travel between cities by bus, taxi, or private car. If you are planning to explore rural areas, it may be best to rent a car, as public transportation can be limited in those areas.
If you prefer to explore the island from a different perspective, you can also take a train or enjoy a boat ride along the coast. Visitors also enjoy bicycling, hiking and walking tours to explore the beautiful landscapes of Jamaica. To hire a car to visit Jamaica, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Jamaica: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Jamaica with a full stomach:D
Jamaican cuisine is a fusion of African, European, Indian, and Chinese influences. Some of the popular dishes in Jamaica include: 1. Jerk chicken - traditionally chicken marinated with a blend of spices that includes allspice, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper, then grilled or smoked over pimento wood.
2. Ackee and Saltfish - Jamaica's national dish, made with boiled ackee fruit and sautéed salted codfish with onions, peppers, and spices, served with boiled green bananas or fried dumplings.
3. Curry Goat - a spicy stew made with seasoned goat meat, potatoes, carrots, and curry sauce. 4. Festivals - a popular side dish made from sweetened cornmeal dough that's shaped into long dumplings and fried until golden brown.
5. Rice and peas - a staple dish in Jamaica made with kidney beans, coconut milk, and white rice, seasoned with thyme, garlic, and scallions. 6. Escovitched fish - fried fish that's marinated in a tangy vinegar-based sauce with sliced onions, peppers, and carrots. 7. Patties - a savory pastry filled with a variety of meats or vegetables, including beef, chicken, or vegetables and spices. 8. Rum cake - a rich, moist cake made with Jamaican rum, caramel glaze, and sometimes candied fruit or nuts. Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, which are often balanced with sweet and savory notes.

Jamaica: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Jamaica can be quite expensive for tourists, especially if you stay at luxurious resorts or participate in high-end activities. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available as well. Some tips to save money in Jamaica include staying in guesthouses or Airbnbs, eating at local restaurants instead of resorts, and taking public transportation instead of taxi services. Additionally, visiting during the off-season can help lower costs.

Jamaica: where to find accodation

There are several popular platforms where you can look for accommodation in Jamaica. These include: 1. Airbnb: This platform offers a wide variety of options ranging from villas, apartments, cottages, and rooms in private homes.
2. Booking.com: This website has a large selection of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses throughout Jamaica.
3. Expedia: This site features hotels, apartments, and resorts across Jamaica, with the option to bundle flight and hotel reservations for added savings.
4. TripAdvisor: This website allows you to search for hotels, guesthouses, villas, and apartments in Jamaica while also reading reviews and ratings from previous guests.
5. Homestay.com: This platform offers the opportunity to stay with a local host, providing a unique cultural experience and a chance to learn about Jamaica from a local perspective.
You can check hotel prices in Jamaica here:
Booking.com

Jamaica: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
Jamaica receives approximately 4 million tourists annually. The busiest seasons are usually during the winter months of December to March and during the summer months of July and August. During these peak tourist periods, the island can get crowded and accommodations may get booked up quickly, so it's best to plan ahead and make reservations in advance to avoid any inconveniences. However, Jamaica is a popular destination all-year-round due to its warm tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.
Jamaica has a relatively high crime rate, especially in certain areas, so it's important to exercise caution while traveling there. While there are some areas that are generally safe for tourists to visit, there are others that should be avoided. Some of the places where it's best to exercise caution or avoid altogether include: - Kingston, especially the downtown area and some of the surrounding neighborhoods, where gang violence can be a problem.
- Montego Bay, particularly the areas around the airport, downtown, and some of the nearby beaches, which have experienced a rise in crime in recent years.
- certain parts of Negril, particularly the area around the West End Road, which has experienced occasional incidents of violence and crime.
That being said, there are still many parts of Jamaica that are safe for tourists to visit, including popular resort areas like Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, and Trelawny. It's important to do your research and exercise caution while traveling in Jamaica, but with the right precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Jamaica on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Jamaica: events for tourists

Jamaica has many interesting events and festivals that attract tourists throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular ones: 1. Jamaica Carnival (February/March) - a colorful and vibrant celebration of Jamaican culture and music.
2. Reggae Sumfest (July) - a week-long festival featuring some of the biggest names in reggae music.
3. Jamaica Food & Drink Festival (October) - a gastronomic experience showcasing the best of Jamaica's food and beverage industry.
4. Rebel Salute (January) - an annual roots reggae festival promoting conscious music and positive vibes.
5. Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival (February) - a three-day music festival featuring jazz, blues, and R&B artists from around the world.
6. Bob Marley Birthday Bash (February) - a week-long celebration of Bob Marley's life and legacy.
7. Jamaica International Kite Festival (April) - a colorful and exciting event where locals and visitors fly kites on the beach.
These events offer a great opportunity to experience Jamaica's rich culture, music, food, and traditions.

Jamaica: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Jamaica, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Here is a sample two week itinerary for a typical tourist in Jamaica: Day 1-3: Montego Bay - Check into your hotel and relax after your flight - Spend a day exploring Montego Bay's beaches and shopping areas - Visit the famous Bob Marley Museum in nearby Kingston Day 4-6: Negril - Go for a swim in the crystal clear waters of Seven Mile Beach - Take a ride on a glass-bottom boat to explore the marine life and coral reefs - Hike to the top of Mayfield Falls or YS Falls for an adventurous day out Day 7-9: Ocho Rios and Dunn's River Falls - Visit Dunn's River Falls and climb the waterfall with a guide - Explore the Green Grotto Caves or the Blue Hole - Visit Jamaica's No.1 attraction, Mystic Mountain, where you can zip-line or ride a bobsled through the jungle Day 10-12: Kingston - Visit the Bob Marley Museum and learn more about the musician's life and legacy - Visit the National Gallery of Jamaica or the Jamaica Military Museum - Take a stroll through the historic Devon House and try some of their famous ice-cream Day 13-14: Portland and Blue Mountains - Explore the Blue Mountains and enjoy a cup of Blue Mountain coffee - Visit the spectacular Reach Falls - Enjoy a boat ride or snorkelling at the Boston Bay Beach This is a suggested itinerary to make the most of your two-week stay in Jamaica. You can always add or remove days to fit your interests and travel style.

Jamaica: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Jamaica described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Annotto Bay is a small town located in the Saint Mary Parish of Jamaica, situated on the country's north coast. The town is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and lush vegetation. Annotto ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Annotto Bay
- Blue Mountains is a range of mountains located in eastern Jamaica, with the highest peak rising to 7,402 feet (2,256 meters) above sea level. The area is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, inc... CONTINUE here for a trip to Blue Mountains
- Bluefields Beach is a gorgeous public beach located in the Parish of Westmoreland in Jamaica. It's a long stretch of white sandy beach with crystal clear waters and surrounded by lush greenery. It's a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bluefields Beach
- Boston Bay is a beautiful and popular tourist destination located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, in the parish of Portland. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Boston Bay
- Discovery Bay is a small town located on the northern coast of Jamaica. It is situated in the parish of St. Ann, approximately midway between the cities of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The town is known... CONTINUE here for a trip to Discovery Bay
- Dunns River Falls is a famous attraction in Jamaica located near the town of Ocho Rios. It is considered one of Jamaica's national treasures and is a popular spot for tourists to visit. The falls are ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dunns River Falls
- Falmouth is a town located on the north coast of Jamaica and is the capital of the parish of Trelawny. It was founded in 1769 and is known for its rich historical heritage, as it was a major center fo... CONTINUE here for a trip to Falmouth
- Frenchman's Cove is a beautiful river beach located in the parish of Portland, Jamaica. It is a popular tourist destination because of its crystal clear waters and stunning natural beauty. The cove of... CONTINUE here for a trip to Frenchman's Cove
- Hellshire Beach is a popular public beach located near Portmore in Jamaica, known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy shores. The beach is well-known for its local seafood cuisine, particularly its... CONTINUE here for a trip to Hellshire Beach
- Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica. It is located on the southeastern coast of the island, with a population of approximately 670,000 people. Kingston is a major cultural, financial, ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kingston
- Little Bay is a secluded, serene fishing village located on the western coast of Jamaica near Negril. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs, making it a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Little Bay
- Long Bay Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand beach located in the parish of Portland, Jamaica. It's known for its crystal clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to rel... CONTINUE here for a trip to Long Bay Beach
- Mandeville is a town located in the hills of Jamaica's Manchester Parish. It is the fourth-largest urban center in the country, with a population of approximately 50,000 people. Mandeville offers a co... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mandeville
- Mayfield Falls is a natural attraction located in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica. It is a series of 21 cascading waterfalls and pools that stretch across 5 acres of lush greenery. Visitors can go... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mayfield Falls
- Montego Bay is a beautiful seaside city located on the northwest coast of Jamaica. As one of the largest cities in the country, Montego Bay is known for its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise blue... CONTINUE here for a trip to Montego Bay
- Negril is a popular tourist destination located on the western coast of Jamaica. It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Negril is also famous for... CONTINUE here for a trip to Negril
- Negril Lighthouse is a historical landmark and popular tourist attraction located in Negril, Jamaica. It was constructed in 1894 to guide ships around the western edge of Jamaica and to warn mariners ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Negril Lighthouse
- Negril Point is situated on the western coast of Jamaica and is known for its stunning sunsets and beautiful natural scenery. This area is also home to the Negril Lighthouse, which was first lit in 18... CONTINUE here for a trip to Negril Point
- Nine Mile is a small village located in the hills of Jamaica's northern parishes. It is best known as the birthplace and final resting place of Bob Marley, one of the most famous reggae musicians of a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Nine Mile
- Ocho Rios is a town located on the northern coast of Jamaica. It is a major port of call for cruise ships and a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, waterfalls such as Dunn's R... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ocho Rios
- Port Antonio is a small coastal town located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port Antonio
- Port Esquivel is a small port town located on the southern coast of Jamaica in the parish of St. Catherine. It is known for its industrial activities such as the export of bauxite and aluminum. The to... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port Esquivel
- Port Henderson, also known as Portmore, is a coastal town located in the parish of St. Catherine in Jamaica. It is the largest town in the parish and is considered to be a rapidly developing residenti... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port Henderson
- Port Kaiser is a small town located on the southwestern coast of Jamaica, in the parish of St. Elizabeth. It is known for its beautiful beaches, including Treasure Beach and Frenchman's Bay, as well a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port Kaiser
- Port Maria is a town located on the north coast of Jamaica and is the capital of the Saint Mary Parish. It is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and great fishing opportunities. Port M... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port Maria
- Port Morant is a coastal town located in the southeastern part of Jamaica. It is situated in the Parish of St. Thomas and is approximately 13 miles east of the parish capital, Morant Bay. Port Morant ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port Morant
- Port Royal is a historical town located on the southeastern coast of Jamaica, adjacent to the Kingston Harbour. It was once a bustling commercial center and a base for piracy during the 17th century. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port Royal
- Reach Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the John Crow Mountains on the eastern coast of Jamaica. It is about 4.8 kilometers east of the town of Manchioneal in the Portland parish. The waterfal... CONTINUE here for a trip to Reach Falls
- Rio Grande is not actually a place in Jamaica, but rather a river that runs through the eastern side of the island. The Rio Grande is approximately 53 miles long and is located in the parish of Portla... CONTINUE here for a trip to Rio Grande
- Rose Hall is a Georgian-style mansion located in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was built in the 18th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. The mansion is famous for being th... CONTINUE here for a trip to Rose Hall
- Runaway Bay is a town located on the northern coast of Jamaica, between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning sceneries. It is a pop... CONTINUE here for a trip to Runaway Bay
- San San Beach is located in the parish of Portland, on the northeastern coast of Jamaica. It is a small, secluded beach with white sand and crystal clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery. The beach... CONTINUE here for a trip to San San Beach
- Spanish Town is a historic city located in the parish of St. Catherine in Jamaica. It was Jamaica's capital city from 1534 until 1872, when the capital was moved to Kingston. Spanish Town is known for... CONTINUE here for a trip to Spanish Town
- Treasure Beach is a coastal town located on the southern coast of Jamaica. It is known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back culture, and friendly locals. The town is made up of four fishing villages, ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Treasure Beach
- White River Valley is a lush and picturesque region located in the northeastern part of Jamaica. It is known for its scenic beauty, with crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls, pristine beaches, and towe... CONTINUE here for a trip to White River Valley
- YS Falls is a popular tourist attraction located in the Saint Elizabeth parish of Jamaica. It is a stunning seven-tiered cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, and is situated on a privately... CONTINUE here for a trip to YS Falls


Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: