| Described as the perfect travel location, | | | | natural harbour. Comprised of the central |
| Jamaica is an island paradise, offering the | | | | area, Downtown, and New Kingston, the city is |
| traveller a vibrant mixture of laidback | | | | a historical metropolis of 17th century |
| culture and stunning natural scenery. Located | | | | architecture and lively Jamaican culture. |
| in the West Indies, it is the third largest | | | | |
| island in the Caribbean, spanning 4,400 | | | | Attractions include the Hellshire beach, well |
| square miles, with Cuba lying to its south | | | | known for its fried fish, the ruins of Port |
| and Haiti to its west. | | | | Royal, and Devon House - a mansion with an |
| | | | adjacent park, once belonging to Jamaica's |
| The Spanish were Jamaica's first known | | | | first black millionaire. Kingston also plays |
| settlers, until the British conquered it in | | | | host to several annual festivals. The Bob |
| 1655. For many years, its economy depended on | | | | Marley Museum (Mr Marley's old recording |
| the sugar plantations; the introduction of | | | | studio) is one of the city's top attractions, |
| bananas, however, helped to alleviate that | | | | as is the National Art Gallery and the Royal |
| reliance. | | | | Botanical Gardens. |
| | | | |
| In the early 1930s, a new religious movement | | | | For those looking to indulge in a little |
| emerged - Rastafarianism - which served to | | | | adventure, Jamaica offers a plethora of |
| shape the nation's identity and culture, and | | | | activities, ranging from river rafts down the |
| is reflected in its art and music today. Very | | | | Rio Grande, to golfing holidays at the |
| much renowned for its musical influences, the | | | | championship golf course in Montego Bay and |
| genres of reggae, ska, dub and ragga, among | | | | diving trips off of one of its many reefs. |
| others, originated in Jamaica. | | | | |
| Internationally known reggae artist, Bob | | | | Of particular beauty is Jamaica's Long Bay |
| Marley was born there, as were many other | | | | Beach in Negrill. Located in the west, it |
| significant musicians. | | | | stretches for seven miles and is set against |
| | | | a stunning Caribbean backdrop of white sand, |
| The island is also recognised for its unique | | | | swaying palm trees and azure seas. |
| tropical beauty, fiery local cuisine and | | | | |
| surrounding clear blue waters, which serve to | | | | Because of its intense charm and breathtaking |
| attract over one million visitors annually. | | | | beauty, holidays in Jamaica are a popular |
| Indeed, in recent years, Jamaica has been | | | | option. The island has a long history built |
| ranked within the top five of the world's | | | | upon a diverse and vibrant culture, and this |
| most favoured travel destinations. | | | | has given rise to a proud nation; placed as |
| | | | one of the top global destinations to travel |
| Most of the island's major towns and cities | | | | to in the world. |
| are dotted along its coastline, with the | | | | |
| famous Blue Mountains situated further | | | | Disclaimer: |
| inland. Not only can you go hiking through | | | | |
| its forested areas, but the mountains also | | | | The information contained within this article |
| house Jamaica's well-known coffee | | | | is the opinion of the author and is intended |
| plantations. | | | | purely for information and interest purposes |
| | | | only. It should not be used to make any |
| Kingston - the capital city and Jamaica's | | | | decisions or take any actions. Any links are |
| cultural centre - is located on the south | | | | included for information purposes only. |
| eastern coast of the island and faces a | | | | |