What Is The Best City To Vacation In Jamaica
If you’re like most people, Jamaica is probably somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. We can all agree that it’s the birthplace of reggae, so there’s a number of different things you could try to do and see down there. With so much available to the average tourist, it can be hard to choose exactly where you’d like to base yourself. We’ve decided to help by having a look at what we think are some of the best cities in Jamaica. Hopefully, this will help make your decision a lot easier and will hopefully let you find the perfect vacation city for your stay in Jamaica.
Jamaica has become a popular tourist destination, and the island itself is beautiful. The island is perfect for vacationing with friends or family, especially if you plan on spending most of your time outside of your lodging. Knowing which city to visit can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your vacation. There are several factors that need to be considered before deciding on a particular destination within the country as a whole
When people think of vacationing in Jamaica, they may believe that it’s all about the sun and sand. However, more and more vacationers are beginning to flock to Jamaica looking for a cultural experience rather than a beach holiday. It’s true that as soon as you step foot into the island of Jamaica you will quickly realize that this is like no other place in the world. The people of Jamaica are some of the friendliest on earth, they will welcome you with a warm smile and a friendly hello, something not typically seen in many places these days. If you’re looking for a real culture and historical experience look no further than Montego Bay, Jamaica…
Jamaica is known to have seven distinct regions, namely, Portland, St. Ann, Trelawny, Manchester, St. Catherine, Saint James and Kingston. Each of these seven regions offer a unique taste of Jamaica. When you visit each region you will get to experience the culture in its truest form. The best part of visiting Jamaica is experiencing the different types of weather conditions throughout the season per region. Yet it’s most important when heading to the island to check the activities and events that one can engage in espicially for those looking forward on having a good time and spending quality time with their family.
What Is The Best City To Vacation In Jamaica
Jamaica, an island nation in the Caribbean, is characterized by emerald mountains, lush rainforests, extraordinary coral reefs, powder-soft beaches, and a brilliant blue sea. Known as the birthplace of reggae, it’s bursting with personality, Caribbean rum, and African charm. What more could one want from a beach vacation?
There are so many incredible highlights on this diverse and character-filled island, we couldn’t mention only one. Here’s a look the best places to visit in Jamaica:
10. Falmouth[SEE MAP]
© Wangkun Jia / Dreamstime
One of the best-preserved Georgian towns in the Caribbean, Falmouth is a popular cruise port along the island’s northern shore. Established in 1769 as a sugarcane farming town, Falmouth was named after the birthplace of Trelawny, the then governor of Jamaica.
Today, Falmouth is filled with coconut and sugar plantations, lush forests, waterfalls, and 19th-century architecture. Because of its central location, Falmouth was one of the main slave trade hubs during the late 18th and 19th centuries, the history of which can be discovered on a Heritage Walk.
Visit the Albert George Market, the Baptist Manse (the first mason temple built in Jamaica), and the refurbished courthouse. The Great Hall estates are worth exploring, particularly Greenwood Great House and the Good Hope Great House, where you can zip-line or tube along the Martha Brae River. Other attractions include the open-air markets with no shortage of handmade arts and crafts, and the Luminous Lagoon, home to incredible phosphorescent marine life.
9. Port Antonio[SEE MAP]
A scenic fishing village with two ports on the north-eastern coast of Jamaica, Port Antonio was once the lively ‘Banana Capital of the World.’ Today, it’s a much more relaxed holiday haven, which is all part of its charm.
The village itself is an intriguing mix of colorful markets, Georgian and Victorian architecture, and chilled cafes perfect for people-watching. But it’s the incredible nature that’s the real appeal here. Think sensational jungles, crystal-clear waterfalls, turquoise lagoons, beautiful beaches, and epic hiking trails.
There are plenty of opportunities to relax, but Port Antonio encourages a little activity. Go bamboo rafting down the Rio Grande, swing into the aquamarine lagoons at Frenchman’s Cove, go surfing at Boston Beach, and hang out at the Blue Lagoon – a freshwater spring where the movie of the same name was filmed.
There’s history to be found in this sleepy village too. Built in the 1700s by the English (then known as Titchfield), it became popular in 1946 when actor Errol Flynn was washed ashore by a hurricane – still a major talking point today. Check out Fort George, DeMontevin Lodge, Navy Island just offshore, and the ruins of Folly Mansion.
8. Nine Mile[SEE MAP]
© Cisek / Dreamstime
Nine Mile is a little village and tight-knit community in the Saint Ann Parish, just a few miles south of Brown’s Town. There’s little that’s distinctive about the town, except for one major claim to fame: Bob Marley, the famous Jamaican reggae artist, was born and buried here.
The rural village of Nine Mile played a huge role in Marley’s music career, influencing many of his songs. One of the most noteworthy attractions in Nine Mile is the home Marley grew up in, which features all the original furnishings. The Bob Marley Mausoleum – which is managed by members of his family – is one of two on the property, the other belonging to his mother, Cedella Booker, also lovingly known as ‘Mamma Marley.’
Visiting Nine Mile is the perfect pilgrimage for Bob Marley fans. A trip to his final resting place includes a tour of the property by Rastafarian guides. You’ll see a host of memorabilia, including guitars, awards, and photographs. Keep an eye out for the Rasta-coloured ‘rock pillow’ that Marley used while seeking inspiration for his music!
7. Treasure Beach[SEE MAP]
Treasure Beach stretches six glorious golden miles across four idyllic fishing villages along the south coast – Billy’s Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Calabash Bay, and Great Bay – where reggae music, relaxation, and rum cocktails are the order of the day.
After the opening of Jakes Hotel put it on the map over 25 years ago, Treasure Beach offers precisely what its name suggests: the perfect get-away-from-it-all retreat. Despite its new-found popularity, it’s held onto its unassuming charm – you won’t find any of the tourist traps or crowded beaches of the north coast here.
Instead, it’s popular for sporting enthusiasts, with tennis, cricket, football, and watersports to enjoy. For those who’d prefer to soak up the slow life, there are plenty of coral-colored beaches to relax on. Spend your days swimming, snorkeling, body-surfing, or dolphin spotting, zip-lining, hiking, and biking. Don’t miss a Black River safari cruise and a visit to boat-in Floyd’s Pelican Bar, dubbed ‘the coolest bar in the world.’
6. Kingston[SEE MAP]
KingstonPharaoh / Wikipedia
Located along the south-eastern coastline, the capital is the largest city on the island and home to over half the country’s population. Dating back to 1692, Kingston was created after Port Royal at the harbor-mouth was destroyed by an earthquake.
Discover the capital’s history with a guided tour of Fort Charles. Visit colonial-era Devon House – one of Kingston’s most famous heritage sites – explore the Bob Marley Museum, and visit the National Gallery of Jamaica, the oldest public art gallery in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Embrace the outdoors with a picnic in Hollywell National Park, a visit to Hope Botanical Garden, or a stroll along the harborfront. Practice your bargaining skills at Coronation Market – one of Jamaica’s largest farmer’s markets – go salsa dancing, and head to Dub Club for a Sunday reggae party.
If you’re looking to soak up the sunshine of this Caribbean town, paddle out to Lime Cay, an island paradise off the mainland. Learn to surf, soak in the therapeutic Rockfort Mineral Baths, or simply sip rum cocktails – Jamaica, is, after all, the rum capital of the world!
