This Caribbean island is a colourful, cultural fusion, shaped over centuries by diverse settlers. A vibrant and passionate society, music, food, dance, art and history are all vital parts of life here. And let's not forget those near perfect beaches from where you can snorkel, scuba dive, horse ride, swim with dolphins, or just sit back and relax. The tropical climate and fertile land produce plentiful supplies of fresh fruit and vegetables, along with delicious seafood from the clear blue waters.
Roadside stalls sell mangoes, june plums and roasted fish, and visitors to Jamaica have also been known to enjoy its native rum and beer. The island's colonial history can be explored by visiting the old plantations and great houses as well as museums telling the stories of pirates, plantation owners and slaves. Fans of Jamaica's most famous son, Bob Marley, won't want to miss out on a trip to his music studio. And the infectious reggae heard everywhere will provide a mellow soundtrack to your holiday.
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Kingston
Jamaica's capital is also the heart of the island's arts and cultural scene. The Bob Marley Museum is housed in the musician's original studio where he recorded many of his legendary songs. More areas of interest include Parade and the crowded, chaotic Coronation market; Half Way Tree; Hope Botanical Gardens and Port Royal, a retreat for pirates and other outlaws in the 17th century. The Blue Mountains and Morant Bay, famous for the Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865, are also nearby.
Montego Bay
A holidaymaker's paradise, Montego Bay on the island's north coast offers all the surf and sand activities you could wish for and a range of luxury resorts. It's also known for Doctor's Cave Beach, the Windsor Caves and the Luminous Lagoon, a stretch of water containing millions of microscopic organisms that produce an eerie glow. Greenwood Great House is one of the best preserved great houses in Jamaica and close by is Falmouth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Port Antonio
Formerly the banana capital of the world, this north-eastern port is now a low-key spot, long popular with Hollywood stars and the super-rich looking for a hideaway. 'Porti's' history is evident in its elegant villas and graceful public buildings. Visitors can follow in Errol Flynn's footsteps and raft down the Rio Grande, in honour of the banana farmers who used to strap their fruit to bamboo rafts and float down to the wharf, or swim in the Blue Lagoon, a lush cove thought to be bottomless.
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