As an island-nation situated in the Caribbean, Jamaica is famously characterized by a glittering blue sea, emerald mountains, powder-soft beaches, lush rainforests, and unmatched coral reefs. Recognized as reggae's birthplace, the entire island is bursting with African charm, and personality.
Any tourist will fall in love with Jamaica. There are numerous exciting highlights ready to be discovered on this character-filled and diverse island, but we can just name a few. Use my Jamaica travel guide to find top tourist attractions in Jamaica that you surely don't want to miss.
1) Falmouth. As a well-preserved Georgian town in the Caribbean, Falmouth has become a popular cruise stopping port that runs along the island's northern shore. Settled in 1769 as a town farming for sugarcane, Falmouth got its name following Trelawny's birthplace, Jamaica's governor at the time. Falmouth today is loaded with waterfalls, 19th-century architecture, lush forests, sugar and coconut plantations. On account of Falmouth's central location, it was a major slave trade center throughout the late 18th and 19th centuries, and you can discover such history by taking a Heritage Walk.
Stop by the Albert George Market, the refurbished courthouse, and the Baptist Manse. You'll want to explore the Great Hall estates, especially Greenwood Great House as well as the Good Hope Great House; here you can choose to either tube or zip-line along the Martha Brae River. Other worthy attractions include the Luminous Lagoon that's home to amazing phosphorescent marine life, and the open-air markets overflowing with homemade crafts and arts.
2) Port Antonio. Because of a scenic fishing village boasting 2 ports, once upon a time Port Antonio was a vibrant chief banana hub. But today it's a much calmer holiday haven, which adds to its charm.
The village is made up of a fascinating variety of both Victorian and Georgian architecture, colorful markets, and chilled cafes ideal mainly for people-watching. However, it's the stunning nature that is the major appeal here. Just imagine for a moment, exploring through sensational jungles, discovering turquoise lagoons, crystal-clear waterfalls, huge hiking trails, and lovely beaches.
You'll find many opportunities for relaxing, except Port Antonio motivates a bit of activity. For example, try surfing at Boston Beach, go bamboo rafting below the Rio Grande, turn into the aquamarine lagoons at Frenchman's Cove, before deciding to hang out at the Blue Lagoon which is a freshwater spring where precisely the movie with the same name got filmed.
3) Nine Mile. It's a small village as well as a rather tight-knit community that sits in the Saint Ann Parish, only a few miles south of Brown's Town. There's barely any distinction about the town but for one main claim to fame, which is that Bob Marley, famous reggae artist, happened to be born and even buried here.
Nine Mile's rural character played a huge role in Marley's music career, no doubt influencing several of his songs. The actual house where Bob Marley grew up in is a big attraction here, and the home features only original furnishings. Both the Bob Marley Mausoleum and his mother's, Cedella Bokker, are located on the estate.
Bob Marley's fans will want to visit Nine Mile as a sort of pilgrimage to pay their humble respects. In fact, Rastafarian guides provide a tour to the artist's final resting place. You'll see noteworthy memorabilia that includes photographs, guitars, and awards. Watch out for the Rasta-colored "rock pillow" which Marley utilized when looking to be inspired for his music.
4) Treasure Beach. Treasure Beach encompasses 6 glamorous golden miles that crosses 4 idyllic fishing villages through the south coast where you'll find relaxation, reggae music, and cool drinks.
After Jakes Hotel had opened their doors and became far better known over 25 years ago, Treasure Beach now is offering exactly what the name hints at: it's the perfect getaway spot. But in spite of its recent popularity, the beach has retained its unassuming charm, none of all those notorious tourist traps and overcrowded beaches of the north coast here.
Rather, it's quite popular for sporting enthusiasts, and you can engage in water sports, tennis, football, or cricket. But if you prefer soaking up a slower life, you'll find many coral-colored beaches for relaxing on. You may spend your time swimming, snorkeling, dolphin spotting, body surfing, zip-lining, cycling, and hiking. Consider taking a Black River safari cruise.
5) Kingston. Situated along the coastline in the South-East, Kingston is the island's biggest capital-city where more than half of its people live. Kingston was created in 1692 because an earthquake ended up destroying Port Royal at the harbor-mouth.
Now, you can discover Kingston's rich history with the help of a guided tour of Fort Charles. Be sure to tour colonial-era Devon House, Bob Marley Museum, and the National Gallery of Jamaica, which is the Caribbean's oldest public art gallery.
Enjoy the outdoors by having a nice picnic in Holywell National Park, visiting Hope Botanical Garden, or just strolling along the harbor front. Or you can even brush up in your bargaining skills at Coronation Market.
Also, if you wish by now to sunbath under the Caribbean town's sunshine, go padding out to Lime Cay island where you can learn to surf, or just delight in the therapeutic Rockfort Mineral Baths.
