Things not to miss

#01 Firefly

Left just as it was when he died, Noël Coward’s former home offers a poignant insight into his life, and with a spectacular location above the St Mary coastline, Firefly has the ultimate “room with a view”.

© Norman Pogson/Shutterstock

#02 Nightlife

From stageshows like Rebel Salute or Reggae Sumfest, to legendary street dances and the best clubs in Kingston, Montego Bay and Negril, Jamaica’s nightlife scene is unforgettable.

© DisobeyArt/Shutterstock

#03 Kingston

The cultural heart of the nation, Jamaica’s atmospheric capital holds museums to Marley, galleries galore, blissful public parks and some simply brilliant bars, restaurants and clubs.

Rodney Memorial In Spanish Town District Of Kingston Jamaica © Juice Flair/Shutterstock

#04 Ackee and saltfish

Sample the national dish, a delectable and addictive combination of salt cod and the little-known ackee fruit.

© Fanfo/Shutterstock

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#05 Take a boat cruise

The catamarans, sail-swathed pirate boats and souped-up pirogues that cruise Jamaica’s coastline offer a wonderful perspective of the island as well as access to some of its best snorkelling spots.

© Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock

#06 Blue Lagoon

Jamaica abounds with turquoise swimming holes, but their king is undoubtedly Portland’s Blue Lagoon, where deliciously cool spring water layers over salty seawater from the blue depths below.

© ajlatan/Shutterstock

#07 Hiking in the Blue Mountains

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Cool, misty and fragrant with coffee and wild ginger flowers, the Blue Mountains are perfect hiking territory, the ultimate challenge being the highest point in Jamaica, Blue Mountain Peak.

© LBSimms Photography/Shutterstock

#08 Beaches

From the north coast’s strips of fine white sand to the wind-whipped breakers and black volcanic sand in the south, Jamaica’s shoreline is immensely varied – but the Caribbean sea is always warm and inviting.

© Lieblingsbuerger/Shutterstock

#09 Port Royal

This former pirate haunt bristles with character, and is also the jumping-off point for the clear waters of nearby Lime Cay.

© Rostasedlacek/Shutterstock

#10 National Gallery

This Kingston institution offers the country’s premier collection of work by Jamaican artists.

© Africa Studio/Shutterstock

#11 River rafting

A glide through the cool waters of one of Jamaica’s rivers is a beguiling way to see the countryside.

© Pat Maguet/Shutterstock

#12 Negril sunsets

Right at the island’s western tip, Negril is in pole position for the best sunset-watching in Jamaica.

© Lamoneous Moulton/Shutterstock

#13 Treasure Beach

With its laid-back atmosphere, Treasure Beach offers a restorative antidote to the north coast resorts.

© Stan Sobo/Shutterstock

#14 Waterfalls

Jamaica’s waterfalls are a delight: clamber up Dunn’s River, swing over the water at YS or enjoy a natural jacuzzi at Reach.

Jamaica. Dunn's River Falls © newsphotoserivice/Shutterstock

#15 Pelican Bar

Perched on stilts 1km from the shore, this ramshackle bar is a unique place to catch the sunset.

Jamaica Pelican Bar © Astudent82/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Jamaica

Find even more inspiration for Jamaica here