|
|
Print-friendly version
JAMAICA
Jamaica is the third-largest island in the West Indies and is a narrow outcrop of a submerged mountain range. The island is crossed by a range of mountains reaching 2256m (7402ft) at the Blue Mountain Peak in the east, and descending towards the west with a series of spurs and forested gullies running north and south. Most of the best beaches are on the north and west coasts. The island’s luxuriant tropical and subtropical vegetation is probably unsurpassed anywhere in the Caribbean.
Everybody knows Jamaica as the home of Bob Marley, but there is more to it than just reggae and Rastafarians. The third-largest island in the Caribbean offers excellent tourist facilities. It has wonderful white-sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and the best coffee in the world. The island’s luxuriant tropical and subtropical vegetation is probably unsurpassed anywhere in the Caribbean. Kingston is its lively capital, surprising visitors with elegant, old colonial houses against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains.
Jamaica has gained a reputation for violence, and there certainly are no-go areas in Kingston, but most Jamaicans are overwhelmingly friendly and fun-loving.
The two main tourist resorts are Negril and Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second city – known to one and all as Mo’ Bay. Negril boasts one of the longest beaches in the country, some 11km (7m) of it, with all the watersports one would expect in a lively resort. But just a little way along the coast, one will find ‘the real Jamaica’ with fishing villages like Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa providing quieter retreats.
Tourism grows, encouraged by the governing People’s National Party. Many visitors return as they succumb to Jamaica’s charms, the beautiful scenery, the warmth of the people; and of course, wherever you go, there is always music, music, music.
| You are viewing results 1 to 6 of 6 |
|
|
