The third largest island in the Caribbean at 4,411sq miles, beautiful and mountainous Jamaica was once known as Xamayca, the Land of Wood and Water. Its varied terrain encompasses the heights of the Blue Mountains in the east, rugged Cockpit County in the west, rushing rivers, lush forests and popular coastal resorts such as Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay in the north, set by a sparkling blue sea fringed with white sand. The rich cultural heritage with its distinctive music and passion for sport completes the picture.

Whether it’s laid-back beaches, a hike to the summit of the Blue Mountains or visiting an old plantation, Jamaica is an island of contrasts. Head to the capital, Kingston, the least tourist-orientated town on the island, to visit the Bob Marley Museum, one-time home of the Jamaican reggae icon, or take a trip into the mountains, famed for their beauty and their coffee. Here you will find towering peaks soaring majestically skywards, shrouded in a smoky blue haze. The island is a haven for a multitude of wildlife, from beautiful orchids to surreal cacti, mongoose and crocodile.

Away from the vibrant beach resorts are traditional villages where life is tough for poor Jamaicans. Their ancestors struggled to be free from slavery, right from the time the first Spanish settlers arrived in the 16th century transforming the island into one of the world’s largest and richest sugar plantations. You can visit one of the plantations at the Appleton Rum Estate, where you will learn all about rum production, finishing off with a sample of the local nectar. 

Jamaica is all about colour and light, fun and music, and as long as you are sensibly cautious the island will captivate. The bustling markets are a great place to spend a morning soaking up the local life and admiring the wonderful array of tropical fruits. So let you hair down, join a beach party, sail the crystal clear waters, laze on the white sands – and don’t forget to look into all the delights of this Caribbean paradise.

The currency in use is the Jamaican Dollar and Jamaican law requires that local currency is used when paying for all goods and services. Having said that, it is followed very loosely and the US Dollar is accepted almost universally.

Plastic is invaluable when travelling in Jamaica. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted as are other cards bearing the Cirrus or Plus logo. Most Jamaican ATMs accept international bank cards and many banks give credit card cash advances.