Jamaica holidays: a guide to the island
Waterfalls you climb, coffee from the Blue Mountains, sunset over the cliffs at Negril and music everywhere. Jamaica is the Caribbean island with the most to do.
Jamaica
Photo: Caspar Rae / Unsplash
Jamaica: more than a beach
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, with mountains over 2,000 metres, rainforest, rivers and a coastline that switches from long sandy beaches to cliffs. It is the home of reggae and Bob Marley, of jerk seasoning and of some of the most sought-after coffee in the world.
The island is big enough that your base matters. Montego Bay has the main airport and most of the hotels, while Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio offer completely different holidays. There are direct flights from London to both Montego Bay and Kingston. Check the latest travel advice and entry requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Jamaica
Negril: Seven Mile Beach and the cliffs
A long flat beach on one side and cliffs with small hotels in the West End on the other. Negril is laid-back and the place for sunsets, ideally from the cliffs at Rick's Café.
Montego Bay: easiest and most choice
Close to the airport, lots of all-inclusive resorts and classics such as Round Hill. A good choice for a shorter trip or a resort stay.
Ocho Rios and Oracabessa: waterfalls and Bond history
The north coast is home to Dunn's River Falls, rivers for rafting and Ian Fleming's former estate, GoldenEye. A good base for day trips.
Port Antonio: green and quiet Jamaica
The north east coast is lush, wet and calm, with the Blue Lagoon, Frenchman's Cove and rafting on the Rio Grande. For when you want to get away from the resorts.
The mountains
Photo: Yves Alarie / Unsplash
Things to do in Jamaica
Climb Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios, hand in hand in a long human chain.
Visit the Bob Marley Museum in his former home in Kingston.
Drive up into the Blue Mountains and taste the coffee where it grows.
Watch the sunset from the cliffs at Negril.
Take a bamboo raft down the Rio Grande or the Martha Brae.
Swim in the Luminous Lagoon near Falmouth at night, where the water glows as you move.
Eat jerk chicken and pork straight off a roadside grill.
The hotels we would book in Jamaica
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
GoldenEye, Oracabessa
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
GoldenEye: where James Bond was born
Ian Fleming wrote his Bond novels on this estate near Oracabessa, now a hotel with cottages by a lagoon and beach. Hotels.com highlights the helpful staff, three outdoor pools and James Bond Beach just minutes away.
Book your stay: See rooms at GoldenEye
Round Hill: classic elegance near Montego Bay
A hotel and villas on a hillside west of Montego Bay, with a long history as a celebrity hideaway. Rooms have a separate bath and shower, and there is a free evening social gathering.
Book your stay: See rooms at Round Hill Hotel and Villas
Couples Swept Away, Negril
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Couples Swept Away: all inclusive for couples on Seven Mile Beach
An all-inclusive resort for couples only, right on Seven Mile Beach in Negril. Guests are especially happy with the beach. See also our guide to adults-only all-inclusive resorts.
Book your stay: See rooms at Couples Swept Away
When is the best time to visit Jamaica?
December to April is driest and most popular. May to November is hotter and more humid, with hurricane season from June to November and the highest risk from August to October. The north east around Port Antonio is greener and wetter than the rest of the island all year.
Read more about the other islands in our Caribbean holidays guide.
Jamaica holidays: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Jamaica?
Negril for beach and sunsets, Montego Bay for easy travel and resorts, Ocho Rios for day trips and Port Antonio for nature and peace.
When is the best time to go to Jamaica?
December to April is the driest period. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
What is Jamaica known for?
Reggae and Bob Marley, Blue Mountain coffee, jerk food, Dunn's River Falls and Seven Mile Beach in Negril.
How long is the flight to Jamaica from the UK?
Direct flights from London to Montego Bay or Kingston take around ten to eleven hours.
Is Jamaica safe for tourists?
Most visitors have a trouble-free holiday, but follow local advice, use recommended transport and check the latest travel advice before you go.