With unbelievable beaches, a monumental music scene and lively Caribbean culture, a holiday to Jamaica will soothe your soul.
When it comes to Caribbean holidays, paradise beaches are ten a penny. But Jamaica raises the bar. Make like the Wicked Witch and head west to sizzle on the paradise sands of Montego Bay. Or for beaches as laid back as the locals, the south might be more your scene. And with a solid 600-plus miles of coastline, you’ll likely have a beach right on your doorstep, too.
Whether you love action-packed adventures or prefer a laid-back lifestyle, Jamaica has the itinerary of your dreams. If you fancy a break from your sun-lounger, but still want to keep it chill, there’s snorkelling and scuba off the west coast of the island.
Or work your way (and your heart rate) up to jungle quad bike trails and the Mystic Mountain ziplines. Wanna hurl yourself down a waterfall into a natural limestone sinkhole? The Blue Hole is ready and waiting.
Jamaica’s history is as long and storied as War and Peace. Ooh and arrr at Blackbeard’s former stomping ground Port Royal. During its pirate era it was described as the “richest and wickedest city on Earth” but venture there now and you’ll find the freshest and deliciousest seafood on the island.
Take a tour of Devon House to check out how the other half (used to) live. Gawp at the architectural opulence, gaze at the Jamaican National Gallery and guzzle Blue Mountain Coffee. And all in one afternoon.
Because it’s basically a legal requirement in Jamaica. You’ll skank out in Kingston’s clubs, bop in beach bars and boogie in the dancehalls of Montego Bay.
You can’t visit Jamaica without learning about one of the island’s most famous sons, so head to Hope Road and get to know Bob Marley. Snoop around his old house and recording studio in the hallowed birthplace of reggae.
Best for... A beach break along with plenty of vibrant Caribbean culture 🏝️
Go... To Seven Mile Beach for picture perfect sands 🩴
You have to... Watch the sunset with Rick’s Café’s World Famous Rum Punch🍹
Hotel 39
Prices from
Deja Resort
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Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay
4.9
Excellent
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£696 ppPrices from
£1,256 ppPrices from
£599 ppCurrency
Jamaican Dollar
Language
Jamaican English
Time difference
GMT +5
Cost of a beer
250 J$
3-course meal
2750 J$
Flight time
9-10 hrs
When you picture a dreamy Caribbean beach, you’re probably imagining something like Seven Mile. This famous beach was once plagued by pirates, but (don’t worry), it’s much more serene now. Head there for seven miles of shining white sands, clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling, and plenty of bars and restaurants.
Elsewhere, Doctor’s Cave is superb if you’ve flown in with the fam. It offers glass-bottom boats and snorkel-ready shallows for those who need entertainment. And plenty of sun-loungers for those who don’t.
If the tourist crowds are Jamaic-ing you crazy, sidle off to Long Bay Beach for a spot of solitude on its big ol’ stretch of sand.
Prepare to shop a size up for the foreseeable future. Ackee and saltfish will start your day right. This breakfast of champions is served almost everywhere in Jamaica. But if you’re feeling peckish in Kingston, Sonia’s Homestyle Cooking is where it’s at.
Over in Ocho Rios, Miss T serves up the GOAT of curries, and huge portions of shrimp and crab. When the whistle needs wetting, the answer is rum. Appleton Estate rum, to be more specific. Sip it, shot it, mix it - drink it however you fancy.
Finding a place to party in Jamaica is like finding hay in a haystack. Kingston’s got what you need, whether that’s the laid-back vibes of Mahogany Tree bar or The Dub Club’s bouncing basslines.
Over in Negril, Rick’s Cafe serves up sensational sunsets with a side of rum punch. But if you can only boogie in one bar here, make it The Jungle. Its arcades, pool tables, DJs and enormous dancefloor are open till 5am!
With average temps teetering between 29C and 33C all year round, it’s always a good time to visit Jamaica. If you’re after a beachy break, head here between December and April, when clear skies and mid-30s temperatures make for perfect rum-sipping weather.
For cheap Jamaica holidays, book your break between July and September. Jamaica claims this is its rainy season. But it’s clearly never been to Britain in January. Expect the odd, intense shower, but nothing that will keep you away from your sun-lounger for long.