holidays to Jamaica

1:39pm Wednesday 2nd June 2010 in Holiday Information

Inner Beauty and Outer Calm

Holidays to Jamaica are about more than beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and rhythmic reggae music. The inner beauty of this breathtaking island is just as impressive as the shoreline and is well worth taking the time to explore whilst you are here. Keen hikers love the nature trails through the dominant Blue Mountains as do the horse riders and mountain bike enthusiasts, or try a quad bike excursion or jeep safari. Take a trip to the aromatic coffee plantations, succulent pineapple farms tropical nature reserves and amazing crocodile farms. Jamaica spent 300 years under British rule and this life is still very much in evidence when you visit the quaint colonial towns of Birmingham, London, Cambridge and Falmouth. Gaining its independence in 1962, Jamaica is now one of the top destinations on Caribbean holidays.

There are plenty of beaches to choose from that are synonymous with this island. Picture pristine white sands, swaying palm trees and gentle blue waters and you're almost there. It would be so easy to spend every day lazing around on the tropical beaches, rum cocktail in hand, the reggae beat wafting through the air; however there is still so much to do, even on the beach.

Water sports are available to everyone from novice to expert, why not try your hand at windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing or parasailing. There's no excuse not to go snorkelling or scuba diving on holidays to Jamaica as the sea temperatures are warm all year round here. Many places offer certification courses where you will actually learn how to dive properly as you explore the stunning corals, colourful marine life and occasional ship wrecks. If you'd rather not get wet then take a trip on the glass bottom boat with stunning views both above and below the water, or join a sailing trip and see the spectacular coastline from a different angle.

Jamaican resorts are very different whilst all portraying the laid back, effortless vibe that the island is famous for. Runaway Bay is drenched in history and offers a coastline with many hidden caves where fleeing slaves and pirates will have hidden many years ago. Falmouth is famous for its Georgian Port, 18th century churches and magnificent colonial mansions. Negril is an old hippy favourite with regular beach parties and live entertainment as you watch some of the most stunning sunsets you are ever likely to see. Life gets a little more upbeat in Ocho Rios and this is where a lot of the tourists head. Even if you are staying in an all inclusive resort, make sure you take the time to visit some of the local restaurants and try some of the wonderful traditional cuisine on offer there. The most famous and perhaps most popular resort has to be Montego Bay whose name instantly conjures up images of sun, sea, sand and swaying palms. You will also find the Aqua Sol Water Park here, a firm favourite with the whole family.

You can't help but relax on holidays to Jamaica, there's definitely something in the air here which is just one of the reasons that people return to this fascinating island time and time again.