Jamaica is an iconic Caribbean island holiday destination, and this "Land of Springs" charms visitors with its gorgeous beaches, secluded waterfalls and lush rainforests that feature hundreds of indigenous species of animal and plant life.

Generally Jamaica

West of Hispaniola and south of Cuba lies the enchanting isle that is Jamaica. The imposing Blue Mountains form the island's backbone, and tourists who explore this tropical paradise will marvel at the sheer number of species that can be found nowhere else on earth. Put these mountains together with cobalt blue lagoons, golden sandy beaches and fascinating satellite islands, and Jamaica becomes a holiday haven like no other.

Jamaica is divided into three counties: Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey, and each have their own particular attractions. Cornwall's capital is the popular holiday destination, Falmouth, which impresses visitors with its beautiful Jamaican Georgian buildings, while Middlesex boasts the island's historic capital, Spanish Town. Surrey is home to the island's current capital, Kingston, which features the popular Bob Marley Museum and the tranquil 50-acre Hope Botanical Gardens.

Specifically Jamaica

Many specific destinations in Jamaica attract the casual visitor, and among the most popular of these is Montego Bay, which offers tourists pristine beaches, jungle and marine adventure tours and pineapple and coffee plantations to explore. Visitors to Montego Bay should bowl a hat-trick and visit all three of its major beaches: Walter Fletcher, Cornwall and Doctor's Cave.

The city of Ocho Rios lies near Montego Bay and is home to one of Jamaica's most famous attractions: the 900ft high terraced waterfall that is known as Dunn's River Falls. Climbing the falls and swimming in the lagoons formed by the many terraces both come highly recommended. The Negril beach resort lies on the island's west coast, and its fourteen miles of beaches and magnificent sea-cliffs must be seen to be believed. Negril is the upmarket resort that has it all: from pirates' caves to cliff diving to exotic markets.

Runaway Bay lies close to Ochos Rios but has its own secluded beaches - often less crowded than those of other resorts - and is a seaside haven for honeymooning couples and those travelers who just want to get away from it all. Falmouth is another of Jamaica's popular holiday destinations and, apart from being home to stately period buildings, also boasts several extremely luxurious resorts. Tourists come from the world over to join in the snorkeling, diving, swimming, deep-sea fishing and other watersports that are typical of Falmouth and the other Jamaican seaside resorts.

Journeying in Jamaica

Although English-speaking tourists may find the English spoken in Jamaica hard to understand, if they listen closely they will be able to decipher the heavily accented Jamaican Creole or "Patwah". Tourists should also not miss the opportunity to taste traditional Jamaican dishes, including the goat curry and the saltfish with ackee fruit on the side.

A trip to Jamaica promises to be the ideal break from the 9-to-5 office job and serves as the perfect introduction to Caribbean culture.