The third largest of the Caribbean islands, Jamaica - the land of water andwood - was held by Columbus to be ‘the fairest isle that eyes beheld’. Those who choose to visit for the first time will wonder why they waitedso long. Due to its size and culture, Jamaica feels more of a country than an island and it is one of the most vibrant and diverse of all the Caribbean islands.

Blessed with some of the most stunning scenery in all the Caribbean yet also offering a wide range of activities, the island has appeal for everyone. Much of the island is cloaked with lush tropical vegetation through which hundreds of rivers wend their way, sometimes forming the most spectacular waterfalls, and the Blue Mountain range, which forms the spine of the island, is famous for its delicious coffee. On the coasts there are rocky coves to explore amongst glorious white sandy beaches - a beach-lover’s paradise. Most of the tourism development is to be found along the north coast of the island, between Montego Bay and Port Antonio, however it is not over developed and still retains a true Caribbean feel. Here you will find the full range of diverse scenery, from waterfall stumbling over jungle mountain tops to picturesque bays with enticing whitesand beaches. Montego Bay is where much of the holiday accommodation is located, and is a bustling holiday resort, good for those looking for plenty of activities. The great Martha Brae River snakes through the area not far from Montego Bay and is the setting for beautifully scenic rafting trips.Ocho Rios boasts beautiful bays and spectacular cliff settings, and is a great place to savour authentic Jamaican life, whilst Port Antonio is a sleepy resort and is known as the Garden of Jamaica.

The Jamaican people are renowned for their hospitality, their love of music and their cultural traditions, with reggae of course being the most famous. The cuisine is varied and no visit would be complete without trying the local Jerk dishes (watch out for the hot spice!). But for many the real appeal of the island is its stunning natural beauty, which first inspired Columbus back in 1494.