The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino Indians, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually obtained increasing independence from Britain. In 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.

Kingston is the capital of Jamaica.

Bob Marley Museum

56 Hope Road

Devon House

Nice classic Jamaican mansion. The courtyard has craft shops, a few restaurants, and the most famous ice cream shop on the island. US$6 includes tour.

Hope Botanical Gardens

The Largest Botanical Garden in the Caribbean.

Hope Zoo

Institute of Jamaica

Home to the museums of Jamaican national and West Indian history, art galleries and a West Indian Reference Library with the world's largest collection of its kind.

National Gallery of Jamaica

Port Royal Area

Notorious 17th century pirate haven

Lime Kay

Beach off the coast of Port Royale must take a boat from Port Royal fisherman or the hotel to island. Island is famous as the location for final scene in The Harder they Come. Crowded party spot on the weekends with food and drink available for purchase, much more sedate and often deserted on weekdays. You can camp overnight if you pre-arrange a next-day pickup time, but be careful, as you can't exactly swim to shore!

Montego Bay

The Centerstage Theatre

Doctor's Cave Beach

Ocho Rios

Cornwall Beach

Walter Fletcher Beach

Croydon Plantation

John Halls Montego Bay Adventure Tour

Montego Bay Sea Trek Adventure

Negril

Rick's Cafe

Rick's Cafe, is known for the cliffside it is built upon, where tourists can take a courageous leap into the Caribbean Sea below. During Hurricane Ivan, the cafe slid off the cliffside into the sea below, but it has since been rebuilt and is now bigger than ever and has been rated one of the Top Ten Bars in the World, according to some publications.

Appleton Rum Estate

Walk the Martha Bray River

Negril Jamaica Vidia - a visual encyclopedia of Negril

Ocho Rios

Dunn's River Falls

Dunn's River Falls is 5 km from Ocho Rios on Highway A3. Climbing these waterfalls in a human chain is one of Jamaica's famous attractions. The series of waterfalls span about 900 feet and the park includes a private beach as well as a cafe and craft shops. Park admission US$15.

Shaw Park Botanical Gardens

Coyaba River Garden and Museum

James Bond beach

Which is close to what was the home of his creator, Ian Fleming.

Port Antonio

There are many interesting things to see in Port Antonio. A “must see” is the Blue Lagoon. At this attraction, the blue lagoon is described to be a land-lock cove where different shades of blue, color the lagoon. At this spot tourists are welcome to swim in the lagoon if they wish. This spot is also known for its romantic feel, so it’s great for couples. Another hotspot is the Navy Island. This is located off the island, but a short boat ride away. Here one can enjoy its beautiful golden-sand beaches and its own tropical rainforest. Other sights to behold are classic buildings that are still much intact, such as Portland Parish Church and Portland Parish court house.

Morant Bay

Morant Bay was the site of the Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865, led by Jamaican national hero Paul Bogle, a very significant event in the history of Jamaica and the struggle for freedom from colonialism.

The site of the courthouse where the action happened burned down in 2007, but the famous Paul Bogle statue is there. In 2005, even the historic society was struggling, but this is definitely a place to visit if you are into history.