Jamaica, ever since Errol Flynn cavorted here with his Hollywood pals in the 1930s and 1940s, travellers have regarded it as one the most alluring of the Caribbean islands. Its beaches, mountains and carnal red sunsets regularly appear in tourist brochures promising paradise. Jamaica has a diversity that few other Caribbean islands can claim. Stray from the north coast resorts and you'll discover radically different environments and terrain. Throw yourself into the thick of the island's life and experience the three Rs: reggae, reefers and rum.

Best time to visit

May to November

Essential experiences

Spending the day in Alligator Pond, a deep blue bay backed by dunes; clambering up tiers of limestone to get to Dunn's River Falls, which tumble down to the beach in a series of cascades and pools; hiking in the Blue Mountains; take a helicopter excursion over the dramatic sculpted limestone plateau of Cockpit Country; surfing at long bay in the northeast - a crescent-shaped bay with rose-coloured sand and deep turquoise waters.

In a few words, Jamaica is

Reggae, reefers and rum, Bob Marley, Rastafarianism, Kingston and palm-fringed beaches

Did you know?

The national motto of Jamaica is 'Out of Many, One People' and once the major celebration on the slave calendar, Jonkanoo is a Christmas celebration in which revellers parade through the streets dressed in masquerade.