Jamaica - A Celebration of Her Son (and Sun)

The Caribbean island of Jamaica, at colse to 234 kilometres in distance and as much as 80 kilometres in width, is hugely popular with tourists from colse to the world. Its many attractions consist of the gorgeous coastlines of Port Antonio, the rustic charm of the south coast and the frenetic nightlife - and day life - of Montego Bay.

The island's capital, Kingston, also has its fair share of reasons to visit. The energetic city has been called 'the epicentre of Jamaica's arts and cultural landscape'. Lying on the south eastern coast, it is the largest city in the country with a population of over 650,000, and boasts both historical and cultural attractions, as well as a tropical climate and breath-taking scenery.

Kingston

Only a short drive from Norman Manley International Airport, the city offers a collection of options. Those looking for a history lesson can head for the National Gallery of Jamaica, the ruins of Port Royal, or Devon House, which once belonged to Jamaica's first black millionaire. For the culturally-minded, there are numerous festivals held in Kingston each year, attended by many locals and foreign visitors alike.

Alternatively, the Hellshire and Lime Cay beaches may be exquisite for a relaxed sun holiday, whereas the Blue Mountains offer a cooler climate and furthermore, the possibility of bicycle or walking tours. Upon arrival at this remarkable destination, you will find many local tour fellowships that will offer a tour of Kingston's cultural and historic points of interest, many of which are found on Hope Road. These consist of the 15 acres of Botanical Gardens.

Also on Hope Road is The Bob Marley Museum, which has come to be the city's most-visited sight, being where most of the legendary singer's music was recorded and now home to a huge range of his memorabilia. Possibly the country's most sublime export, Bob Marley contributes hugely to the destination's allure and the museum pays tribute to the singer-songwriter, who was responsible for manufacture reggae music a global phenomenon before his untimely death at 36 years old in 1981.

February sees the birthday of Marley, which sparks large-scale celebration annually across the island. As well as overall music, dancing and celebration of all things Jamaican and Marley-related, activities consist of an yearly Bob Marley Lecture at Mona Campus in Kingston, and also the 'Jamaica Celebrates Bob-Music' festival and Bob Marley Creative Expressions Day respectively, both at the Marley Museum.

When choosing to visit Jamaica, it should not be too difficult to find suitable flights to Kingston and, whilst there are many reasons for visiting Kingston and Jamaica as a whole, Possibly take the time to celebrate the life of its favourite son, while becoming immersed in a dinky bit of humble Jamaican history.

Jamaica - A Celebration of Her Son (and Sun)