Discover Jamaica

The miles-long, powder-white sandy beach of Negril ranks among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. At sunset, visitors traditionally gather at the West End cliffs to jump into the sea from the famous Rick's Café.

The stepped waterfalls near Ocho Rios can be climbed directly on a guided tour, hand in hand with other visitors. They rank among the most visited natural attractions of the entire Caribbean.

Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae and of Bob Marley, whose birth house in Nine Mile can be visited today as a museum. Live music, sound system parties and street food still shape the island's culture today.

Some of the world's most expensive coffee grows in the mist-shrouded Blue Mountains. Hikes lead to plantations with tastings and, on clear days, even to Jamaica's highest peak with views as far as Cuba.

Direct flights usually land at Montego Bay Airport or in Kingston, often with a stopover in London, Miami or Frankfurt. From Switzerland there are seasonal charter flights as well as connections via several European hubs.

English is the official language. In everyday life, Jamaican Patois is predominantly spoken, an English-based creole that visitors can usually understand well when spoken slowly.

The Jamaican Dollar (JMD). US dollars are also frequently accepted in hotels, resorts and tourist shops, though the local currency is usually cheaper.

All-inclusive resorts can be priced comparably to Western Europe, while local guesthouses, street food and transport outside the resorts are significantly cheaper and offer a more authentic experience.