Even seasoned travelers like me make mistakes. Mine was having the wrong expectations for Kingston last year.
Despite enjoying most of my trip, it didn’t live up the to image I had in my mind – you know, jerk chicken stands everywhere, reggae blaring, and aqua blue Caribbean coasts.
Although I did discover a secret beach in Kingston, the memory I hold fondest was my day trip through the lush Blue Mountains crossing into the parish of Portland, Jamaica’s new tourism hotspot.
If I could redo my trip, I’d skip Kingston’s sketchy streets for all that Portland has to offer.
Brimming with white-sand beach towns and inland waterfalls worthy of a postcard, more travelers are waving goodbye to Montego Bay in favor of Jamaica’s more authentic side.
Ground Zero For Jamaica’s Biggest Surprise: Coffee!
When you think of Jamaica, coffee may not come to mind. It’s likely your first thoughts go to ritzy resorts, stunning nature, or perhaps even juicy jerk chicken.
But I’m here to tell you one of the best experiences you can have in Jamaica is visiting the beautiful Blue Mountains; ground zero for the island’s booming coffee industry.
There are numerous coffee farm tours and the drive alone along winding elevated roads is just as memorable as the tours themselves and serves as a great gateway into Portland, especially if flying into Kingston.
Blue Mountain Coffee is known for its mild, smooth flavor with hints of chocolate, unlike the watered-down, sugar-filled concoctions you get at that one green mermaid chain.
For just $20, including coffee and lunch, I highly recommend checking out the Devon’s Coffee Ranch & Tours and make sure to save the date for the Blue Mountain Coffee Festival March 1, 2025.
Tip: If you can’t make a tour, at least take time to try Jamaican coffee by visiting local chain Cafe Blue.
Authentic, Up-And-Coming Beach Towns
If there are two household names in Jamaica, it’s likely Montego Bay first and Kingston second, but are you aware of Port Antonio?
Here is one of the most authentic beach escapes you’ll find in Jamaica—at least one that is well-suited for tourists.
Dotting the coast are quaint paradisal towns yet to be discovered, but as the Jamaican Government just acknowledged in a new report, that’s all changing.
“The road network has been significantly improved, so because of that there are opportunities which are now opening up for persons there within the tourism belt. You have the cruise ships that come in, so persons will want to go to the attractions and there are also varied accommodations”
Sheryl Lewis, License Processing Manager at the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo)
Portland’s Port Antonio is the main highlight as far as beaches go.
It offers visitors lavish resorts, seemingly untouched beaches, and the famous Blue Lagoon (not to be confused with Iceland).
It’s impossible not to feel like you’re in real Jamaica, the sense I was seeking when visiting Kingston.
Here, you’ll discover roadside jerk chicken stands, friendly locals, and many beaches where you may be the only tourist.
But one hidden gem is Long Bay, especially with awesome cliffside stays like Sea Cliff Resort & Spa as if it’s the ‘Negril’ of eastern Jamaica.
Postcard Waterfalls & The Blue Lagoon
Oftentimes when vacationers hit up the Caribbean, they just want a chill at the swim-up bar, a gorgeous beach, and catch epic sunsets from their resort balcony.
Jamaica certainly has all that, and it’s called Montego Bay.
If you’re up for an adventure, however, venturing deep into Portland will be a much more memorable trip.
You can visit white sand beaches, postcard waterfalls, and the stunning blue lagoon all in one trip.
Portland Parish is teeming with waterfalls to explore, but none more notable than Reach Falls, where it’s recommended to hire a local guide to take you to the crystalline pools as well.
As for the Blue Lagoon, many tour operators will navigate you through one of Jamaica’s top natural sites.
A mix of saltwater and freshwater, you can swim amongst tranquil jungles in the seemingly never-ending turquoise waters or kayak your way through.
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.