Here’s to those who are curious about Jamaica, the unique island of the Caribbean Sea with its unique culture, whose name we hear often.. I have prepared a complete Jamaica travel guide for you!
Jamaica, whose name we often hear with Bob Marley, is a place known for its peaceful music and colorful people.. When we add the magnificent sea and forests to this, we have many reasons to go there.. Sometimes it can seem difficult and scary to go to places like this, but going to Jamaica is not like that at all.. When all this combined, I decided to tell and praise a little bit of Jamaica.. Here’s my complete guide to Information about Jamaica!
Jamaica Where
It is located in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, the famous sea of Central America. The Caribbean Sea is a sea bordered to the north by Cuba, Dominica, and Puerto Rico, to the west by Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, and to the south by Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela.. All these countries are already neighbors of Jamaica.. They all hang here in their own way.
History of Jamaica
The island lived on its own until it was discovered by European colonists.. When Christopher Columbus came to the island in 1494, he called it “the most beautiful island the eyes have ever seen”.. The locals called the island Xaymaca, so the name remained Jamaica.. With this discovery, Spanish colonists came to the island and massacred almost all the indigenous people.. Then in 1655 the British took over the island and this time they began to exploit both the resources and the people.. Jamaica’s colonial rule continued until it gained independence in 1962.. However, the island is currently still a member of the League of Nations.
Jamaica’s Population and Area
Jamaica is a very small island country.. Approximately 11 thousand square kilometers. Considering that Ankara is 25 thousand square kilometers, it can be better understood how small it is.. The population of the island is only about 3 million.
Jamaican Language, Religion and Culture
Jamaican , referred to as “Jamaican Paitos”. However, since it has been a colonial island for centuries, its official language is English.. English is spoken well on the island. Well, if language is affected, many other things also suffer.. For example, there is a small group on the island who profess more traditional pagan beliefs.. The majority are Christian. But they are Protestants, not Catholics.
Jamaican people are very friendly and generous. Of course they carry the traces of their bloody history, but they do not pass it on to you as anger or any other bad energy.. They are a very humane nation.. As long as you respect their culture and lifestyle.
Climate of Jamaica
Jamaica has a tropical climate. It is hot most of the year. Summers are humid. If you go to the south coast, they are even drier because of the mountains blocking the northern breezes.. They are also located within the hurricane zone.. Therefore, strong hurricanes can be seen from time to time.
The best time to visit is during the months between November and April.. Because in these months, the temperature will be at a very navigable level and the country will not be too crowded.. In addition, if you coincide with your trip in February, you will be waiting for quite colorful images.. Because it’s Bob Marley’s birthday, this month is full of music festivals and Jamaicans know how to make music very well!
Jamaican Economy and Currency
Jamaica’s economy is mostly based on agriculture, mining and insurance sector. Nearly 1.5 million tourists come to the country every year.. One of the biggest sources of money is tourism.
The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar.. You can get approximately 17.75 Jamaican Dollars for 1 TL.. That’s fine.
Things To Do Before Going To Jamaica
Malaria is also a common disease, as flies are so common in Jamaica. So be sure to get vaccinated before you go.. In addition, since September, October and November are the months when severe storms are seen, be careful if you are going there during these months.. At the same time, the tourist density is very low during these months and therefore the theft rates increase.
How to Get to Jamaica?
As Jamaica is located in the middle of the sea, the easiest way of transportation is the airline.. However, you cannot find a direct flight from Turkey to Jamaica.. Instead you need to go to nearby countries. like USA, like Cuba. Or you can also find a transfer from Europe. Normally, Jamaica does not require a visa to Turkey, but you may be subject to visa procedures in the countries you transfer to.
Flight tickets to Jamaica may be a bit expensive.. It’s good to get it early.. If you buy early, you can travel at very affordable prices.
Accommodation in Jamaica
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It is possible to find very nice hotels in Jamaica. Moreover, it has a wide range, you can find a hotel suitable for your pocket.. If you only want a room and sleep, the nightly prices start from 150 TL.. If you want a pool, prices are around 300 TL.. But of course, everything is in it, it is very nice, if you want to get a little excited, it is possible to find very nice rooms for around 1000 TL.
Jamaican Dishes
One of the biggest benefits of being multicultural is its rich cuisine.. It is possible to find traces of many cultures in Jamaican cuisine: British, Indian, Chinese and African cuisines have a lot of influence here.. That’s why Jamaican food is also very delicious.
Seafood is especially popular in Jamaica.. You should definitely try the seafood, you won’t regret it.. Street food culture is also very developed. You can wander the streets and find many delicious foods. Especially chicken and steak have their place.
You can find many tropical foods unique to the island.. There’s a bread tree here. But its fruit looks like a kiwi. Coconut, apple, mango and cinnamon are among the most consumed foods.
Jamaica’ da Shopping
It is possible to find many local products in Jamaica. For example, handicrafts are quite common.. People here sell their products in stalls on the streets.. It is possible to find these products just by browsing. They also have very good coffee.. A very nice place to drink coffee and bring coffee to your loved ones.
You can find many products with the colors of the Jamaican flag.. Rastafarian means yellow, red and green. Rastafarian products are also products that can be preferred as souvenirs.
Since the music industry is very developed here, you can come across music stores and shop here.
Jamaica Nightlife
Jamaicans know how to have fun. Especially since they love music and dance, they stay up late at night and it is possible to find many places that make music.. Moreover, the range of music is very wide.. You can listen to local or other styles of music.. If you go to a place where there is both live music and dancing, it is inedible.. Even if you don’t want to, they will amuse you anyway.. It is possible to find some of these entertainment venues by the sea.. If you get tired of dancing or sweat a lot, throw yourself into the sea!
Jamaica Festivals
- Bob Marley Week (February 6 – 13): I mentioned it before. Jamaica’s biggest festival. They are already very fond of music, they are going through a lot this week.. February 6, Bob Marley’s birthday. They celebrate it all week.
- Africa Jamfest (October): Music, dance and dress culture are also an important part of African culture.. In this festival held in October, beautiful concerts are given after the fashion shows.
- Skazz (March): Another beautiful festival blended with music. A festival where you can listen to ska and jazz music and taste the food of Jamaica.
Places to Visit in Jamaica
Enchanted Garden
The Enchanted Garden is one of the most beautiful places in Jamaica. Located near an important hub, Ocho Rios. This is a 20-decare land, and a long river runs through it, and there are 14 waterfalls on the river.. It is a very nice place for those who want to relax and enjoy nature.
Bob Marley Museum
A must-have. You can find many important information about the life of Bob Marley here. Once upon a time Bob Marley used to live here. Six years after his death, his wife Rita Marley turned this place into a museum.. It is located in the capital, Kingston.. We say you should definitely see it.
Blue Mountains
Undoubtedly, the most beautiful place in Jamaica is the Blue Mountains. It has recently been taken under protection by the government and declared a national park.. It is also home to the world’s second largest butterfly population.. When all this combined, UNESCO said, well, if that’s the case, let’s put them on the world heritage list!
Dunn’s River Waterfalls
This is the same place Located in Ocho Rios like the Enchanted Garden. They are a waterfall flowing from a height of 55 meters.. With various arrangements, the flow of the waterfalls is carried out gradually, which allows to watch the flow from different heights.. That’s why it’s one of the most touristy and popular places in the country.
Reggae Beach
This is Reggae Beach located in the north of the island. beautiful beach with concept. It is a frequently preferred place because of its beautiful sea, sand, people and environment.. If you love both water and movement, you should definitely visit this place.. If you’re looking for some quietness, you can take a short walk through the woods just behind the beach.
National Gallery of Jamaica
Located in the capital Kingston this art gallery is a nice place to follow the work of local artists. There are hundreds of sculptures, paintings, photographs, prints and works. Likewise, you can come across performances held here at various times.. In recent years, it is possible to see the works of international artists here.
Mayfield Waterfalls
Jamaica is among the places to visit. it doesn’t end. But they all really deserve to be seen. Because both the scenery, the pleasure and the calmness are beautiful.. This is actually a community of waterfalls on the Mayfield river.. Although it is very crowded from time to time, if you go to the parts where people do not gather, you can find both calmness and beauty.
Green Grotto Caves
The Cave’s its history goes back quite a long way and is quite deep.. As a result of the excavations, pottery belonging to the locals was found.. Since this is a place where tourists go often, it is often crowded.. But it is a cave worth seeing.. Once inside, you will be filled with awe.
James Bond Beach
In fact, it is possible to find other beaches in the world called James Bond.. It’s just like New Zealand’s premium on Lord of the Rings. This beach is truly given its due: Its nature is beautiful and it is kept very lively with a wide variety of activities.. I invite especially those who love water sports here.
Now you have a lot of information about Jamaica.. Happy travels!