Vacation destinations in Jamaica
Falmouth
The town of Falmouth is located in the parish of Trelawny and is referred to by numerous travelers as the finest colonial Georgian town in the Caribbean. This sleepy town can be traced back to 1700’s and was the first place on the island to receive piped water; this was even before New York City.
This is the most recent tourist resort on the island and was given this status in the year 2005. There are some key developments that are slated for the parish of Trelawny and when all the projected improvements are done to this parish, Falmouth is poised to be one of the major resort areas. This town is one of the best heritage sites and with these new developments there will be more opportunities for the visitors in terms of attractions, shopping, accommodations, transportation and entertainment.
Falmouth is well positioned between two major areas, to the east there is Ocho Rios and to the west there is Montego Bay. Most of the visitors to this town are persons travelling out of these bustling resorts to experience activities that are offered in Falmouth with its rich history.
Oracabessa
Oracabessa is located just miles from the resort town of Ocho Rios in St. Ann. With its golden sunlight and gigantic cliffs, this town is one of Jamaica’s fastest growing resorts. This name, like many others on the island, is derived from Spanish settlers which mean “gold and head”.
This town was made popular around the world, when Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond series decided to write his novels here. Ian Fleming came to Jamaica and it was love at first sight, he lived here on the island at a place called Goldeneye. Various scenes from the movie “Goldfinger” was shot at the James Bond beach in this area.
There is a little island off the Oracabessa harbor called the Santa Maria and offers some good quality snorkeling. The Oracabessa harbor provides areas for fishing and also features beach areas that are scattered around the harbor. This town is very dependent on fishing as a source of employment.
Port Royal
Port Royal is located in southeastern Jamaica at the ending of the Palisadoes and the entrance of the famous Kingston harbor. This town offers a rich history and upholds its heritage and as well as its independence. Port Royal was once a closed society of outlaws and pirates and the people of this town still possess those brawny seafaring practices.
In 1692 an earthquake destroyed this town, gulping up two thirds of the land and was described back then as the “wickedest city in the west” and the richest city in the world. Today most of this one-time city now lies underwater alongside the town. In the later years there were more earthquake, hurricanes, diseases and fires that rocked this town. It was also the headquarters of English buccaneers, the most notorious being Henry Morgan who was once the Governor of the island.
Today, Port Royal has the reputation of having the world’s most priceless underwater archaeological site that is filled with a rich history. Another famous spot to visit in this town is the Giddy House; this was once used to store the artilleries for the fort.