Jamaica is not like any other place.

Jamaica is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations due to its creativity, cuisine, and culture. The 14 unique parishes encourage a slower type of travel, which explains why so many visitors come back to the area again and again.

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1. Portland and Blue Mountain

Best place for hiking

The Portland parish has Jamaica's longest coastline, more than 75 caves and an abundance of tropical vegetation as far as the eye can see. Blue Mountain Peak is the highest of the highlights at more than 2200m. It's possible to get a sunrise view from its summit.

2. Blue Lagoon

Best place for a freshwater dip

One of Jamaica's most beautiful locations is the Blue Lagoon, a 55m deep extinct volcano surrounded by greenery. There is a rush from where the freshwater springs meet the warm water.

Close up of the rushing water of Reach Falls in Jamaica
Soak up the scene in the beautiful Reach Falls, Port Antonio © Cosmo Tee / 500px

3. Reach Falls

Best place to enjoy waterfalls 

There are four waterfalls in the eastern part of Port Antonio. The best of the bunch is Reach Falls, with its underwater caves, ajacuzzi, mountain views, and beautiful vegetation.

Water falls from one pool into the next. There is a jungle path that leads to the edge of the falls below the main entrance.

4. Frenchman's Cove

Best place to enjoy tropical scenery 

Water from the Blue Mountains goes into the Caribbean Sea at Frenchman's Cove. The canopy of tropical greenery and white sand beach make the sea and river combo more dramatic. The area is owned by the Frenchman's Cove resort and there are some decent amenities.

5. Dunn's River Falls and Park

Best place to enjoy a natural wonder 

The natural wonder is 180 feet high and 600 feet long. There is a white sand beach at the base of the falls that attracts large groups of people at peak hours. The limestone steps down in cascades and pools. The water is refreshingly cool.

6. Spanish Town 

Best place for history buffs

Spanish Town is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Jamaica and is home to a pair of Jamaica's hottest Reggae artists, Koffee and Chronixx.

Spanish Town was the island's capital until 1872, when it was taken over by Kingston. The parade features the town's oldest buildings and will be visited by history buffs. The oldest church in the Caribbean is the Cathedral of St James. The Chapel of the Red Cross is a Spanish cathedral that was built in 1525. It is one of the oldest iron bridges in the world.

7. Doctor's Cave Beach 

Best place to hang with locals 

The Doctor's Cave Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists in Montego Bay.

Sir Herbert Barker, an English Chiropractor, claimed in 1906 that the waters had healing properties. Soon the beach was filled with people looking for healing. There is no proof of the doctor's claim but the beach and its many facilities make for a great day out.

A boat heads out to Ricks Cafe in Negril at sunset in Negril
Negril can be as serene or as lively as you like © Nathalie Duhaime / 500px

8. Negril

Best place for beach bums

Negril received the chill award. The cliffs overlooking the sea and the sunsets are some of the best in the world. It's an antidote for everything. Horseback rides on the beach, scuba diving and snorkeling along colorful coral reefs are some of the must-dos.

It isn't sleepy as much as Negril is about tranquility. It's not really possible. The nightlife can go on for a long time. Rockhouse Restaurant sits on the edge of a cliff and Rick's Café has a creative cocktail menu. There are seven waterslides, go-kart racing, kayaking, and other attractions at the largest water park in the country in Negril.

9. Blue Mountains-John Crow National Park 

Best place to enjoy the outdoors 

The Blue Mountains-John Crow National Park is home to a number of flora and fauna.

10. Port Royal

Best place for scuba diving

Port Royal was known as the "wickedest city on earth" in the 17th century. Sir Henry Morgan was the supreme pirate. Parts of Port Royal fell into the sea. One of the best-conserved underwater heritage sites is at the mouth of Kingston Harbour, at a depth of 40 feet.

The history of the city can be found at Fort Charles, the Maritime Museum, and St Peter's Church, which were built in the 17th century.

Concrete wall with the words
Trench Town has a deep connection with reggae © Ratiba Hamzaoui /AFP via Getty Images

11. Trench Town, Kingston

Best place for reggae music fans

The name Trench Town was given to the area after the Central Housing Authority started a public housing project on land called Pen Trench. It is believed that Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer had their beginnings here.

The Trench Town Culture Yard was once home to Bob Marley and community leader, Vicente "Tata" Ford, who taught the singer to play the guitar. The story of life there is told by songs like "No Woman No Cry" The restored buildings house a small museum that tells the story through articles, instruments and furnishings used by the famous.

12. Bob Marley Museum, Kingston

Best place to celebrate a legend 

The Bob Marley Museum is one of the top places to visit. The rooms have not changed since the legend lived there. He has a recording studio, favorite clothing, gold and Platinum records, and many other things.

The article was updated in about four hours.