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Even seasoned travelers like me make mistakes. Mine had the wrong expectations for Kingston last year.
Although I enjoyed most of my trip, it didn’t live up to the image I had in my mind – you know, roast chicken stands everywhere, blaring reggae and aqua blue Caribbean shores.
Although I discovered a secret beach in Kingston, the memory I hold most dear is my day hike through the lush Blue Mountains that form the parish of PortlandJamaica’s new tourist hotspot.
If I could do my trip again, I would skip the sketchy streets of Kingston for all that Portland has to offer.
Full of white-sand beaches and postcard-worthy inland waterfalls, more and more travelers are waving goodbye to Montego Bay in favor of the more authentic side of Jamaica.
Ground Zero for Jamaica’s biggest surprise: coffee!
When you think of Jamaica, you might not think of coffee. Your first thoughts probably go to chic resorts, beautiful nature or maybe even juicy roasted chicken.
But I’m here to tell you that one of the best experiences you can have in Jamaica is visiting the beautiful Blue Mountains; ground zero for the island’s thriving coffee industry.
There are countless coffee farm tours and the drive alone along winding causeways is as memorable as the tours themselves and serves as a great gateway to Portland, especially if you fly into Kingston.
Blue Mountain Coffee is known for its mild, smooth flavor with hints of chocolate, unlike the watered-down, sugar-filled brews 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 you have the date for the Blue Mountain Coffee Festival March 1, 2025.
Tip: If you can’t take a tour, at least take the time to try Jamaican coffee by visiting a local chain Cafe Blue.
Authentic, up-and-coming beach towns
If there are two household names in Jamaica, it’s probably Montego Bay first and Kingston second, but do you know? Port Antonio?
Here is one of the most authentic beach vacations you can find in Jamaica, at least one that is very suitable for tourists.
Along the coast are quaint paradise towns that have yet to be discovered, but as the Jamaican government has just recognized in a new reportthat all changes.
Port Antonio in Portland is the main highlight as far as beaches go.
It offers visitors lavish resorts, seemingly pristine beaches and the famous Blue Lagoon (not to be confused with Iceland).
It’s impossible not to feel like you’re there Real Jamaica, the feeling I was looking for when I visited Kingston.
Here you will discover marinated chicken stalls along the road, friendly locals and many beaches where you may be the only tourist.
But a hidden gem is Long Bay, especially with great clifftop stays Sea Cliff Resort & Spa as if it were the ‘Negril’ of eastern Jamaica.
Postcard Waterfalls & the Blue Lagoon
When vacationers travel to the Caribbean, they often just want to kick back at the swim-up bar, a beautiful beach and enjoy epic sunsets from their resort’s balcony.
Jamaica certainly has all that, and it’s called Montego Bay.
However, if you’re up for adventure, traveling deep into Portland will be a much more memorable trip.
You can visit white sandy beaches, postcard waterfalls and the beautiful blue lagoon in one trip.
Portland Parish is teeming with waterfalls to explore, but none more remarkable than Reach waterfallswhere it is recommended to have one local guide to also take you to the crystal clear pools.
When it comes to the Blue Lagoon, many tour operators will take you through one of Jamaica’s best natural areas.
A mix of salt and fresh water, you can swim among tranquil jungles in the seemingly endless turquoise waters or kayak your way through.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and 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 in the post.
