The Caribbean’s coolest island

Montego Bay, on the north-west coast of Jamaica, is the island’s most popular holiday resort town, boasting a 10 mile stretch of sparkling golden sand washed by crystal clear turquoise-blue water. Founded as a Spanish settlement in the early 16th century, Montego Bay has grown to be Jamaica's second city, but its natural attributes and excellent beachfront facilities make it the number one for holidaymakers. Montego Bay's best-known beach is Doctors Cave, named after a group of doctors founded a bathing club there in 1906. The fine golden sand and lucent water has ensured that Doctors Cave has remained one of Montego Bay’s best-loved beaches. It’s a fantastic place to relax on the beach, read a book, swim in the sea and soak up the sun. Montego Bay's tax-free shopping adds to the attraction of this lively Jamaican resort.

Why Go?
Immortalised in song by Bobby Bloom in 1970, Montego Bay is the perfect Caribbean beach resort, with fine restaurants and world-class golf courses. The ‘Montegonian’ locals consider themselves a breed apart from ‘Kingstonians’, and 'The Friendly City', as they like to call Montego Bay, is a perfect representative of the typical “no problem” attitude of Jamaica.

When to Go?
Jamaica’s tropical climate ensures that Montego Bay is hot throughout the whole year, with rainfall also remaining fairly steady, although September and October tend to have a little more than the rest of the year. When rain showers do occur they are typically short-lived and the sunshine returns afterwards. Given its year-round sunny weather, flights to Montego Bay are easy to come by whenever you want to go.

How to get there?
It is pretty straightforward finding flights to Montego Bay compared with the capital Kingston. As Jamaica’s main tourist spot, Montego Bay flights are available from London Gatwick, Birmingham International and Manchester. Flights to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) are operated by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as charter flights from Thomson. Most travellers take a taxi or shuttle bus from the airport, although car rental is also an option.

Must see
Holidays in Montego Bay are mostly about wiling away the hours on the beach, swimming in the sea and forgetting about everything else in the world, but you could also enjoy a round of golf, or spend some of your hard earned money on duty free shopping. Nightlife in Montego Bay includes a multiplex cinema complex, several live music clubs and the famous Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, which features restaurant watersports and live entertainment.