Find your corner of Jamaica

Most visitors start their Jamaican adventure in Montego Bay, home to Sangster International Airport. "MoBay" pairs lively nightlife and restaurants along Gloucester Avenue (the Hip Strip) with calm, clear beaches and the upscale resorts of Rose Hall and Ironshore.

It's also the most convenient base for day trips. Negril, Falmouth and the Martha Brae River are all within easy reach.

Best for: First-timers, short stays and easy airport access

• Iberostar Rose Hall
• Round Hill Hotel & Villas

At Jamaica's western tip, Negril is famous for two very different coastlines. Seven Mile Beach is a long stretch of soft sand and calm water lined with beach bars, while the West End is all dramatic limestone cliffs, sea caves and boutique hotels perched above deep turquoise water.

Life here moves at an easy pace, and every evening ends the same way: watching the sun drop into the sea.

Best for: Beach lovers, couples and sunset chasers

Hanover is one of Jamaica's smallest parishes, and one of its most relaxed. The coastal road between Montego Bay and Negril passes the historic harbour town of Lucea and resorts such as the Grand Palladium, which offer a quieter stay that's still close to the airport.

Best for: All-inclusive stays that are quiet but central

East of Montego Bay, Falmouth is one of the Caribbean's best-preserved Georgian towns and a busy cruise port. The surrounding parish of Trelawny is home to the Martha Brae River and the Luminous Lagoon, where the water glows at night.

The RIU resorts along this stretch make it a popular all-inclusive base just a short ride from the airport.

Best for: All-inclusive guests and history buffs

Halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay offer calm water, reef snorkeling and some of the north coast's quieter beaches. Discovery Bay is traditionally said to be near where Columbus first came ashore in Jamaica.

Best for: Families and divers who want calm water

Ocho Rios is Jamaica's adventure capital. Climb Dunn's River Falls, swim in the turquoise pools of the Blue Hole or ride a rainforest bobsled at Mystic Mountain, then relax at one of the many resorts in Mammee Bay, Boscobel and Tower Isle.

St. Ann is known as the garden parish, and the lush hills behind town are full of rivers, gardens and great Jamaican food.

Best for: Adventure seekers and families

• Sandals Dunn's River & Royal Plantation
• Moon Palace Jamaica
• Couples Tower Isle & Sans Souci
• Beaches Ocho Rios

Jamaica's south coast feels a world away from the resort strips of the north. Whitehouse, Treasure Beach and Black River are laid-back fishing communities with dark-sand beaches, river safaris and some of the friendliest locals on the island.

It's also home to YS Falls and the Appleton Estate, two of the best day trips in the country.

Best for: Travelers who want authentic, local Jamaica

• Sandals South Coast
• Anywhere on the island

Lush, green and much quieter than the north coast resorts, Portland is Jamaica at its most beautiful. Port Antonio's twin harbours are a short drive from the Blue Lagoon, Frenchman's Cove and rafting on the Rio Grande.

Inland, the misty Blue Mountains are home to Jamaica's famous Blue Mountain coffee and the island's highest peak. It's a long drive from Montego Bay, so we plan it as a full day or an overnight trip.

Best for: Nature lovers and multi-day explorers