Negril and Seven Mile Beach

Negril, on Jamaica's westernmost tip, is the island's most relaxed and hedonistic beach resort, famous above all for its Seven Mile Beach, a glorious, palm-fringed ribbon of powdery white sand and calm, clear turquoise water. Once a hippie haven, it retains a laid-back, barefoot vibe of reggae bars, beach shacks and resorts. To the south, low limestone cliffs are dotted with bars, the most famous being Rick's Cafe, where daredevils leap into the sea and crowds gather to watch Jamaica's legendary Caribbean sunsets.

What you actually see

• Seven Mile Beach - the long sweep of white sand and turquoise sea.
• The West End cliffs - the cliff-top bars and swimming spots.
• Rick's Cafe - the famous sunset bar and cliff divers.
• The sunsets - the celebrated Caribbean sunsets over the sea.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the sunniest weather and calmest seas; the sunsets are a nightly event best enjoyed from the cliffs or beach bars. The summer is hotter and wetter with a hurricane risk from June to November.

Honest expectations

The famous beach is beautiful but heavily developed and lined with resorts and vendors, and the persistent, if usually good-natured, attention from hawkers and sellers is part of the Negril experience that some find wearing. The town is more about beach relaxation and nightlife than sights. For a gorgeous beach, glorious sunsets and a laid-back party vibe, though, Negril delivers.

Nearby

The Montego Bay resorts and the Blue Hole mineral spring are within reach.