If you're considering a beach day, head to Negril.

It's a town in western Jamaica known particularly for its miles of sandy beaches on shallow bays with calm, turquoise waters.

Negril is also the prime location for the biggest music and cultural festivals on the island. There's always something happening in this vibey beach town, so you'd think the roads would be jam-packed and congested.

But your experience will actually be the opposite of that.

The mode of transport in this town is mostly bikes and bicycles, making it super easy for you to ride along the coast and witness close-up beach views.



Beaches in Negril

Seven Mile Beach, particularly the portion overlooking Long Bay, is lined with bars, restaurants and resorts, many of them international and all-inclusive.

The famous seven-mile stretch of white sand beach is actually made up of two Bays, Long Bay and the less developed Bloody Bay, with its own fascinating history.



Swim up to Long Bay Beach

Some say it got its name from the fishermen cleaning their catch, others that it owes its name to pirate activity.

Long Bay opens onto a lagoon protected by coral reefs and is a prime snorkelling and scuba-diving destination. The water that laps the shore is extremely calm due to the surrounding protective reef and is extremely clear and perfect for floating lazily around all day.



Things to do in Negril

Negril Village itself, with shops and the craft market, acts as a meeting point between the stunning beaches and the West End of the town.

Over on the cliff side road, hotels sit on either side with those on the water boasting spectacular views of the fiery sunsets.

No place is more famous for viewing those sunsets than Rick's Cafe. This is an iconic bar founded in the 1970's to become a bucket list item in Jamaica.

Cliff diving anyone? Dive into the stunning shifting blues of the sea below, great food and live music.

This small destination has a big reputation and is still known as the chill capital of the island, a reputation alive and well from its earlier days of hippie life and relaxed attitude to ganja.

New restaurants and places to stay are appearing every day, while still never taking anything away from the slice of paradise that is Jamaica.