Amazed by the island’s beauty, the explorer declared: "It is the fairest island ever eyes beheld...mountainous, and the land seems to touch the sky." Jamaicans say that Ocho Rios is the place where heaven spills into the seas.

Today, visitors come from all over the world to make their own discoveries in this stimulating yet tranquil resort area, which combines the attractions of one of the Caribbean’s most popular ports-of-call with the splendid scenery of the surrounding "garden parish" of St. Ann.

It’s also a mecca for music fans: One of Jamaica’s most famous sons is celebrated in the tiny village of Nine Miles during the first week of February, when official birthday celebrations for reggae legend Bob Marley, who was born and is buried there, attract hundreds of visitors.

Beyond the renowned resorts and golf courses of Runaway Bay, there’s horseback riding at Chukka Cove, an equestrian resort facility that features polo matches, lessons and trail rides through neighboring plantations. At St. Ann’s Bay, the Seville Great House & Heritage Park includes artifacts from the excavated colony of Sevilla La Nueva (New Seville) that was founded in 1509 by Columbus’s son.

One of the island’s best-known natural attractions is Dunn’s River Falls, a dramatic 600-foot drop of cascading water that’s considered the Niagara of the Caribbean. A highlight of any trip to Ocho Rios is a careful climb up its limestone tiers, followed by a swim at the beach below.

The three-mile drive through vine-draped Fern Gully includes close-up views of 30-foot-tall fern trees and other specimens unique to the island. Transfixing vistas of the coast and a profusion of indigenous plants, flowers and trees are offered at Shaw Park Gardens, while a look at Jamaica’s indigenous Taino Indian culture is provided at the Coyaba River Garden and Museum, in another leafy tropical setting.

Abundant crops of sugarcane, coffee and bananas have been harvested since the 18th century at Prospect Plantation, which offers tours and horseback riding. Further east, Harmony Hall is a restored Victorian mansion with an art gallery that sells some of the finest art and crafts on the island.

When night comes, you can take a canoe ride up the torch-lit White River, a journey that includes a folklore show, dinner and open bar, or take in the dinner theater performance at the Little Pub. Fine dining in exotic settings is also available at restaurants like the Ruins and the Almond Tree--or try Evita’s, where the menu features unique Jamaican-Italian specialties like "Rasta Pasta."

Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios overflow with places to stay, from traditional high-rise hotels to all-inclusive resorts which cater specifically to families or to couples only. A number of elegant resorts offer luxurious old-world ambience and service; numerous moderate low-key lodgings flourish along the beach, and the a number also offer modern spa facilities to their guests. Several charming small hotels and inns provide a different kind of Ocho Rios experience.

Further inland, fishing, boating and horseback riding are included in an excursion to the Goshen Wilderness Resort, set amidst forested green hills. A few miles further east, in the town of Oracabessa, Goldeneye--the former home of author Ian Fleming--is now an exclusive villa resort with a celebrity clientele, close to James Bond Beach.

From here, it’s only a few miles to Firefly, where Noel Coward lived and is buried. Built on a hilltop that was once a lookout point for the pirate Henry Morgan, the house is now open to the public for tours and special functions, including afternoon tea.

The town of Ocho Rios is a lively blend of sun and fun. It’s vibrant and diverse. Centrally located on Jamaica’s North Coast, it is a crossroads of things to do, places to see. So, runaway, discover Ocho Rios… like Columbus, you’ll see that this is no ordinary place.

Activities
In addition to the highlighted sports, the following are also available in the resort areas:

• Camping
• Jogging
• Parasailing
• Sailing
• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Waterfall Climbing
• Waterskiing

• Acropolis
• Bill's Place
• Little Pub
• Jamaica Me Crazy
• Jamaica Grande Hotel
• Roof Club
• Silk's Disco
• Shaw Park Hotel
• Vintage Bar