The view over the Caribbean doesn't get better than from the top of this lighthouse, where Jamaica's dramatic west coast unfolds beneath you.
The one landmark of Negril that you can't miss is the white beacon of its lighthouse. Built over a century ago, on the westernmost tip of Jamaica, it sits on one of the highest points of low-lying Negril and is visible a long way away. Which is exactly the point, as this lighthouse was placed here to warn ships of the dangerous offshore reefs, and it is still in use today.
That doesn't stop you clambering up its stairs to make the most of a fantastic view. The lighthouse offers organised tours, so you can ascend all of its 103 steps to get an unparalleled view of the horizon. You'll also learn some interesting titbits about the lighthouse's history. Designed by a French company, it was one of the world’s earliest concrete lighthouses when it was erected in 1894.
The design includes a clever counterbalance in the basement, where a 4-metre deep tank of water protects the lighthouse from the effects of earthquakes. The light itself, which sits 30 metres above sea-level, was initially powered by gas. But that's expensive on this island nation, and the lighthouse became an early adopter of green technology, when it went solar in 1985.
The area around the lighthouse is worth exploring too. The cliff-fronted coast has many pretty coves, sea-pools and bizarre rock formations. One pool lies directly below the lighthouse, and snorkelling is an option, if the tide is right. Just make sure you ask the locals for advice on conditions and finding the best spot, as the currents can be strong around this headland.
The lighthouse has a little inn at its base, which has cottages to let, a bar and a restaurant serving Jamaican dishes, with a German twist. A perfect place to kick off your sandals, order a cocktail and watch while the sun goes down and the lighthouse lights up.
