South Coast

The economy of the region is relatively diversified, with fishing and agriculture still important. You'll see small backyard gardens with clusters of banana trees and hillocks of beans and corn, as well as large commercially grown fields of citrus fruit, papayas, melons, coconuts, corn, and sugarcane, which was once the island's prime moneymaker. Some valley fields will be filled to the horizon by banana trees, some wearing their "blue dresses," plastic bags placed over the maturing fruit to protect them from insects. (It's a concession to North American consumers, who insist on blemish-free produce.)

Industry also plays a big role in the local economy, especially the mining and refining of bauxite, or aluminum ore. Since the 1940s, when the metal was first discovered here, Jamaica's South Coast has become one of the world's largest producers. The Alcan Jamaica plant, known locally as the Kirkvine Works, has operated outside the city of Mandeville since the 1950s and has become one of the city's largest employers. Another plant that processes aluminum ore is in the small town of Nain in St. Elizabeth Parish. (The bauxite industry, like others in Jamaica, was hit hard by the economic downturn, however.)

All of which means that at least for now, the South Coast, with fishing villages dotting its pristine shoreline and small agricultural towns sprinkled around the interior, is a place to experience the day-to-day life of Jamaica. It's a friendly area where locals playing dominoes under the trees still wave to passing cars. Small hotels (only one all-inclusive resort has entered the market here) cater to travelers seeking a peaceful place to unwind while exploring local communities and spending quiet evenings in local restaurants.