Jamaica Vacation

Port Antonio

port antonio

One of the best kept secrets in Jamaica has always been Port Antonio, a tropical Eden and the jewel in Jamaica's crown. Port Antonio offers visitors unparalleled natural beauty — rugged, exciting coastlines, romantic Jamaica beaches, hidden coves, rivers, and waterfalls with the Blue Mountain range providing a spectacular backdrop. Port Antonio, as the capital of Portland, has retained its charm as a quiet rural township and is home to one of the most beautiful harbours in Jamaica.

A walk through town is a walk in history, with its narrow streets lined with buildings from another era, including the neo-Romanesque Anglican stone church (1840) and the charming gingerbread DeMontevin Lodge (1881), now a popular guest house on Titchfield Peninsula. Fort George (1729) overlooks the harbours, with its cannons pointing out to sea. Just outside of town lie the ruins of Mitchell's Folly, built in 1905 of cement and sea water.

Navy Island, just off the twin harbours is a picturesque spot, once owned by Errol Flynn. It's worth taking the ferry and enjoying the view of the town with the hills rising above it.

Port Antonio was renowned as the world's banana capital. Some claim that Jamaica's tourism was born here when banana boats returning from Boston, U.S.A. brought the first tourists to our shores. Port Antonio offers an enchanting vacation experience. Glistening waterfalls, many of which are small secret gems, such as Scatter Waterfalls and Nanny Waterfalls; romantic coves with beautiful beaches; the magical Rio Grande River weaving its way through the deep valley and rolling hillsides covered with lush tropical forests; picturesque banana plantations; spectacular mountain views in the Land-of-look-Behind, Maroon Country, are some of the features which draw those seeking the authentic and still natural Jamaica.

A wide variety of tastes are satisfied by the range of accommodations provided in and around Port Antonio ranging from luxury hotels and villas, to small intimate hotels and simple guesthouses. There are no large resorts or high rise buildings to attract masses of tourists, but the beauty and tranquility of this area gives it probably the highest rate of return visitors to Jamaica. If you can stir yourself from the delights of Port Antonio itself, there are some trips to take and attractions to be visited.