Back to towns in Jamaica
Port Antonio
One of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean has always been Port Antonio, a tropical Eden and the jewel in Jamaica's crown. Portland offers visitors unparalleled natural beauty rugged, exciting coastlines, a romantic 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 harbors in the Caribbean.
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) over looks the harbors, 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 harbors 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.
In the late 19th century, 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 firs tourists to our shores. Precisely because of its seclusion, Port Antonio has attracted many celebrities and the wealthy.
Portland offers an enchanting vacation experience. Glistening waterfalls, many of which are small secret gems, such as Scatter Water Falls 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 building to attract masses of tourists, but the beauty and tranquility of this area gives it probably the highest rate of return visitors to the island. If you can stir yourself from the delights of Port Antonio itself, there are some trips to take and attractions to be visited.
For further information visit the writer at: http://www.mobay.com/town2.htm
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