The Town of Port Antonio, Jamaica

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Montego Bay

Port Antonio

Thank you for visiting our site on Port Antonio, Jamaica. Below is a brief history of Port Antonio followed by a description of trips, shopping, restaurants and night life. Once you are finished reading be sure to visit our main page for: other towns of Jamaica, pictures of Jamaica, facts about Jamaica and other Jamaican links.

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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, 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 harbours 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) 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. Portland 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 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.

Places to Visit in Port Antonio

Nonesuch Caves are situated four and a half miles to the east of Port Antonio on a property known as The Seven Hills of Athenry. Discovered in the 30's, the caves make a fascinating tour. 993-3740.

Valley Hikes offers organized hikes in the Rio Grande Valley with professional guides. All trails have been chosen for their unusual beauty. 993-3881

Blue Lagoon is seven miles east of Port Antonio, surrounded by steep hillsides and dense green vegetation. Some claim it to be "bottomless", but experts proclaim it to be about 185 feet at its deepest point. There is an excellent restaurant and non-motorized water sports 993-8491.

Blue Lagoon Villas a charming seaside hideaway, nestled next to the famous Blue Lagoon is the perfect spot to recover from the stress of everyday life. (876) 993-8747

Fishing. Huntress Marina provides all the gear needed for a full or half day of fishing or snorkeling. 993-3053

Frenchman's Cove was once the most exclusive resort in the world and is still one of the most spectacular beaches.

Somerset Falls are hidden in a tropical rainforest. Take a walk through cool greenery, rich with exotic plants or swim in the river. 993-0108.

St George's Village in Port Antonio, is a shopping Mall with a difference. Intriguingly and tastefully designed in the style of a medieval castle, it will have you looking around for knights in shining armour instead of shopping bargains.

Mocking Bird Hill, romantic, serene, eco-friendly boutique hotel, gourmet cuisine, close to the beach with panoramic vistas. 993-7133 9937267, mockbrd@cwjamaica.com.

Restaurants in Port Antonio

As in all other resort areas, there is a wide selection of restaurants.

Blue Lagoon, an excellent restaurant built over the water on the Blue Lagoon serving local seafood, lobster and Jamaican delights. 993-7791

Mille Fleurs. A romantic setting in a garden of a "thousand flowers" with a magnificent panoramic view of Port Antonio bay. 993-7267.

San San Tropez opposite Frenchman's Cove has an Italian restaurant that puts every other in the shade. For pasta lovers, the Lasagna is homemade and delicious. Or try the Chicken San San Tropez and we guarantee you won't be disappointed. 993-7213.

2006 Jamaica Carnival

Below is the schedule of events for Carnival 2006:

Sun. Mar 5th - Kingston - Carnival Heart Institute of Jamaica 3k Walk.

Fri. Mar 10th - Negril - Carnival Ocean Blue. Come out in your Blue - Jungle Club.

Sat. Mar 18th - Junction - Carnival Mermaids in Green. Come out in your Green - Pines Centre.

Sat. Mar 25th - St. Thomas - Carnival Three Finger Jack. Come dressed as Pirates and Wenches - Colonel Cove.

Sun. Mar 26th - New Kingston - Carnival Harbour Blast. Sailors in White - Street Dance.

Sun. Apr 2nd - Port Antonio - Carnival Sinking Sands. Beach Party - Folly Grounds.

Sat. Apr 8th - May Pen - Carnival May Day. Red Alert wear something red - Jamalco Sports Club.

Sun. Apr 9th - Montego Bay - Carnival Bay Watch. Beach Skimpy & Hot - (Mid-Nite Mas).

Sun. Apr 16th - St. Ann - Carnival Chukka Cove. Tidal Wave - Ride the Waves.

Sat. Apr 22nd - Kingston - Carnival Vintage vs Soca - Pegasus Poolside.

Sun. Apr 23rd - Kingston - Carnival Kingston Road Parade.

Sun. Apr 23rd - Kingston - Carnival Grand Finale and Last Hurrah Concert at the National Stadium.

LINKS TO INFO ON OTHER JAMAICAN TOWNS

Below is a list of other major towns in Jamaica:

Mandeville & the South Coast