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Port Antonio Jamaica History and Information

Port Antonio became a thriving banana-shipping port in the late 1870's and its first tourists came from North America in the 1890s when they arrived on banana boats.

Titchfield Peninsula is home to the ruins of historic Fort George, which once protected the harbour. The town's magnificent twin harbours are separated by 64-acre navy Island. Named for its long-ago use by the British Navy, the island welcomes day and overnight guests arriving by ferry from West Street every half hour.

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) over looks the harbours, with it's 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.

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 first tourists to the shores. Precisely because of its seclusion, Port Antonio has attracted many celebrities and the wealthy. Portland offers an enchanting holiday 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.

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