Set between mountains and a double harbor, Port Antonio is a relaxed town with the preserved charm of a sleepy fishing village. The area is distinctly less commercial than the other resort towns.
Port Antonio's scenery is abundant with orchids, bananas and palm trees. Swimming, snorkeling or scuba-diving are enjoyed, particularly in the 200ft/6
0m Blue Lagoon, fed by freshwater springs.
Founded in 1723, Port Antonio became Jamaica's center for banana export in the late 1800s. One of Jamaica's first hotels was built here in 1905, and soon became a magnet for the rich and famous of the day.
Movie swashbuckler, Errol Flynn settled here. Navy Island, set between Port Antonio's two harbors and reached by ferry, was once owned by Flynn and renowned for wild parties. Today the island is a favorite for picnics and daytrips.
Jamaica's spicy "jerk"-style" of cooking originated here and some of the best can be found at Boston Beach east of Port Antonio.
Port Antonio has a population of 13,100.
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