Port Antonio: Jamaica’s best kept secret
Jamaica is known today for many of its beaches and resort towns like Montego Bay and Kingston, but the island’s number one vacation destination is actually Port Antonio.
This vacation spot was known in the 19th century as the banana capital of the world, being an important port for the Jamaican banana trade. In the 20th century, several wealthy and famous Hollywood stars discovered and fell in love with the quiet charm and majestic beauty of the coastal city. Drawn by the secluded and serene quality of the area, some of the celebrities who came to Port Antonio at this time even decided to build their own villas there. Thus, this vacation spot was then the best-kept secret Jamaican getaway for Hollywood’s rich and famous.
Today, Port Antonio remains a perfect destination for tourists who want to avoid the route of the bustling, urbanized Jamaican resort towns and find a truly relaxed vacation experience. It is one of the most accessible destinations in Jamaica, with almost everything in the city proper being within walking or biking distance. Its hotels are also praised for their nature-friendly ecotourism practices, in keeping with the area-wide effort to achieve environmental sustainability.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous attractions in Port Antonio. The remarkable color of the water is the result of its depth of 200 feet. Other incredible sights include the secluded beaches of Frenchman’s Cove and San San, where adventurous vacationers can enjoy snorkeling, surfing, and even deep-sea fishing.
