Port Antonio, the capital of Portland Parish on Jamaica’s northeastern coast, lies roughly 100 km from Kingston. Once a serene coastal town, it rose to prominence in the 1880s when Lorenzo Dow Baker introduced the banana trade and marketed the region as a high-end retreat for affluent American travelers. This propelled Port Antonio - fondly dubbed “Porty” - into a bustling boom town known for banana exports and vibrant tourism. At its peak, it boasted more weekly sailings than Liverpool, highlighting its international significance.
The town caught Hollywood’s attention during the 1940s and ’50s, often portrayed as a tropical utopia in films like Club Paradise and Cocktail. In 1946, movie star Errol Flynn’s yacht, the “Zaca,” was driven ashore here, leading to his purchase of Navy Island—once a British Naval base in the 18th century. His celebrity presence elevated Port Antonio’s standing as a must-visit Caribbean locale.
From postcard-worthy beaches and serene rivers to historic sites echoing Jamaica’s colonial past, Port Antonio offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and laid-back island living.