The Parish of Portland


Population 80,205


Portland has the highest levels of rainfall in the island and is known for its fertile soil, magnificent waterfalls and fine beaches such as Winifred’s and

Boston The world-famous Blue Lagoon is also found in Portland and is believed to be the crater of an extinct volcano. The parish has attracted

international screen producers since the early 1950s with over 780 films and other productions shot in various locations. Portland is home to Jamaica’s

only female national heroine, Nanny. As the village leader of Nanny Town, she inspired her fellow Maroons to fight the British during the early 18th

Century. The tradition of jerk cooking for which the parish is known, originated from the Maroons who used a combination of spices on the meat which

was then cooked over aroma-filled wood such as that from the pimento tree. The capital, Port Antonio, was built on twin harbours and became

prosperous with the rise of the banana trade in the 1880s. It was a popular playground for royalty and movie stars such as Errol Flynn and several

tycoons who made temporary home at the Titchfield Hotel. Today the capital is known for the Errol Flynn Marina and fishing tournaments.

Portland Attractions:

  • Maroon settlements
  • Charlestown Maroon Museum and Saffu Yard
  • Nature trails for hiking and bird watching
  • Rafting on the Rio Grande
  • Somerset Falls
  • John Crow Mountains
  • The Blue Lagoon
  • Folly Ruins
  • Boston Village, famous for Jerk Pork
  • Frenchman’s Cove
  • Errol Flynn Marina