Few will disagree that the parish of Portland is one of the most
beautiful places on the island. With its stunning blue waters, romantic
coves, remote white sand beaches, breathtaking panoramic views and
some of the best food on the island, Portland has long been a favourite
getaway spot for celebrities looking to escape the glare, and couples
craving solitude for their honeymoons.
There is no shortage of activities in Portland. Here are some highlights of the area:
BOSTON BAY
Well renowned as “The Jerk Capital of Jamaicaâ€, Boston
Bay is not only a tantalizing treat for the taste buds it also appeals
to sun bathers and lover’s of water sport. The golden sands and rough
waters will tempt you to grab a surfboard and ride the waves, take a
lesson in wind surfing, or venture further out to some good snorkeling
sites.
Boston Bay is one of the best surfing spots in Jamaica.
Boasting the longest history of surfing in the island, locals have been
riding the waves here since the 1960′s. The horseshoe-shaped bay
works the water both ways depending on the swell direction. The area is
also great for body boarding and swimming too, not to mention just
relaxing.
When you’re ready for a break from the seaside fun, some
of the finest jerk on the island is just steps away roasting away on
pimento wood.
FRENCHMANS COVE
Frenchman’s Cove is tucked between two rocky bluffs and
consists of a lagoon which meanders around a bar of sand from one
direction while the sea barrels in from the other. The beach is pinched
between two tiny headlands that are overhung with greenery – giving
the beach a luminous green light. You enter through lush gardens, which
then open up into a gorgeous secluded beach cove. There is also a
fresh water river flowing into the beach.
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the water where
the river meets the sea and Frenchman’s Cove is one special place
where you can enjoy this sensation. It’s combination of beauty,
tranquility and seclusion makes it a popular destination for Jamaicans
in the know.
SOMMERSET FALLS
Sommerset Falls
in Hope Bay, about 10 miles west of Port Antonio is a beautiful
cascade where the Daniel’s River plunges down a narrow gorge. The
waterfalls are nestled in a lush rainforest and the entire property is
an exotic tropical escape.
Once an old sugar plantation that extended from the
mountains to the sea, today Somerset is a 97-acre property with a
breathtaking garden, complete with ponds and waterfalls. Overflowing
with crotons, bamboos, ferns, cocoa plants, indigo and moss-covered
trees, the garden grows on the banks of the Daniel River and is home to
a collection of exotic birds. A concrete walk to the falls takes you
past the ruins of a Spanish aqueduct and Genesis Falls before reaching
the Hidden Falls.
To reach Hidden Falls, you board a boat and travel beneath
the tumbling water; more daring travellers can swim in a whirlpool or
jump off the falls into a pool of water while visiting the caves. Spend
the day sunning, relaxing and bathing and diving in picture-perfect
20-foot deep rock pools, or chill out at the seaside/riverside
restaurant and bar.
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
The Blue Mountain range sprawls across the eastern portion of the
island for a length of 28 miles and an average width of about 12 miles.
It is the most popular area for outdoor enthusiasts in Jamaica.
You can access hiking trails and camping grounds from the Portland side
of the range. The forests in the Blue Mountains have more than 800
species of endemic plants, the world’s second largest butterfly,
Papilo homerus, 200 species of resident and migrant birds and is one of
the largest migratory bird habitats in the Caribbean. There are also
more than 500 species of flowering plants of which almost one half are
native to Jamaica.
Campgrounds are found in areas supervised by the Forestry Department.
An excursion to the peak is an unforgettable experienced, but be sure
to make arrangements with an experienced guide.
MAROON TOWN
For centuries during our colonial past a community of African
descendants resisted captivity from their strongholds in the mountains.
Geography and mutual suspicion kept Maroons isolated from mainstream
society for over a century. Their separation made them a time capsule
of African traditions that date back to the 16th century.
In Portland, tours are available to the historic Charles Town maroon
settlement. The area is the former haunt of national heroine, Nanny.
Among the highlights of a visit are the Charles Town Museum and Safu
Yard that share the story of Maroon struggles and lifestyle.
Courtesy of
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/pages/experiencejamaica/portland.html
