Portland is one of Jamaica's fourteen parishes, set along the island's northeastern coast in the Caribbean. It is a green and quiet corner of the country, where the land rises from the sea into forest and mountain.
What the parish offers
- Lush rainforests that cover much of the parish and give walks a shaded, verdant character.
- The Blue Mountains, whose slopes and views are one of the parish's defining features.
- Beautiful beaches along the northeastern shoreline, a contrast to the wooded hills inland.
Who it suits
Portland is best suited to visitors who want nature rather than a busy resort setting. Those who enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply sitting by the sea will find the parish's landscapes the main reason to go. The combination of forest and coast means a single day can move from mountain air to the water's edge.
If you are planning a trip, consider how much time you have, since the parish is spread across rugged terrain and travel between places can take longer than the map suggests. Allow room in your plans for the pace of the countryside.
