Port Antonio

Port Antonio’s history is deeply tied to the banana trade, which transformed the town into a bustling port in the late 19th century. Lorenzo Dow Baker, a sea captain, is credited with launching the banana export business here, which brought prosperity and paved the way for the early tourism industry. As shipping declined, the town pivoted toward becoming a playground for the international jet set in the mid-20th century, notably attracting Hollywood stars and European royalty who built secluded villas along the coastline. Today, the town retains an old-world charm, with classic Victorian architecture and overgrown estates telling the story of its affluent past. Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, Port Antonio has resisted mass commercialization, maintaining an authentic connection to its agricultural roots and local culture. Visitors today can see evidence of this history in the remnants of the Titchfield peninsula, which provides a glimpse into the town's colonial past and its enduring, laid-back Jamaican spirit.