22 Photos Which Show Why Portland is Jamaica’s Most Beautiful Parish

Portland is easily Jamaica’s most beautiful parish with a great diversity in landscapes ranging from Jamaica’s highest mountain peak at a chilly 7,402 feet and dipping as low as to sea level with warm tropical breezes wafting in from the Caribbean Sea. What’s even lovelier is that this parish is untouched from the droves of tourists which flock our major three tourist cities and towns, so it’s possible you’ll find many of these gems 100% empty (and uncommercialized) if you visit. Portland attracts a more ecotourist laidback vibe so it’s no wonder yoga and wellness resorts have been growing in popularity in this side of the island. I’ll let the pictures do the talking– here’s why Portland is my favourite ❤ and Jamaica’s most beautiful parish.

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The beautiful Somerset Falls in Hope Bay
Stunning Fish Done Falls
Spanish River
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Boston Beach, next to the country’s most famous jerk
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Another beauty, a church from the Diocese of Jamaica & the Cayman Islands
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Reach Falls. Photo courtesy of: visitjamaica.com
One of the lower pools & waterfalls at Reach
Nonsuch Falls
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Driving through Manchioneal
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Long Bay Beach
Monkey Island
Monkey Island. Photo courtesy of visitjamaica.com
The Blue Lagoon
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Another view of the Lagoon
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Another view of Daniel’s River which supplies Somerset Falls
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Sunrise over the Blue Mountain Peak
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Fog over the mountains
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Another stunning view from the Mountains
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Fun Facts About Portland

  • Portland records the highest annual rainfall in the island which supplies its numerous rivers and waterfalls, and keeps its vegetation so lush and inviting.
  • The parish is a leading producer of bananas, coconuts, breadfruits, coffee, mangoes and ackee which are grown for export as well as local consumption.
  • Port Antonio, the capital of Portland, is regarded as the start of Jamaica’s tourism industry and all-inclusive resorts, having been the first town in the country to accommodate tourist visits as a result of the emergence of the Banana Industry.
  • The parish is home to two Maroon settlements, Nanny Town and Charles Town.

If you’d like to read more about specific Portland attractions like its beaches, hiking trails and waterfalls, click here.

‘Til next time, safe & happy travels. ✌🏽


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39 responses to “22 Photos Which Show Why Portland is Jamaica’s Most Beautiful Parish”

  1. rastaradioja Avatar

    I am a Portlander who agrees with you that it’s the most beautiful Parish, and the most beautiful place on Earth. Thanks for these lovely photos. ONE LOVE

    1. Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle Avatar

      You’re most welcome. Thanks for stopping by ❤

  2. Diving Zenobia Avatar

    We love your content. Regards from Pissouri Bay Divers from Cyprus!

  3. Barry Stepe Avatar

    I’ve always wanted to visit Jamaica… maybe some day.

    1. Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle Avatar

      I really hope you get around to visiting someday too! 🤗🇯🇲

  4. […] [READ: 22 Photos Which Show Why Portland is Jamaica’s Most Beautiful Parish] […]

  5. Tamera Little Avatar

    I went on a field trip while at UWI to several spots in Portland and I was in awe at how relaxing the environment was. I definitely want to go back in the future but the work life wont let me live

    1. Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle Avatar

      Same girl, same. So glad I got a chance to explore the parish twice before I started my internship. I scarcely have time to eat and sleep let alone explore anywhere now.

  6. Alexis Chateau Avatar

    Beautiful indeed, but man did I hate living there. Nothing to do as a kid. As an adult though, with all that natural environment to explore, I would have probably loved it.

    1. Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle Avatar

      Awww. It’s cool how our perspective of things and places changes over time. 🙂

    2. Alexis Chateau Avatar

      Very true! I think as our needs change, how we view things (and people) around us changes too.

  7. rasrichjam | 876 to the world Avatar

    Your photos have captured the essence of Portland, one of only three remaining Parishes that I have yet to visit; St. Thomas and St. Mary being the other two. Being from Manchester, getting to the Northeast side of the island is quite a journey but one I hope to make in the not so distant future, especially to Boston beach. I just love what it has to offer plus I’m eager to get that Instagram photo on one of those swings.

    1. Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle Avatar

      Thank you so much! I hope you get around to visiting Portland soon. It has really captured my heart, the entire parish is such a delight to the senses. Even the drive itself is scenic. St. Mary is actually lovely too, and even St. Thomas has a few good spots. I forgot to mention Lyssons Beach and Reggae Falls to you. Both are free but a drive to St. Thomas may be a bit too lengthy from where you’re coming. That’s also why I didn’t mention the Boston ($200/person) or Winnifred (free) beaches in Portland.

      I guess we explore the places closer to home. It’s as how I still haven’t been to Hanover or Westmoreland but I intend to fix that by latest next year esp since I live a lot closer now in Mandeville. It’s just to find the time but someday soon hopefully. I want to visit 7miles beach just to say I’ve been to it, but I imagine it’s not the same as it once was with the heavy tourism there now. I also want to see a sunset from Ricks Cafe, but I certainly won’t be jumping. 😂

  8. goodyonabudget Avatar

    Portland is my heart and soul, it’s such a pretty place. I was fully planning on doing a blog post on Portland too!

    1. Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle Avatar

      I know right! Looking forward to that post, I can’t get enough of the parish. ❤

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I’m Rochelle.

I’m a proud Jamaican native and the curator of Adventures from Elle, a leading travel & lifestyle blog founded in 2016. My adventures are mostly in Jamaica and the Caribbean, occasionally abroad.

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