The road ribbons high around the green flanks of plush mountains, winding past startling views of white surf, rocky promontories and the picturesque bays of Jamaica's northeast coast. Port Antonio is this regions "big" city, a relaxed banana port with a handful of historic sights and a languid ambiance. Explore the crumbling ruins of Folly Mansion and views from the lawns of Folly Point Lighthouse after exhausting your shopping needs at Port Antonio markets.

Snorkel or scuba the beautifully hued waters of Blue Lagoon, a quick trip east of Port Antonio. Stop to lunch on jerk chicken, a spicy cuisine that originated in this region. Crashing rollers make the waters of Buff Bay and Boston Beach popular with surfers, while a number of sandy stretches close to Port Antonia appeal to anyone after a wade an afternoon nap.

A maze of trails penetrate the island's interior, but for exercise and the surety of dinner, hike with a guide. Enjoy a romantic adventure on bamboo rafts floating the Rio Grande or bird-watch and ride horseback with an eco-tour.

If you've exhausted land-based activities, sail out to sea with a charter boat from Port Antonio's marina for a day of marlin fishing, or get on with a guided scuba trip for some of Jamaica's offshore sights.

Port Antonio is 61 miles northeast of Kingstown.