Port Maria Heritage And Culinary Delights

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic, mostly coastal drive to historic Port Maria and then indulge in a delightful lunch at a waterfront resort. Sights along the way include the Couples resort at Tower Isle, Rio Nuevo – where the largest battle in Jamaican history was fought in 1658 – and Firefly, the former hilltop estate of British playwright, actor and composer Sir Noël Coward. The guide will describe each of these attractions as well as the landmarks in Port Maria, the capital of Saint Mary parish. It was the second town that the colonizing Spaniards established in Jamaica, although little colonial-era architecture remains. St. Mary Parish Church may be the most photogenic landmark. Built of locally quarried limestone in 1861, it overlooks the sea. Back in Ocho Rios, you will dine on a traditional Jamaican lunch at Hermosa Cove Villa, an idyllic lushly landscaped waterfront resort.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire landmarks such as St. Mary Parish Church while driving through Port Maria.
• Pass a historical battle site and pause for photos of Sir Noël Coward’s former house.
• Enjoy a traditional Jamaican lunch at the waterfront resort Hermosa Cove Villa.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.