Portland is the most north-easterly parish in the island of Jamaica with an area of 814 square kilometers (328 sq miles). It lies in the direct path of the north-east trade winds and the Blue Mountain ridge to its south traps the moisture causing the parish to have the highest rainfall in the island. Much of the interior is inaccessible with thick rain forests and the parish has lush vegetation. The highest elevation is Blue Mountain peak which is 2,256 metres above sea level. The John Crow Mountain range is in the east. The parish has a variety of complex landforms and unmatched fertility. There are 17 rivers which form a network throughout the parish. The largest are the Rio Grande. Buff Bay and Hectors Rivers. Rafting on the Rio Grande is a favourite recreational pastime for locals and tourists alike.Portland is considered by many to be the most beautiful parish. The entire coastline is dotted with caves, bays, rivers, waterfalls and verdant hills. There are fourteen caves which include those at Buff Bay, Orange Bay, Hope Bay, Port Antonio, Boston Bay, Long Bay, Innis Bay and Nonsuch. It also boasts the Blue Lagoon believed to be the crater of an extinct volcano. The capital Port Antonio, has a double harbour with a small island, Navy Island close to the coastline. continue