Found just 50 kilometers from the city of Colon, Portobelo's blue bay and verdant flora call to many a passing sailor. Most weigh anchor and stay a few days in the tranquil waters while landlubbers take in the tropical surroundings.

The town's peaceful and sleepy appearance belies its historic past. Once known far and wide for its market fairs and position on the Camino Real, Portobelo was the port for Spanish Armadas and the target of marauding pirates. It is said to have been named by Christopher Columbus on one of his many voyages.

Tons of gold and silver found their way into one of the Spanish crown's largest depositories in the world. Most of the treasure was conquistador treasure seized on forays into South America. All was brought by mule train to the specially constructed "Aduana" and shipped off to Spain on galleons.

Spain's former depository in the town of Nombre de Dios was so often attacked by pirates that they were forced to relocate their stronghold. Portobelo's bay had limited access, was safe from Caribbean tropical storms and was easily defended due to steep hills on the land surrounding the bay. The best architects and military engineers were brought in to fortify the town against attacks. The town soon became one of the busiest commercial and shipping ports in Central America.

Merchants, seamen and buyers flocked to Portobelo for renowned trade fairs that often lasted weeks at a time. From fine fabrics and dyes to slaves, Portobelo merchants conducted brisk businesses. The town almost withstood the test of time and stayed safe for two hundred years. In the early 1700s, the town fell to a siege conducted by an English pirate, Admiral Vernon. After finding the "Aduana" had already emptied the treasure, Vernon and his motley crew set to systematically destroying the town.