Porlamar, Venezuela: travel guide
Isla Margarita's commercial hub, with beaches, forts and a mangrove lagoon
The commercial heart of Isla Margarita, Venezuela's Caribbean holiday island, ringed by white-sand beaches, duty-free shopping, colonial forts and the Restinga mangrove lagoon.
About Porlamar
Porlamar is the main commercial town of Isla Margarita, Venezuela's Caribbean holiday island. It serves as the island's shopping and service hub, with the beaches and quieter villages a short drive away.
Playa El Agua and Playa Parguito offer long sands and kitesurfing breezes, while Castillo San Carlos Borromeo and the Fortin La Galera in Juan Griego recall the colonial period. The Basilica of Nuestra Senora del Valle is an important pilgrimage church, and boats take you through the mangroves of La Restinga National Park.
Porlamar suits beach holidays, shoppers and families. The island is dry and sunny for most of the year, and the dry months from December to April are the most popular.
- Country
- Venezuela
- Currency
- VES
- Time zone
- America/Caracas
- Nearest airport
- PMV
Last updated
Top places to visit in Porlamar
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Valle
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The pink-and-white neo-Gothic basilica honouring Margarita's patron, the Virgin of El Valle, and a major pilgrimage site.
Castillo San Carlos Borromeo
Fort · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A 17th-century Spanish fort guarding Pampatar bay, built to defend against pirates, with cannons and harbour views.
Juan Griego & Fortín La Galera
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A fishing town famous for its sunsets, watched from the hilltop ruins of Fortín La Galera over the bay.
Playa El Agua
Beach · 4.7 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Margarita's most famous beach: a 4 km arc of golden sand backed by palm-thatched seafood restaurants and lively beach bars.
Parque Nacional La Restinga
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A coastal lagoon and mangrove national park crossed by boat through narrow channels to a long shell-sand barrier beach.
Playa Parguito
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The island's best surf beach, just south of Playa El Agua, popular with bodyboarders and a younger crowd.
Things to do
- Margarita Catamaran & La Restinga Tour Boat · 5 h · from USD 35 per person
Day trips and tours
- Margarita Island Grand Tour 8 h · from USD 40
Where to stay in Porlamar
- Playa El Agua about VES 60 per night
Margarita's most famous beach strip, lined with resorts, posadas and seafood restaurants.
- Pampatar about VES 55 per night
A quieter colonial-fishing town with a fort, marina and family-friendly beaches.
Hotels
- Dunes Hotel & Beach Resort 4-star · USD 70 to USD 140 per night
- Hesperia Isla Margarita 5-star · USD 90 to USD 180 per night
Where to eat
- El Yaque Beach Seafood Seafood, Venezuelan · about USD 18 per person
- Punto Criollo Venezuelan · about USD 8 per person
Getting to Porlamar
Airport: Porlamar (PMV)
Getting around
- Bus
- Ride Hail
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Taxi overcharging
Airport, Porlamar, beaches
Taxis have no meters and quote inflated fares to tourists, especially from the airport.
How to avoid it: Agree the fare before getting in and ask your hotel for the going rate.
More in Venezuela
Frequently asked questions about Porlamar
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Porlamar?
- The highest-rated places in our Porlamar guide are Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Valle, Playa El Agua, Castillo San Carlos Borromeo, Juan Griego & Fortín La Galera, Parque Nacional La Restinga.
- Where should I stay in Porlamar?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Porlamar: Playa El Agua, Pampatar.
- How do I get around Porlamar?
- Ways to get around Porlamar covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Porlamar?
- Scams reported to us for Porlamar include Taxi overcharging. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Porlamar?
- The nearest airport to Porlamar has the code PMV.