Before you go

Your trip to Porlamar.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Porlamar – Nova Esparta

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional del Caribe Santiago Mariño (PMV) 20 km
Terminal de Ferris de Punta de Piedras Punta de Piedras · 28 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before buying. Margarita's airport is in the south of the island, about 20 km from Porlamar, with flights from Caracas and other cities. Ferries from Puerto La Cruz and Cumaná arrive at Punta de Piedras, about 28 km away, connected to Porlamar by road.

How many days

Three or four days based in Porlamar: one for Pampatar, El Valle and La Asunción, another for Playa El Agua and Juan Griego, a third for La Restinga and one free beach day.

When to go

Warm and dry year-round, around 27 °C, with strong sun. Rains are few and brief, more common between June and August and between November and January. July to September, December, Carnival and Holy Week are the busiest periods. The feast of the Virgen del Vale is on September 8.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Within Porlamar, taxis suffice. To tour the island, a rental car or a taxi with a driver for the day is the most practical option: the beaches, castles and La Restinga are spread out. There are also local buses between towns and day excursions.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Porlamar

Morning
El Valle and La Asunción
Start at the Basílica da Virgem do Vale in El Valle del Espíritu Santo, then head to La Asunción to climb up to the Castillo de Santa Rosa for views over the valley.
Afternoon
Playa El Agua
Cross the island to the northeast coast and spend the afternoon at Playa El Agua, with a fish lunch at the restaurants under the coconut trees.
Late afternoon
Sunset in Juan Griego
Follow the coast to Juan Griego and climb up to the Fortín de La Galera to watch the sun set over the bay.
Evening
Return to Porlamar
Return to Porlamar to have dinner in the area of avenida Santiago Mariño or on the seafront.

2 days in Porlamar

Day 1

Morning
Basilica and castle
Basílica da Virgem do Vale and Castillo de Santa Rosa, in La Asunción, with a stop at the main square and the capital's cathedral.
Afternoon
Playa El Agua
Afternoon on the beach at Playa El Agua, with a walk along the sand to the northern end.
Late afternoon
Juan Griego
Sunset at the Fortín de La Galera, overlooking the bay of Juan Griego.
Evening
Dinner in Juan Griego
Dine at the restaurants along the bay's seafront before returning to Porlamar.

Day 2

Morning
Laguna de La Restinga
Head early to the La Restinga dock and take the boat tour through the mangrove channels to the beach.
Afternoon
Praia de La Restinga
Stay on the long beach of La Restinga, have lunch of fried fish and oysters at the kiosks, and return by boat in the mid-afternoon.
Late afternoon
Pampatar
On the way back, stop in Pampatar for the Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo and the bay's seafront.
Evening
Orla da Bella Vista
Finish at the orla da Bella Vista, in Porlamar, to have dinner by the sea.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Porlamar the capital of Margarita?

No. Porlamar is the largest city and the commercial center of the island. The capital of Nueva Esparta state is La Asunción, about 12 km to the north.

Does Porlamar have a beach?

It has the orla da Bella Vista downtown, but the most popular beaches are outside the city, such as Playa El Agua, about 25 km away, and those on the east coast.

How to tour around the island starting from Porlamar?

By rented car, with a taxi and driver for the day, or on an organized tour. In two days it's possible to see El Valle, La Asunción, Playa El Agua, Juan Griego and La Restinga.

What to eat in Margarita?

Fried fish with tostones and salad, empanadas de cazón, fish soup, oysters from La Restinga and pastel de chucho (stingray pie), typical of the island.

Where to shop in Porlamar?

On the commercial avenues downtown, such as Santiago Mariño, and in the shopping malls in the city and in Pampatar. Margarita has a trading tradition because it was a free trade area.

Back to Porlamar