Porlamar is the largest city on Isla Margarita. It was founded on the south-east coast in 1536, less than 40 years after Christopher Columbus first sailed through. Porlamar was a quiet fishing village until the arrival of air travel. Since then, it has become the central hub of the island with shops, restaurants and night-life supported mostly by European and Venezuelan tourism. Porlamar holds about one-third of Margarita Island's population and it is also the island's centre of commerce. Since it was granted free-port status in 1973, its boutique-lined avenues have been crowded with tourists.

Tourist Offices
The tourist information office is in the Centro Artesanal Gilberto Menchini on Avenida Villalba, Los Robles, which is half way between Porlamar and Pampatar.

Sightseeing
There is a cute little theme park on Avenida Jóvito Villalba called Diverland. It has a small collection of roller coasters and other rides. It's fun, and while you're here you must visit Waterland where you can swim with dolphins and seals.

Getting there
Del Caribe International General Santiago Marino Airport (PMV) is located 20km south-west of the city centre. There are regular flights from Barcelona, Cumaná, Maracay, Maturín, Valencia and Caracas. You can also come by boat from Puerto la Cruz, La Guaira, Cumaná and Peninsula de Araya.