Free haven In 1975 the Island of Margarita was declared Puerto Libre or free haven with the purpose of attracting tourists. Thus, many Venezuelans from the main land go to Margarita to shop and spend the weekend on the island.
Porlamar You will find the biggest variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and discos in the town of Porlamar.
Fashionable brands in clothes, shoes, liquors, gold and perfumes can be bought in the two main streets: Avenida 4. de Mayo and Santiago de Mariño, as well as in the big shopping center Sambil just outside Porlamar, where you will also find a small number of restaurants and cafés.
The old part of the town If you are looking for souvenirs, you will find many good deals in the old part of town. The centre of the old town is made up by Plaza Bolivar along with two pedestrian streets; namely, Boulevard Guevara and Boulevard Gomez. These streets are full of small local shops and street vendors.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Sunday: closed
Market Besides the shops, Porlamar has a big market, Mercado de Conejero or the Rabbit Market. The market resides just outside the town centre and has two separate departments. That is, one with fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat, and another one with shoes, clothes, hammocks, souvenirs, beach wear, postcards etc. Remember to haggle as haggling is part of the market culture.
Mercado de Conejero is open the whole week from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., but it is always most lively in the morning.
Juan Griego This town has two commercial streets offering shopping facilities: one street that runs along the water, and another one which runs from the church, in the center of town, to the seashore. However, the commodities sold in Juan Griego are mostly products with minor quality defects. The shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
