Porlamar

Margarita Island, Venezuela

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July 22, 2026

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Porlamar is a city and port located on Margarita Island in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of northeastern Venezuela. Margarita Island, also known as the Isle of Pearls, is the largest island in the Nueva Esparta state.12

Porlamar is significant as the center of the pearl industry and experienced a construction, tourism, and commerce boom after being declared a duty-free port in the 1970s. The island itself has a rich history, discovered by Columbus in 1498 and known for its pearls. It played a role in Venezuela's struggle for independence and has diverse economic activities including fishing, tourism, and manufacturing.2

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Margarita Island
…the most important city is Porlamar, which is the centre of the pearl industry and has an airport. A major boom in construction, tourism, and commerce has occurred since Porlamar was declared a duty-free port in the 1970s. The island’s largest port is at Pampatar.
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…the most important city is Porlamar, which is the centre of the pearl industry and has an airport. A major boom in construction, tourism, and commerce has occurred since Porlamar was declared a duty-free port in the 1970s. The island’s largest port is at Pampatar.
Read More