Pampatar is the second biggest city and it is located 8 Km east from Porlamar. Pampatar has around 50,000 citizens in its greater area. Here you find counts with Colonial and historical attractions, beautiful beaches, international and typical restaurants and large hotels. It has become one of the prefered areas for residential buildings because of the beauty of its shoreline.
Since its foundation arroud 1530, Pampatar has been a fishermen village. When the Spaniards decided to settle there they built castles and forts to defend the village from pirate attackes. The most visited sites by national tourists as well as international ones are El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo, built in 1824 and rebuilt several times after destruction by pirates. Ancient artillery pieces are exhibited there, as well as paintings and artifacts from the Independece War. From the castle you have a beautiful view of the Pampatar bay.
Most of the larger shopping malls are also in Pampatars Jurisdiction: Sambil Margarita, Rattan Depot, Centro Comercial AB (Avenida Bolivar), and La Redoma.
