Saturday Market
Visit on Saturday morning for the island's biggest market, perfect for local snacks and crafts.
Port Mathurin
Rodrigues, Mauritius
City·Relaxed, Colonial, Authentic
Images coming soon!
Port Mathurin serves as the administrative capital and main port of Rodrigues Island, Mauritius. This compact town is characterized by its grid-like streets lined with colonial-style buildings and colorful shops. The town truly comes alive during the Saturday market, where locals gather to sell everything from fresh octopus and honey to hand-woven baskets. As the island's commercial hub, it offers the best selection of banks, shops, and eateries, while maintaining a slow, peaceful pace of life. Visitors can enjoy strolls along the waterfront or use the town as a base to explore the island's pristine lagoons and hiking trails.
Port Mathurin serves as the administrative capital and main port of Rodrigues Island, Mauritius. This compact town is characterized by its grid-like streets lined with colonial-style buildings and colorful shops. The town truly comes alive during the Saturday market, where locals gather to sell everything from fresh octopus and honey to hand-woven baskets. As the island's commercial hub, it offers the best selection of banks, shops, and eateries, while maintaining a slow, peaceful pace of life. Visitors can enjoy strolls along the waterfront or use the town as a base to explore the island's pristine lagoons and hiking trails.
Highlights
Vibrant Saturday market featuring local crafts and fresh produce.
Historic colonial-era architecture and colorful streetscapes.
Central hub for island-wide bus transportation and services.
Scenic harbor views with a bustling local fishing fleet.
Before you go: Port Mathurin essentials
Limited Sunday Activity
Most shops and services close on Sundays, so plan your errands accordingly.
Pace of Life
Expect a very relaxed atmosphere where things move slower than in mainland Mauritius.
Port Access
As the main harbor, it is the arrival point for those traveling by sea from Mauritius.
Getting Around
The town is small enough to explore on foot, but the bus terminal is the hub for reaching other parts of the island.
Best For
Exploring local culture and the vibrant Saturday market.
Currency
MUR ₨
Average Cost
$50-$100 p/day
Population
8,350
Banking
This is the best place on the island to find ATMs and banking services before heading to more remote areas.
Languages Spoken
Mauritian Creole, French, English
Best time to visit Port Mathurin
May-June, September-November
Best Season
Spring
Spring (September-November) offers pleasant temperatures and is great for outdoor exploration.
Best Season
Summer
Summers (December-April) are hot and humid with occasional tropical storms, but great for water activities.
Best Season
Fall
Fall (May-June) brings cooler, drier weather, ideal for hiking around the island.
Winter
Winters (July-August) can be windy and cooler, but still pleasant for sightseeing.
Location
Port Mathurin, Rodrigues, Mauritius