Port Mathurin is the capital as well as the regional administrative centre of Rodrigues and it offers all the necessary facilities such as the banks, ATMs, travel agencies, well equipped library with free wifi access, the market, craft shops, casino, restaurants and supermarkets, along with other developments,which are not likely to be found in other parts of the island.
If you want to buy fruits and vegetables, it’s best to go early as almost everything will be gone by 10 a.m. The tourist/craft market, on the other hand, stays open until 1-2 p.m. This is the most visited part of the market where you can buy all sorts of local products including dried octopus and fish, pickles, chili sauce, tourtes (a Rodriguan pie filled with papaya, pineapple, and coconut), rattan baskets, handbags, etc.
Port Mathurin Market
There is also a magnificent mosque and a church that add to the highlights of the capital. Going further, you will find the local handicraft shops selling articles such as hats, baskets, jewellery boxes, that have been skillfully woven in raffia or in screw pine leaves.
There is a big parking lot behind the market and you will have no problem if you arrive there by cr,
Craft Aid, a small enterprise that employs handicapped people, has a workshop in the capital. The workshop makes a multitude of jewelleries from the shell of coconuts and the workers are also specialised in bee keeping. The Craft Aid had won an Excellence Award in 2000 during an international contest, along with the honey of Rodrigues which had acquired much fame.
The most popular night club is situated at Port Mathurin, just near the bus station. There are usually some theme nights such as for Halloween, Christmas, and new year where the DJs will make you dance till dawn.
Bazar Port Mathurin
Central Market in Port Mathurin The market plays an important role in the lives of people living in the city. The market becomes active from the early morning at 5 AM. Vendors from all over the island flock to the market by packed buses. The market is open daily. But on Saturdays, the ship from Mauritius brings vegetables, fruits and seafood. There will be more crowds on Saturdays. There will also be many local women selling artisanal products such as handicraft bags, accessories, hats, mat, including food stuffs such as the pickles, coffee, and salted seafood.
