Margarita Island is one of the 3 Islands that make up the state Nueva Esparta, in Venezuela. It is located in the southeast of the Caribbean Sea, in northwestern Venezuela, and north of the Araya peninsula of the Sucre state. Its main economic industries are fishing, construction, and of course tourism; this being one of the most visited islands in Venezuela.
The island is believed to have been inhabited by indigenous peoples for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498 and was named after the pearl (margarita in Spanish) that was found there. The island was originally settled by the Spanish and became a hub for the slave trade. In the early 19th century, it was invaded by the British and later became a province of Venezuela.
Throughout its history, Margarita Island has played a significant role in Venezuela’s economy and culture. It has been a major producer of sugar, tobacco, and other agricultural products, and it is also home to many tourist attractions, including beautiful beaches, national parks, and historical landmarks. Today, Margarita Island is a popular vacation destination for both Venezuelan and international tourists.
In the early 16th century, Margarita Island became a major center for the production of salt, which was in high demand in Europe. The island was also a major producer of sugar, tobacco, and other agricultural products.
In the late 18th century, Margarita Island was invaded by the British and became a province of the British Empire. The island remained under British control until 1816, when it was returned to Venezuela as part of the Treaty of London.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Margarita Island continued to be an important economic centre for Venezuela. It was a major producer of oil and other minerals, and it also became a popular tourist destination. The island is home to many beautiful beaches, national parks, and historical landmarks, and it is known for its warm climate and friendly people.
In recent years, Margarita Island has faced a number of economic and political challenges. The island has been hit hard by the ongoing economic crisis in Venezuela, and it has also been affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and droughts. Despite these challenges, the island remains a popular tourist destination and a vital part of Venezuela’s economy and culture.
Many things can be done on Margarita Island. There are for all tastes and ages. Let’s start with the beaches. There are them for everyone. Then we have the walks you can do: castles, churches, natural attractions… In Margarita, you can enjoy endless water sports. It is one of the best places in the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There is also an 18-hole golf course. In Macanao, you can ride Horses on an interesting tour.
Must do
Margarita is known for the beauty of its beaches, it is a paradise destination that many of the tourists always want to return to. The island has many corners full of so many small things you could do, the experiences you can live will be amazing; one of those that you can not stop doing is spend a day in El Yaque beach, in addition to participating in all the activities that it offers you including Windsurfing or Kitesurfing.
Some of the top attractions and things to see and do on the island include:
- Playa El Agua: This is one of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its fine white sands and crystal clear waters.
- Isla de Coche: This small island located off the coast of Margarita Island is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, as well as its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
- Punta Arenas: This small town on the southern coast of Margarita Island is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
- El Valle del Espíritu Santo: This beautiful valley located in the eastern part of the island is home to a number of waterfalls and natural pools, as well as hiking trails and beautiful scenery.
- Parque Nacional Laguna de la Restinga: This national park is home to a number of wetlands and lagoons, as well as a diverse range of flora and fauna. It’s a great place for nature lovers to explore.
- Fortín El Taguití: This historic fort, located in the town of Porlamar, was built in the 18th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.
- Paseo Colón: This pedestrian street in the center of Porlamar is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
- Museo del Mar: This museum, located in the town of Pampatar, is dedicated to the history and culture of Margarita Island and the surrounding region.
- Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Valle: This beautiful basilica, located in the town of San Francisco de Macanao, is a popular tourist attraction and an important religious site on the island.
- Parque Nacional Cerro El Copey: This national park is home to a number of hiking trails and beautiful scenery, as well as a diverse range of flora and fauna. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Margarita Island.
The Gothic Basilica of Our Lady of El Valle is located in the town of El Valle del Espiritu Santo, an island city in the northwestern state of Venezuela. The town is located on the island of Margarita. To reach the chapel, you must first cross the city’s bridge, which is located just outside the town. Afterwards, you will need to cross another bridge to get to the chapel.
The temple has a prayer wheel, which is designed to ring during prayer. The prayer wheel faces the interior of the camarin, where the Espiritu Santo is represented by the cupula. The rayos dorados highlighting the celeste are similar to those found in the catamarquene sky. The altar is designed to give patronage to the people of the Valle, which includes the indigenous Catamarca region.
The Basilica of Nuestra Senora Del Valle acoges thousands of pilgrims each year. The celebrations of the Natividad de Maria begin on the 8th of September, when the Virgen is removed from her nicho. The Virgin Mary’s image remains near pilgrims until the 8th of December, when the Inmaculada Concepcion is celebrated.
Best Beaches on Margarita Island
When it comes to beaches in Margarita Island Venezuela, you’ll find a lot to choose from. There are many different beaches to choose from, but here are some recommendations that will be sure to delight your taste buds. Check out La Playa El Agua, Playa el Yaque, Playa Zaragoza, and Manzanillo, and be ready to leave your daily routine behind.
Playa el Yaque
Playa el Yaque is a beach located on Margarita Island, a tropical island located off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. The beach is known for its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, and it is a popular destination for water sports, including windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Playa el Yaque is located in the northeastern part of Margarita Island, and it is known for having strong and consistent winds, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach is also home to a number of windsurfing and kitesurfing schools, which offer lessons and rentals for visitors.
In addition to water sports, Playa el Yaque is also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the beach. There are a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes located near the beach, as well as accommodations for tourists.
La Playa El Agua
The famous tourist development of La Playa El Agua is situated on Margarita Island, Venezuela. The pristine beach is the most attractive feature of this popular tourist destination. The beach is lined with palm trees and is ideal for swimming. A visit to the beach is sure to be a wonderful experience. A number of resorts and hotels have been built along this stretch of coast. To enjoy the secluded beach, rent a catamaran and try the local cuisine.
The island has over 50 beaches, some with clear water that is perfect for swimming while others are ideal for relaxing and water activities like windsurfing and surfing. For those who are not fond of swimming, there are also many scuba diving spots and surf spots that are accessible to tourists. If you are planning to spend the night in a casino, you can visit Margarita Hilton and Laguna Mar hotels.
Playa Zaragoza
If you’re traveling to Venezuela, I recommend that you check out the main island of Margarita Island, a gorgeous natural attraction. Playa Zaragoza is a beautiful beach on the island. The beach is located in the municipality of Juan Griego, which is located in the northeast of the island. The eastern end of the island is more developed and draws a large number of Venezuelan tourists. The eastern side of the island is also commercially developed, and large all-inclusive package hotels are plentiful.
The Club Punta Playa Hotel & Resort is located near two of the most beautiful beaches on Margarita Island, Pedro Gonzalez Beach and Playa Zaragoza. The resort has a beach club and swimming pool, and is close to the capital of La Asuncion. It is a great choice for families and couples who want a more relaxed atmosphere to spend their time. A trip to Margarita Island is a great way to get away from it all.
Playa Manzanillo
If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic beach in the Caribbean, consider visiting Playa Manzanillo on Margarita Island. Located near the northeastern tip of the island, it has beautiful scenery and a quaint fishing village. Enjoy fresh seafood, and sample the local cuisine at some of the many restaurants. While visiting, be sure to take time to check out the restaurants in the village.
While in Playa Manzanillo, be sure to visit the National Park, which occupies the high ground in the center of the island. With its mangrove forests and shallow salt lagoon, this park is well-known for its fresh seafood. If you’re interested in nature, consider taking a guided boat tour through the mangrove channels. Guided boat tours can be educational for tourists, and you can learn about endemic species of flora and wildlife.
On the island, be sure to check out the historic capital El Valle, home to the Virgin of El Valle. The iconic church is said to cure illnesses and bring good fortune to fishermen. You’ll also want to check out the museum dedicated to the legendary independence fighter, Santiago Marino. Horseback riding and mountain rides are also popular activities on Margarita. The beaches are perfect for families and people of all ages.
Playa Parguito
Playa Parguito is a popular beach located on Margarita Island, Venezuela. It is located on the eastern side of the island, about a 15-minute drive from the city of Porlamar.
Playa Parguito is known for its beautiful white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and has a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere.
There are several restaurants and bars located near Playa Parguito, as well as a number of small hotels and vacation rentals. The beach is also close to a number of other attractions, including the city of Porlamar and the El Agua hot springs.
Punta Arena Beach
Playa Punta Arenas is located on the western tip of Margarita Island. This fine white sand beach is dotted with many fishermen’s huts. The beach itself has a sandy point that gives the village its name. If you come here to enjoy the beaches and fishing opportunities, you’ll be glad you did. You can spend a relaxing day basking in the sun, enjoying the warm water, or taking a swim in the clear, calm waters of the Pacific Ocean.
If you’d rather go to a more authentic Venezuelan beach, head to Punta Arenas on Margarita Island. It’s a beautiful white sand beach with very calm waters. This beach is popular with families because of the lack of crowds. Beach equipment rental is available, as well as local food and drinks. If you’d like to see a penguin, you can visit the nearby Pinguinera, a private farm that’s located on the beach’s rocky cliffs.
Playa La Caracola
Playa La Caracola is a beautiful beach on Isla Margarita. It is two kilometers long and about ten meters wide. There are some distance markers along the beach for those who like to walk, run or bike. The beach is right next to Central Madeirense supermarket. There is ample parking near the carport, so it’s easy to find a spot to relax and enjoy the environment.
In addition to the beaches, the island is also home to several attractions. You can visit the Church of the Valley, which is dedicated to the patron saint of eastern Venezuela. You can also explore the historic Castillo de la Asuncion and Juangriego Fort. In the town of Conejeros, you can enjoy handicrafts and jewelry at local markets. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can book a tour of the Margarita Island from the town’s airport.
If you don’t like crowds, there are two other beaches to choose from. Playa La Caracola is a long, sand-filled beach, which is a popular choice for families and couples. It’s also safe for children and is a good spot for snorkeling and diving. Playa El Agua is a smaller beach, but it has nice waves. The beach is also home to the Barcelo Pueblo Caribe hotel.
Guacuco Beach
If you are looking for some surf in the Caribbean, you may want to check out Guacuco Beach on Margarita Island, Venezuela. This surf spot is an exposed beach break with dependable swell. Guacuco is best suited for surfing in the winter, with the best swell and wind directions from the southwest and east northeast. The waves at Guacuco are lefts and rights, but be wary of the rocks and sharks!
While there are other beaches in Margarita, Lagunamar is a great place to spend the day. It offers several pools, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool. There are also restaurants and organized water sports. The beach itself has a lot of palm trees and is lined with many beds. The waves are gentle and the sand is anaranajado in places. You can relax by the beach or enjoy an afternoon nap.
What do you like best about your city?
Without a doubt one of the best things that Margarita Island has is that all the tourist attractions are nearby, you can reach many places through a short highway, beautiful roads, sandy roads, or tree tunnels. Also, you will always find an excursion to do on one of its beaches, so your holiday in this place will undoubtedly be full of fun.
Best Walk
Margarita Island is not exactly a place of large parks since most of its extension consists of sea and sand, but it is possible to make excursions that will be full of adventure and fun.
One of our favorite places is La Laguna de La Restinga, this is a park that is located between the union of the eastern part and the western part of Margarita Island. It consists of mangroves and coastal plains, these are identified by local colors and names as “fishbone”, in this lagoon inhabit different types of fish and mollusks, so you can see them when you visit it.
There is a service of walks that you can take so that you can take the tour, it is usually done by motorboats and includes knowing the entire lagoon and then ending up at the nearby beach. You can get off in flat places where you can walk and take pictures. No one visiting Margarita Island can stop visiting this wonderful place.
Best Restaurants
Because of its location, it is obvious that most of Margarita Island’s cuisine is based on seafood, fish, and crustaceans. For this reason, most restaurants are focused on the preparation of these typical dishes, we name you 5 of the best you have to visit on your trip to the island.
- Casa Caranta
- El Palmero Restaurant
- Dolphin Restaurant.
- El Fondeadero
- Guillermina Restaurant
Best Places to Stay on Margarita Island
I have added a number of the most popular hotels on Margarita Island. If you’d like more detail and customer reviews hit the links and you will taken to TripAdvisor.
- Maloka Hotel Boutique & Spa – is located on the eastern coast of Margarita Island in Venezuela, a few minutes away from one of the most popular beaches of the island, Playa Guacuco. The nearest city is the state´s capital, La Asuncion, while Porlamar, Margarita´s main commercial town, is just about 10 minutes away.
- Wyndham Concorde Isla Margarita – With an enviable location on Isla Margarita in the Caribbean Sea, as well as a wealth of services and amenities, the newly renovated, full-service Wyndham Isla Margarita Concorde is an exemplary destination, whether your travels bring you to the northeastern coast of Venezuela for business or leisure.
- Hotel Costa Linda Beach – Costa Linda Beach Hotel is a very cozy colonial style Hotel, located on the north-east coast of Margarita Island. All areas of the Hotel are surrounded by green tropical gardens, palm trees and lots of flowers.
- Hesperia Isla Margarita – Surrounded by the verdant landscape of a natural park, the Hesperia Isla Margarita looks out over sparkling white sands and peaceful, crystalline waters.
- LD Plus Palm Beach – Beautiful hotel with an innovative structure and design that makes it a reference of the Hotel industry in Venezuela, offers an unbeatable accommodation experience
Best Music/Festival
Margarita Island does not usually have many constant festivals, on many occasions, some are usually held but they do not follow an annual theme and it is more about entertaining visitors and thus taking a good experience. Sometimes they usually have gastronomy festivals, which are usually a favorite due to the great exhibition made by the best restaurants to present typical dishes made with their ingredients and with their versions. The tourist can taste wherever he wants and thus get to know a little more about the gastronomy of the place.
Other festivals are usually the Film Festival, the tourism fair that has been held on-site, singing festivals where the island’s talents usually perform, and as well as these many more. They usually last more than three days and tourists can visit it as many times as they want, surely they will have moments full of fun and knowledge.
Best Nightlife
The Margarita night is attractive for the variety of activities for all ages, there is fun for adults, young people, and children. The island has nightclubs of all musical styles, bars, restaurants with live music, amusement parks, shopping centers open until midnight in high seasons, among many other attractions that tourists can enjoy.
Among the best places to have a good night full of fun are:
- Bar Restaurant – La Casa de Esther
- Disco Bora Bora
- Green Martini Lounge
- 1900 Nightlife
Best Day Trip Out of the City
Leaving Margarita Island is not exactly something you can do without planning, getting to this island is only possible by plane or ferry service. However, as we mentioned, Margarita Island is located within the New Sparta State, which is an archipelago made up of three islands: Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua.
So a perfect trip out of town could be on one of the two islands nearby, you can reach them by taking a boat and you will find many activities to do all related to the sea. We assure you that you will be delighted with all the beauty that the one you decide to visit offers.
Something that not many travelers would know about
One thing not all travelers know is that Margarita Island is known as the Pearl of the Caribbean, many believe it is for its incredible beaches, but the truth is that it goes far beyond the obvious. In the 1970s, the island had a global economic boom as it was a tourist destination that was a tax-free zone, so many people were able to start building different tourist infrastructures; it was also many’s favorite places because they could have their luxury vacation for a lower price.
Others say the name arose because pearl could be found on the island, which was also an important part of the local economy. Whatever it is, it seems to us that the name should simply go for the greatness and beauty of the beaches, so be sure to visit this wonderful place and discover for yourself why this beautiful island is known as the pearl of the Caribbean.
Interesting Facts about Margarita Island
- The capital city of the state Nueva Esparta is La Asunción which is on Margarita Island.
- Christopher Columbus was the first European to arrive on the island in 1498.
- The indigenous people of the island are called the Guaiqueries people.
- At the time the coast of the island was rich with pearls.
- Some fortifications that were built in the 16th century can be seen today.
- Legend has it the island was captured by pirate “Red Legs” Greaves in 1675 and large booty of treasure of pearls and gold was taken.
- The French buccaneer Marquis de Maintenon attacked the island in 1676 and after the Spanish Crown ordered the construction of Santa Rosa de la Eminencia castle.
- The island has had duty free status since 1974.
- Organised crime is prevalent in the Margarita Islands and is known as a hub for international drug cartels and there have been murders of tourists in the past 10 years mainly due to robberies.
- Margarita Island is located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela. It is the largest island in the country and is home to a variety of tropical landscapes, including sandy beaches, mangroves, and mountains.
- The island was named after Margarita de Piscatoribus, the queen of the Kingdom of Aragón in Spain, who owned the island in the 14th century.
- Margarita Island is known for its beautiful beaches, including Playa El Agua, which is considered one of the best beaches in Venezuela.
- The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and ocelots.
- The island’s economy is primarily based on tourism, with many visitors coming to enjoy the warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
- Margarita Island is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Fortín La Galera, a Spanish colonial fort that dates back to the 18th century.
- The island is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Popular Art.
- Margarita Island is known for its delicious seafood, with a number of local restaurants serving dishes made with fresh fish and shellfish caught off the coast.
- The island is home to a number of annual festivals and events, including the Festival de la Música, which celebrates the island’s rich musical heritage, and the Carnival of Margarita, a colorful and lively celebration that takes place every year in February.
- Margarita Island is home to a number of national parks and protected areas, including the Laguna de la Restinga National Park, which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. Overall, Margarita Island is a unique and fascinating place with a rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and a vibrant culture.