Margarita Island Venezuela: Caribbean’s Lost Paradise

Margarita Island in Venezuela isn’t on most travellers’ wish lists. In fact, many have never ever heard of it. But don’t let that stop you—this Caribbean isle is a dream destination for those who crave unspoiled beaches and a laid-back culture. The catch? This paradise almost disappeared.

If you’re looking for a tropical paradise without tourist crowds or high prices, this could be your dream destination.

 

The Rise and Fall 

For centuries, Isla Margarita was famous for the slave trade and pearls. In modern times, it has become a tourism hotspot, drawing visitors from Europe and South America for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and duty-free shopping. Tourists from around the world come for its crystal-clear waters and gorgeous white sandy beaches.

But Venezuela’s economic crisis changed everything. Once busy hotels closed, shops shut down, and cruise ships stopped coming. The once-thriving island became a ghost town. But Venezuelans never gave up on it, and now, a surprising shift is happening—new visitors from Russia, Cuba, and Poland are rediscovering it. Local businesses are slowly adapting, offering new experiences for those willing to step off the beaten path.

Why you should visit it

Here’s what many people don’t know: Margarita is still breathtaking. It offers world-class windsurfing, historic forts, and some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the Caribbean. If you love exploring hidden gems, this is your chance to experience an island that feels untouched by time.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

This Venezuelan paradise isn’t for everyone. But if you seek beauty, adventure, over luxury, and a truly unique Caribbean experience, it might be for you.

 

What colour is the sand?

The beaches on Margarita Island look like something from a postcard—soft white sand, and light-coloured grains, stretching as far as the eye can see. Unlike the crowded beaches of the nearby Aruba, you’ll find plenty of space to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the stunning coastline.

 

Where is it?

Margarita Island is part of Venezuela and sits just 40 km (25 miles) from its mainland. Where exactly? Between the ABC Islands and Trinidad and Tobago, which lies about 260 km (161 mi) away. It’s the largest of three islands in Nueva Esparta. It consists of two islands joined by a narrow stretch of land. It’s also much more affordable than the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao).

It’s roughly 680 km (423 mi) from Aruba, 688 km (427 mi) from Curaçao and 488 km (303 mi) from Bonnaire.

 

What’s the weather like?

The island enjoys warm temperatures year-round, cooled by refreshing trade winds. Unlike many Caribbean destinations, Isla Margarita is outside the hurricane belt, meaning tropical storms are rare—no hurricanes here, making it a safer year-round choice. The best time to visit is from late February to late March, with perfect beach weather almost every day.

 

Best things to do

Most tourists come just for the beaches, unaware of the island’s rich history, dramatic landscapes, and historic forts.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1498, Christopher Columbus landed here and met the indigenous Guaiqueries people, who lived off the coast of Venezuela. The island’s coast quickly became a significant source of wealth, primarily due to its valuable pearls, which became one of Spain’s most treasured sources. However, this wealth also attracted danger. Pirates frequently attacked the area, and Spain built massive forts for protection, many of which still stand today.

 

 

The best things for beach lovers

Margarita boasts at least 70 beaches, each offering something different. If you’re wondering which ones to visit, here’s what you need to know.

 

 

The Best beaches on Isla Margarita Venezuela

 

1. Playa El Agua

If you visit just one beach, make it Playa El Agua.

 

The 30 m (98.4 ft) wide Playa El Agua is the longest and most famous beach on the island. It stretches for 4 km (2.5 miles) and is lined with golden sand and tall palm trees. The ocean is wild and powerful—perfect for surfing, but not always safe for swimming. Along the beach, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a lively spot to spend the day.

Playa El Agua

 

 

2. Playa El Yaque

If water sports are your thing, head to Playa El Yaque. This beach is famous for strong and steady winds, making it one of the best places for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Even if you’ve never tried these sports, don’t worry—there are schools offering lessons right on the beach. Families also love this spot because the waters are shallow and safe for kids. Plus, it’s only 10 minutes from the airport, so you can hit the water soon after landing.

 

3. Paradise Beach

Looking for peace and quiet? Paradise Beach is the answer. This is one of the island’s most tranquil beaches, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a short distance from the port terminal, making it easily accessible.

 

4. Playa Parguito

If you love nature and wildlife, you need to visit Playa Parguito. This is where sea turtles return every year to lay their eggs. Watching these ancient creatures crawl onto the shore is something you will never forget. Come here between April and May and witness how massive sea turtles return to this beach to nest. Beyond the wildlife, Playa Parguito is stunningly beautiful, with breathtaking ocean views and plenty of shade from palm trees.

 

5. Isla de Coche

But here’s something most tourists don’t know—this quiet fishing island was once overflowing with pearls. During the Spanish colonization, pearls from Isla de Coche helped fund the Spanish Empire. Today, instead of pearl divers, you’ll find snorkelers, divers, and windsurfers enjoying the crystal-clear waters. Isla de Coche boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding are world-class, thanks to strong winds and calm waters. You can take a day trip or stay overnight to enjoy its beauty.

 

Best things to do on Isla Margarita for history lovers

 

6. Fort of Santa Rosa

The story of Santa Rosa Castle, also known as Castillo de Santa Rosa, begins in the 17th century at a time when pirates terrorized the Caribbean. After a French pirate attack devastated La Asunción, the Spanish governor ordered a fortress to be built to protect the city. The result was Santa Rosa Castle – a fortress so strong it could withstand cannon fire and invasions. It was positioned on a high hill, overlooking the Santa Lucia Valley, with thick walls and strategic defences.

 

The Spanish built a fortress that could never be taken again.

 

The fort of Santa Rosa sits high on a hill, offering breathtaking views of La Asunción. It was designed with three defensive fronts, two bastions on each side, and a massive stone structure that could resist cannon fire. Today, standing within its thick stone walls, you can almost hear the echoes of battles that shaped Venezuela’s history.

THE WOMAN WHO WOULD NOT BREAK

During the Venezuelan War of Independence, the Spanish used the fortress as a prison for patriots. The most famous prisoner? Luisa Cáceres de Arismendi – a young woman whose only crime was being married to a revolutionary leader. She was imprisoned in this fortress in 1815, not for a crime, but as a desperate attempt by the Spanish to break her husband, Juan Bautista Arismendi. Locked in a tiny, dark cell with no hope, Luisa refused to betray her husband or country. Her resistance became a symbol of Margarita Island’s fight for independence in Venezuela.

FROM FORTRESS TO MUSEUM

In 1816, Simón Bolívar, the great liberator of South America, arrived on the island and launched a campaign against Spanish rule. His victories led to the destruction and abandonment of the fort, but its role in history was far from over. Over the years, it became an army base, an artillery quarter, and later a war museum. Declared a National Monument in 1965, it is now one of the island’s most important historical sites.

 

Today exploring the Santa Rosa Fortress is one of the best things to do on Margarita Island because it allows visitors to step back in time and relive the battles that shaped this land. Walking through its corridors, you can feel the weight of history—from the Spanish conquistadors who built it to the freedom fighters who gave their lives within its walls.

 

7. Basilica Virgen del Valle

One place that stands above the rest for its deep cultural and religious significance is the Basilica Virgen del Valle. Located in El Valle del Espíritu Santo, this pink and white church is one of the island’s most important landmarks.

For centuries, Virgen del Valle has been the patron saint of Venezuela and protector of Margarita Island. Every year, thousands gather on September 8 for a massive celebration, where her statue is brought down from the altar for the people to see. On December 8, it is returned in a grand ceremony.

 

A LEGENDARY MIRACLE THAT SAVED THE ISLAND

The locals believe the Virgen del Valle has performed miracles. In 1541, a severe drought threatened this paradise. Desperate for rain, the people carried the Virgin’s statue through La Asunción, praying for relief. According to legend, as they prayed, heavy rains suddenly fell, saving them.

La Asunción

 

Visiting the Basilica Virgen del Valle is not just about history; it’s about experiencing local traditions. After exploring the church, stop by the local market, where you can find religious souvenirs and handmade crafts. Next door, a small museum tells the Virgin’s story.

 

8. Porlamar

Porlamar is the island’s beating heart and the largest and most famous city. Founded in 1536 as Puerto de la Mar, it remained a quiet fishing village until air travel brought a wave of change. Today, Porlamar is the cosmopolitan hub with a vibrant atmosphere and bustling streets. The two city beaches offer sun and relaxation, while shops and restaurants offer local traditions.

 

The best things for nature lovers

 

9. Laguna de la Restinga

If you love nature and wildlife, you must visit Laguna de la Restinga. This stunning national park connects the island’s eastern part with the western Macanao Peninsula. A thin strip of land separates its saltwater lagoon from the sea, creating a breathtaking ecosystem full of life.

 

Take a guided boat tour and explore winding mangrove-lined channels. The shallow 2,500-hectare lagoon is a Ramsar-protected wetland and one of the island’s most important wildlife spots. The shallow, fish-filled waters support red snappers, swordfish, and oysters, making this a treasured ecological site.

 

 Visiting the Restinga Lagoon National Park is one of the best things for birdwatchers and marine life lovers. The channels, with romantic names like Lover’s Tunnel, make this place even more magical.

 

 

10. Punta Arenas

Peaceful La Carmela

 

Punta Arenas is a place where desert landscapes meet the turquoise sea, creating a breathtaking contrast. Located 70 km from Porlamar, this remote beach is one of the island’s most peaceful spots. When you arrive, you’ll find soft white sand, warm shallow waters, and a cacti-filled landscape. If you look closely, you may see clams and starfish beneath the waves. A Jeep Safari Tour often stops here, offering a chance to soak in the laid-back charm.

 

Playa Galera, Juangriego Bay

 

11. Horseback riding experience 

Swap the sand for saddles

 

Tired of just lying on the beach? Get on horseback and discover the island’s wild side. Ride through sun-drenched beaches, winding coastal trails, and hills with endless ocean views. Choose your perfect route—a peaceful beach ride, an adventurous mountain trail, or a mix of both. With expert local guides, you’ll travel through tropical landscapes and peaceful shorelines. The horses are gentle, well-trained, and perfect for beginners and experienced riders. This is not just a tour – you’ll experience the island’s beauty in a way most visitors never do.

 

Now you know what the best things to do on Isla Margarita in Venezuela are!

 

MORE INFORMATION

A tourist paradise in survival mode

The island has changed drastically since Christopher Columbus first discovered it. Over the centuries, it became a mecca for domestic tourism, attracting visitors from all over South America. But today, it’s struggling with the effects of Venezuela’s economic crisis. While its beaches and landscapes remain breathtaking, safety concerns in 2025 make tourists think twice before visiting.

 

Is Margarita Island Safe in 2025?

Yes and no. A crisis in Venezuela has taken a toll on Margarita and the island is in survival mode tourism. Once a major stop for cruise ships, it now receives fewer international visitors due to travel warnings from foreign governments. Years of political unrest, food and medicine shortages, security concerns, and a drastic drop in GDP have pushed many Venezuelans to leave. Food and medicine shortages, as well as rising crime rates, have made daily life more challenging.

The situation worsened after the disputed 2024 elections, which reportedly led to continued instability under President Nicolás Maduro. Today, it faces frequent blackouts, failing infrastructure, and an uncertain future.

 

Should You Visit in 2025?

If you are considering a trip, check the latest travel alerts. As of March 2025, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Venezuela, including Margarita Island. The island’s coastal resorts remain relatively safe, but you must exercise caution and avoid high-risk areas. Blending in, staying aware, and keeping valuables out of sight is essential for safety. Stick to coastal resorts, avoid isolated areas, and book tours through reputable agencies. Avoid walking alone at night, use trusted taxis, and stay in well-reviewed hotels. Resorts in Playa El Agua and Playa El Yaque remain the safest options. Major hotels offer private airport transfers—book these in advance.

 

It boasts stunning beaches, but the challenges of daily life—including periodic blackouts and a weakened tourism sector shouldn’t be ignored. Wait and see if conditions improve before planning a trip, as the risks remain high.

 

Here’s how to get there and what to bring

 

GETTING THERE

Most visitors land in Caracas and then take a 50-minute domestic flight to Porlamar, the island’s main airport. Domestic flights operate 3 to 6 flights per day, and connections are fast and efficient. For European visitors, Rainbow Tours now runs direct weekly flights from Poland, to Margarita Island. As of March 2025, flights depart weekly from Katowice Airport to Porlamar during the winter season (November to March). For those already in Venezuela, a ferry service from the mainland is available. The company Conferry operates crossings, giving visitors another way to reach it.

 

CURRENCY

Forget about using Venezuelan bolivars; US dollars are the only practical currency. Due to hyperinflation and devaluation, everyone uses US Dollars for transactions. The local bolivar soberano (BsS), which replaced the bolivar fuerte in 2018 is practically worthless. Instead, they rely on US dollars for everything from shopping to dining.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Bring cash in US dollars, as credit cards may not work. Exchange money on the parallel market for better rates. Never use ATMs or official exchange offices, as their rates are much lower. Keep in mind that advertising black market rates is illegal, exchanges must be arranged discreetly. Hotels and tour operators can often point you in the right direction.

 

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Have you ever visited this place in Venezuela?  What surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Last updated: 11/03/2025