Margarita Island: Venezuela`s secret paradise

Under the tropical sun, an authentic island with warm salty breeze rises from the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Margarita island maybe isn’t entirely as well known across the world as Jamaica and Barbados, but it certainly has a lot to offer.

It may be tricky to find, but Margarita offers relaxed vibes many travellers are looking for. The island with soft white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and also striking natural beauty is tucked away in the quiet corner of the Caribbean.

 

 

If you are keen to discover a laid-back South American vibe without the glitz and glamour, then the true Venezuela’s secret paradise island awaits you.

 

MARGARITA ISLAND’S LOCATION

Margarita Island is lying off the north-eastern coast of Venezuela and is the largest of the Nueva Esparta State. Linked by a narrow stretch of land, the island comprises of two islands connected in the middle by the mangrove filled lagoon.

 

CLIMATE IN MARGARITA ISLAND

 

The Caribbean is certainly known throughout the world for its tropical climate, hot and muggy weather all year round. And Isla Margarita is surely no exception. What’s more, Margarita island sits well outside the hurricane belt. For this reason, there is only a small chance of tropical storms.

Although the best time to travel to Margarita is from late February to late March (driest months), occasional showers can usually occur during the night.

With the low rainfall year-round and the trade winds cooling off the island, Margarita Island can offer the Caribbean getaway for a fraction of the cost compared to the neighbouring ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao).

THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLAND

While many visitors see Isla Margarita only as a beach destination, the island with a magnificent landscape has a turbulent period of history. High forested mountains are home to fortresses and forts. They were built by Spaniards to protect their shores from the pirates during the colonial times.

Explore the island on a jeep safari tour, hike through the mountains or visit one of the national parks. Additionally, snorkel in crystal clear waters and get familiar with the local marine life.

 

WHAT NOT TO MISS ON MARGARITA ISLAND:

BEACHES

Out of the island’s attractions, the sun-filled beaches with white sands and an abundance of water sports are Margarita’s main draws. There are surely many to choose from. Whether you like secluded beaches, calm waters for snorkelling, or perfect waves for windsurfing.

 

PLAYA EL AGUA

 

It may be the busiest and most famous beach on the island, but Playa el Agua is big on beauty. The gold sand beach lined with palm trees, restaurants, and also shops is popular with the locals and visitors alike. The largest Margarita’s beach with the big waves is also famous for the surf conditions.

PLAYA EL YAQUE

Those who are in search of extreme water sport activities should head to Playa El Yaque. The beach located just 10 minutes from the airport is surely ideal for surfing and kiteboarding. Playa El Yaque beach is perfect also for families because of shallow waters.

PARADISE BEACH

Travellers who fancy relaxation should consider visiting Paradise beach. Located on the south coast of the island, Playa Paraiso is famous for its calm waters and also white sand. You can find the beach only a short distance from the port terminal.

PLAYA PARGUITO

Playa Parguito, located next to the famous Playa el Agua beach, is another beautiful beach. La playa not only has plenty of palm trees but also offers majestic. Besides, this is a place where the sea turtles come to lay their eggs in April and May.

ISLA DE COCHE

It might be a small island located to the south of the Margarita, but it has many activities for everyone. This quiet fishing island is certainly home to some of the best Margarita’s beaches. Moreover, Isla de Coche with blue seas offers many opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and also windsurfing. Those who don’t want to stay overnight can take a day tour to the island and enjoy a quiet atmosphere.

 

MARGARITA ISLAND HORSEBACK RIDING

 

If you need a break from the beaches, consider horseback riding. An unforgettable experience both for beginners and experts is an activity not to be missed. The visitors can choose horseback riding on the beach or over the mountains.

 

FORT OF SANTA ROSA, LA ASUNCION

 

In search of pristine mountain scenery, the cultural heritage, and stunning views? Well, La Asuncion certainly has them all.

 

The colonial town La Asuncion, the political capital of Margarita, is undoubtedly popular for its fortress. For many years, the Fort of Sant Rosa was a symbol of independence. The fort is also one of the most important historical symbols of the island. The Fort of Santa Rosa is also known as “Castillo de Santa Rosa.”

 

 

The Fort of Santa Rosa was built by the Spaniards to protect the island from the pirates. The colonial castle, with several cannons, is a place full of history.

Positioned at the top of a hill, the fort of Santa Rosa provides beautiful panoramic views. The fort overlooking the mountains and red-tiled houses is, without doubt, one of the best attractions on Isla Margarita.

 

BASILICA VIRGEN DEL VALLE

Basilica Virgen Del Valle, Isla Margarita

 

For the cultural experience and the traditions of Venezuela, visit Basilica Virgen del Valle. You can find this pink and white Basilica in the historical capital town of El Valle del Espiritu Santo. A must-see attraction of the island is honouring the Virgen del Valle, who is the patron saint of Venezuela. After exploring the basilica, don’t forget to visit the local market and also a museum next to the market.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Those who happen to be around in September (8th September) should not miss the festival. Thousands of pilgrims are coming to the town every year.

 

LAGUNA DE LA RESTINGA

 

It may be a small national park, but Laguna de la Restinga is big on beauty. Located on Margarita’s northern coast, a long strip of land unites the eastern part of the island with the western Peninsula de Macanao. The mangrove-covered national park with shallow salt lagoon is home to all kinds of habitats, including sea horses, red snappers, cormorants, flamingos, and many other birds.

 

Mazes of mangrove-covered channels

The visit to the Laguna de la Restinga includes a guided boat tour through mazes of verdant mangrove channels. It is a fabulous way to learn more about endemic species of wildlife and flora. Restinga Lagoon national park is definitely worth a visit when on Isla Margarita.

 

PUNTA ARENAS

Want to experience a day in the virgin surroundings? If yes was your answer, then head to Punta Arenas. You can find it in the most western part of the peninsula de Macanao. Enjoy the calm Caribbean waters, desert wilderness, and unravel Punta Arena’s laid back charm. Punta Arenas and La Carmela are famous for its quaint atmosphere and also plenty of cacti. Besides, they both have beautiful white-sand beaches. A 70 km (43 miles) long trip from busy Porlamar is certainly worth it.

PORLAMAR

Don’t forget to visit Porlamar, the largest and the most well-known city on the island. The city offers a wide selection of shops and restaurants. What`s more, Porlamar is home to two city beaches. It is also the central hub of the island’s nightlife.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ISLA MARGARITA

Discovered by Christopher Columbus, Margarita island may be significantly different from Columbus`s time.

Through the centuries, a Venezuelan island became a mecca for domestic tourism. Recently it started to be discovered by tourists, especially from the countries from South America.

 

SAFETY IN MARGARITA ISLAND

However, crisis-wracked Venezuela with a high threat from violent crime, food, and medicine shortages also affected Margarita Island, once a favourite port of call for cruise ships.

For the past several years, economic freefall and security concerns have caused a massive drop in tourism on Isla Margarita.

With no cruise ships in the port and no direct flights from America and Europe, the once-booming Margarita Island had to approach survival mode tourism.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Isla Margarita is likely safer than the mainland. However, it may be best to wait until the situation in the nation cools down.

Meanwhile, those who wish to visit the island now should check for the current travel alerts and warnings before booking a trip. Try your best to blend in and stay away from danger to avoid landing yourself into any kind of trouble.

 

Once an order is restored in Venezuela, Margarita Island will again become a great starting point on your Caribbean journey.

 

HOW TO GET TO ISLA MARGARITA

Not long ago, it was easy to get to Isla Margarita. Thanks to the direct flights from Europe, all-inclusive holidays, and a cruise ship tours, the island was getting sought-after.

Currently, getting to Margarita Island can take a little more effort, though. With no direct flights from North America and Europe, Margarita Island has become hard-to-get-to. 

To get to the island, you must first fly into either Caracas or Barcelona in Venezuela. Alternatively, to other countries where you need to catch a direct flight to Porlamar on Margarita Island. Porlamar is serviced mostly by the Venezuelan airlines (Avior or Estelar). Flights from Caracas are inexpensive during the week because the island is a popular weekend destination for the locals.

Travellers may get to Isla Margarita by the ferry service (the major “Conferry” company) if they are already on the north coast of Venezuela.

 

CURRENCY IN MARGARITA ISLAND

On the subject of the currency, when travelling to Isla Margarita, it’s a good idea to carry US dollars.

With widespread shortages and skyrocketing hyperinflation, prices in Venezuela are extremely vulnerable to change. The devaluation of the introduced bolivar soberano (BsS), which replaced the bolivar fuerte in 2018, caused Venezuelans now to use the US dollars for transactions and savings, despite the exchange control established by the Maduro regime.

 

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

 

Bring cash US dollars to Margarita Island and use a parallel market locally. The black market can provide much higher exchange rates. Never use ATMs or official exchange offices due to the low exchange rates.

It is illegal to advertise the black market exchange rates.

 

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Have you been to Isla Margarita? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.

 

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