Quick Facts

This small Caribbean island is Venezuela’s most popular tourist destination for Venezuelans and foreigners alike. It is known as La Perla de Caribe, or the Pearl of the Caribbean, due to the islands white sand beaches with a mountainous backdrop and it’s turquoise beaches. The island is actually 2 islands joined together by sandy/marshy stretch of land that make up La Restinga National Park. The western side of the island is mainly undeveloped. However, the eastern side is developed with many resort and beach areas. The three main cities on the east side of the island are: Porlamar, Pampatar, and La Asuncion.

Getting There & Other Transportation

Many international airlines have flights directly to Margarita’s Aeropuerto Internacional del Caribe Santiago Marino. You can also get there by ferry from the mainland ports of Puerto La Cruz and Cumana. Also, planes from Caracas fly daily to and from Margarita.

Renting a car is an easy way to get around Margarita. Another option is to take the local buses, which are an inexpensive and reliable way to get around. Taxis are also readily available to be flagged down in the streets.

Hotels & Places to Stay

There is a surplus of hotel rooms available on the island. This being the case, there are many luxurious, moderate, and budget hotels and resorts available. A good bet would be to purchase an all-inclusive package.

Luxurious:

Dunes Hotel & Beach Resort

Hesperia Isla Margarita

Laguna Mar

Moderate:

Casa Caracol

Posada Casa Mejillon

Hesperia Playa Agua

Hotel Costa Linda Beach

Dining & Nightlife

Many tourists that visit Margarita stay in all-inclusive accommodations. However, this does not mean there are not worthy restaurants to explore around the island.

El Rancho de Pablo (Seafood)

La Isla (Seafood)

Il Positano (Italian cuisine)

Casa Caranta (Seafood)

Catabar (Eclectic)

El Pacifico (South American)

As far as nightlife goes, some tourists like to stick to their all-inclusive resort’s bars and nightclubs, while others like to venture out on the town to see what the island has to offer. Either way, there is something for everyone. Here are some great places to check out on the island:

Kamy Beach (Bar)

Beach Bar (Bar)

Senor Frogs (Bar)

Hard Rock Café (Bar)

Guayoyo Café (Lounge)

Mykonos Lounge (Lounge)

Attractions

Beaches:

There are dozens of white-sandy beaches that line the island. Some are developed and some are practically deserted. Some popular and relatively more developed are: Playa El Agua, Playa Parguito, Cardon, and Guacuco. Some undeveloped and quiet beaches are: Manzanillo, El Tirano, Playa Caribe, Playa Pedro Gonzalez, and Playa Puerto Viejo.

La Restinga National Park:

This park dissects the island and separates the developed east side from the undeveloped west. It is 10,700 hectares and is made up of mangroves, marshland, sandbars, and coral-sand beaches. Tours of the Park are available and include boat trips through the mangroves, time on the beach, bird watching, and collecting some of the beach’s renowned sea-shells.

Islas Coche & Cubagua:

Day tours are available to explore these 2 islands and their pearl beds. These beds of pearls were once a major source of wealth during colonial times.

Exploring Pampatar:

The town on the island is the most picturesque on the island. Here, the 17th Century fort, Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo, stands which once protected the harbor from pirate attacks. From the fort, there is a beautiful view of the beaches and the Caribbean Sea. Another fort that is now in ruins is the Fortin de la Caranta, which also offers excellent views of the town and bay. Iglesia de Santisimo Cristo del Buen Viaje (located across from the Borromeo Fort) and La Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion (said to be Venezuela’s oldest church) are worth checking out while in the Pampatar area.

Currency, Culture and Language

The official language in Venezuela is Spanish.

The official currency in Venezuela is the Venezuelan Bolivar (VED).