Margarita Island might very well be the one that shines the brightest out of all Caribbean islands. Combining cosmopolitan urban flair with the relaxing atmosphere of the Caribbean, Margarita represents a cheaper and more accessible alternative to its older sisters such as Rio. The island boasts of around 320 days of constant sunshine and has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, including “Playa El Yaque” a windsurfing/kitesurfing haven and home to many international competitions. Traveling to Margarita, as it is locally known, can be done by plane from many international airports or by ferry, locally. Booking a hotel in the island can be done prior to flying using hotel reservation services. Posadas (small but comfortable hotels) offer a real alternative to the usually expensive Margarita hotels if you are traveling on a budget.
What to do?
Besides being famous for its prisitne beaches, lively nightlife and friendly locals, Margarita Island played an important role in the Spanish battles of the 17th and 18th century. Spanish forts and colonial houses can be found all throughout the island. The city of Juan Griego still has the remnants of the “La Galera” fort, which is perched atop a hill and offers magnificent views to the Bahia de Juan Griego (Juan Griego Bay) as well as being one of the most popular places on the island to witness breathtaking sunsets. Many museums are scattered around the island and offer an interesting look at the state’s Spanish colonial past.
Should you want to relax and bask under the Caribbean sun, Margarita has beaches for all tastes. Playa El Agua, a favorite among locals and tourists alike, is always full with tourists and is surrounded by restaurants offering delicious seafood dishes. A quieter alternative might be Playa Guacuco; despite being also quite popular, the waters are more on the tranquil side and the restaurants are smaller establishments offering local dishes. Playa el Yaque is a famous for spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers and beginner and advanced courses are offered all throughout the day.
There are more secluded places where to enjoy the calmness and diverse flora and fauna of the area. Take a boat ride down Laguna La Restinga and its enchanting mangroves full of marine life and finish your jounrey at Playa La Restinga, one of the least corwded and more preserved beaches of the island.
If traveling during the Easter break or “Semana Santa” (holy week), the island and its most popular beaches are full with live concerts on the beach shores and parties all over the place. It all really comes alive and the whole island becomes one big party both during the day as well as at night, where you are encouraged to go wild.
Take advantage of the duty-free status of the island and get ready to get great bargains. The main city, Porlamar, is full with stores and the Sambil mall represents a “cooler” alternative should you not feel like shopping under the sometimes scorching sun.
All in all, the “Pearl of the Caribbean” should have all you need to spend a wonderful vacation and get to experience the friendliness of the “margariteños”, as the locals are known and of the beauty and ruggedness of the island’s landscape.
