If you are looking for a vacation destination that has the charm and lifestyle of the Caribbean but is a bit more off the beaten path, consider Margarita Island (or Isla Margarita), which is off the coast of Venezuela. One of the many allures of this island has the prices: When you consider the cost of the food and entertainment on Margarita Island, you’ll find that they’re quite a bit lower than those of comparable services and foods on the Caribbean islands. The reason for this is that the island is part of Venezuela, and the Venezuelan currency, the Bolivar Fuerte, is worth considerably less than US Dollars. If you would like to go to Margarita Island, here are some tips:
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Getting There There are sometimes chartered direct flights from various places in the United States to Margarita Island. These are more common in the winter. You could also fly to Miami, then take a connection flight to the island. If you can’t find a direct flight, or if you prefer to begin your trip on the Venezuela mainland, you can fly into Caracas, then get a flight over to the island. If you prefer to take a ferry, which takes three to four hours, you’ll need to go to Puerto la Cruz or Cumana, which are east of Caracas. If you are already planning a Caribbean vacation, you can also charter a sailboat from Grenada, Trinidad or Tobago. Once on the island, you can rent a car, or you could choose to rent a scooter or moped for independent travel. Buses are also an option, though they do tend to take a very long time. Another option is to hire a taxi.
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Accommodations One nice thing about staying on Margarita Island is that the locals tend to love foreign tourists. They will show you a hospitality that you won’t get in a large chain hotel when you stay at a bed and breakfast or inn. A few of the inns that you might consider include: Villa Cabo Blanco, which offers luxury condos right on the beach; Margarita Tropical Villa, which has been named the best value in Playa el Agua; and Villa Gaviota, which is also very close to the beach. If you do prefer an inclusive hotel, a couple to look into are Laguna Mar and Hesperia Isla Margarita.
- Things to Do Porlamar is the largest city and the commercial hub of Margarita Island, so it’s a good place to start if you want a large variety of shops and dining options. You will also enjoy the nightlife here, but it’s not the most picturesque or beautiful city on the island. If you want to explore the history and local flavor, you’ll want to head to some of the smaller cities. Pampatar is a colonial town that still has many of the historical features. Visit the Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo, a fort built in the 17th century to protect the area from pirate attacks. In Los Robles, you’ll find the Iglesia El Pilar de Los Robles, a church which houses a statue of the Virgin Mary rumored to be made of solid gold. You won’t want to miss one of the gorgeous sunsets over Juangriego; be sure to get there early, as it’s one of the most popular spots on the island to see the sun sink into the water. Of course, you can’t visit Margarita Island without hitting the white sand beaches. The most popular beach on the island is Playa El Agua. Others include El Tirano, Cardón, Playa Caribe and Playa Puerto Viejo.
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Your visit to Margarita Island will allow you to explore a region rich in history that also offers all of the charms of a tropical island. With temperatures hovering in the high 70s to low 80s for much of the fall and winter, now is the perfect time to book your vacation.
