hotels in Isla Margarita

Museums in Isla Margarita

• Taguantar – located La Guardia, this Venezuelan art museum was built as an old and small village with tiny houses filled with local handiwork and antiques. It’s quite commercialised but is definitely worth visiting.  
• Museo de Boca del Rio - this museum on the Macanao peninsula is dedicated to the way of life on the island, fishing. It has a 14,6 meter skeleton from a whale, several types of fish and historical fishing tools.  

Cultural activities in Isla Margarita

• Carnival – the carnival on the island is a very important tradition, and is celebrated in style each year with dancing, singing, music and masquerades. It begins on the first Monday or Tuesday after Ash Wednesday, with the biggest parade taking place in Porlamar.  

Historic monuments in Isla Margarita

• The Basílica of Our Lady of the Valley – is one of the most important churches on the island. In the second week of September, people go an a pilgrimage to the Basílica to honour the Virgin del Valle.  
• Santa Rosa Castle – this castle was built on a hill in the 17th century after French pirates seized the city of La Asunción. It’s easily accessible with a paved road and parking spaces, and provides stunning views of Valle de Santa Lucia from the top. It was declared a National Historic Monument in 1965 and is open to visitors Monday – Sunday. 

Shopping in Isla Margarita

• The Island is classed as a duty free port, something both the locals and the tourists like to take advantage of, as everything is between 15-20% cheaper than on the mainland. Across the island you can find perfumes, designer clothing and designer jewellery on sale at a fraction of the normal price, as well as local handicrafts, pearl necklaces, and the islands famous Chinchorro (hammocks). Don’t forget your original Venezuelan coffee too! 

Other in Isla Margarita

• Beaches:  
• La Caracola – ideal for families with shallow water and calm sea.  
• Pampatar – shared by fishermen and bathers alike, the waters are calm, ideal for children. 
• Playa Guacuco – One of the best beaches on the island with the added bonus of shade provided by the palm trees. 
• El Tirano – a small beach relatively unknown. Has space to practice beach sport such as volleyball. 
• Playa El Yaque – windy beach famous for its non stop windsurfing.  
• Playa Paraguito – one of the more fashionable beaches, popular with surfers. There are restaurants, kiosks, showers and a sunshade service.  
• Playa El Agua – the classic beach, a favourite of many islanders. The walk from one end to the other takes a good hour or so. Water sports galore.  
• Playa Manzanillo – a quiet fishing bay that’s becoming popular with beach lovers. 

Day trip

• 1_Water sports are very popular on the island, windsurfing in particular: Other possibilities include Snorkelling, Fishing, Kite Surfing, Sailing and Kayaking.
• 2_Other activities: Bird watching, Jeep safaris, Lagoon boat trips, Hiking and Volleyball