Margarita, Venezuela's largest island

Eduardo Monzón

Playas hermosas, amplias y muy azules; atardeceres de ensueño, sabores que deleitan paladares y una idiosincrasia única, llena de cultura y alegría. Estas son algunas de las cualidades que pudieran resumir a Margarita, la maravillosa isla del Caribe venezolano, destino afamado que ha seducido durante décadas a los visitantes.

The beaches of Margarita are undoubtedly the first invitation to immerse yourself in their idyllic landscapes. Probably the most famous on the entire island is El Agua Beach; its miles-long stretch is a paradise of sand, palm trees, and sea, surrounded by plenty of places to eat and relax while listening to the gentle sound of the waves.

Nearby is Parguito Beach, also very popular among tourists looking for fun on a seemingly endless stretch of sand. At the start of the long sandy beach is a small hill that’s easy to climb, offering a view of the waves crashing along the coast and the island’s mountains.

If you follow the route northeast across the island, you’ll reach Cabo Negro, a unique beach that has become popular among adventurous travelers for its captivating scenery at the very tip of Margarita. The route includes a hike from Manzanillo, though you can also visit by boat.

The route will take you to Juangriego, a bay that has become synonymous with Margariteño sunsets, making it the perfect place to bid farewell to the day as you gaze out over the Caribbean Sea, with the sunlight making the moment truly memorable. Nearby is the Fortín de La Galera, a historic structure dating back to 1811, and undoubtedly a must-see spot to capture as a memento of your trip.

If you're an extreme sports enthusiast, a visit to El Yaque in the south of the island is a must. Renowned as one of the world's best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing, it has a lively and fun atmosphere, with enthusiasts from all over the world coming to enjoy this magnificent wind-swept paradise that gets them moving.

For a closer contact with nature, a visit to Laguna de La Restinga National Park is a must—it’s the perfect place to go out on a small boat or kayak to admire the mangroves, birds, and starfish. The trail eventually leads to a vast beach facing the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea.

On that side of the island, you can visit the Macanao Peninsula at the western tip to experience the island’s more peaceful and rural side, with fishing villages and secluded beaches where you can relax.

A visit to the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of the Valley, located in the town of El Valle del Espíritu Santo, is a must. She is the patron saint of the people of Margarita and is widely venerated throughout Venezuela, especially in the eastern part of the country, which is why she is an essential part of the local culture.

You won’t truly get to know Margarita until you discover its flavors, which is why you should try the empanadas sold all over the island. If you’re looking for a popular spot, head to La Empanadería in La Asunción. Keep an eye out for events organized by Margarita Gastronómica, the organization that promotes local cuisine through various festivals throughout the year. For an exquisite evening, head to the famous Juana La Loca restaurant in Pampatar.

Margarita is full of charm at every turn; don't stop at these recommendations—the island will captivate you.