Margarita Island

Margarita Island is an island in the Caribbean Sea off Venezuela’s northeastern coast, and is part of the state of Nueva Esparta. It covers roughly 934 square kilometres and is one of Venezuela’s main resort islands.

The island offers a wide stretch of beaches, coastal resorts and water-sports facilities concentrated around its main coastal towns. There are also inland towns with colonial-era architecture and local markets where visitors shop and access services.

Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1498 during his third voyage; it later developed under Spanish colonial influence and grew as a fishing, salt and trade centre before developing a tourism industry in the 20th century.

Geographically the island sits north of Venezuela’s mainland in the Caribbean Sea; its main settlements include the coastal city of Porlamar and the inland administrative centre La Asunción.

• Transport hub: Serves as the main transport and tourism hub on the island, with ferry and air connections to Venezuela's mainland.
• Laguna de la Restinga: Contains a protected mangrove lagoon with guided boat tours that illustrate the island's coastal ecology.

What to See #

• Porlamar: Coastal commercial centre and largest urban area on the island, home to the main airport and shopping districts.
• La Asunción: Administrative capital located inland with colonial-era buildings and local markets.
• Laguna de la Restinga: Mangrove-fringed lagoon and protected area on the island's southwestern side, popular for boat tours and birdwatching.