Watersports. Dining. Perfect beaches. It's all here, right on your doorstep.
About
Margarita Island
Margarita is a relatively large island, situated off the eastern
coast of Venezuela to which it pertains. The island is therefore Spanish
speaking. It lies some 300 miles west of Trinidad. Blessed with a lovely
climate, it's hot and breezy by day, but with cool starlit nights. Whilst
there is a rainy season, Margarita has overall a very dry climate with
relatively low annual rainfall. However, even in the rainy season, it
is hot and there is always plenty of sun, more than enough to acquire
a Caribbean quality tan.
Perhaps the two key advantages the island enjoys over other Caribbean
destinations derive from the fact that the island has been chronically
underdeveloped as a tourist destination. Firstly, the island is still
very quiet with a relaxed and laid back atmosphere – sleepy one might
say. The people are very friendly. The island is safe (prudence is however
required in downtown Porlamar). Crime is much less of a problem than in
mainland Venezuela. Except for the national holidays, when Venezuelans
come over to the island in numbers to enjoy the beaches, the island is
a peaceful haven and you will feel you have it and its beaches to yourself.
The second key advantage is that prices are still very reasonable by Caribbean
standards. Consider eating out. One can still find many simple beachside
restaurants and have an excellent lunch with wonderful tasting fresh fish
seafood (red snapper, marlin, prawns, crab, lobster for example), and
salad, arepa and fruit with couple of bottles of Polar (Venezuela’s
leading beer brand and very good) for about 5,000 bolivares including
10 % tip) That’s £4.50, or about $7.
Key
Attractions Golf - 15 mins from house thare's the beautiful
18 hole golf course at Isla Bonita Hotel. Good equipment can be hired.
Reasonable rates. Challenging test of golf Tennis -Arrangements can be made for visitors to play in an excellent
local tennis club for very reasonable rates. Windsurfing - Some of the Worlds best available in the Playa Yaque
area (close to airport and 40 mins from house). Sightseeing - For short break holidays to mainland Venezuela, to
visit Angel Falls, or the Orinoco, or to go to the spectacular Los Roques
Islands (the most beautiful and unspoilt natural habitat in all the Caribbean)
there are numerous local travel agents. A recommended reliable one is
HERSATOURS.
Tropical
Dining
Margarita offers an endless selection of restaurants to satisfy any taste
and budget. An amazing variety of fresh seafood, as well as its many typical
local dishes. The water around the island supplies local fishermen with
a daily load of fresh lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, octopus, kingfish,
tuna fish and red snapper.
The national dish in Venezuela, called Pabellón Criollo, consists
of shredded beef served with black beans, white rice and fried plantains.
Also, you have to try on Empanada and on Arepa, it is part of the folklore.
It's essentially a bread made of cornmeal, deep-fried and filled with
either cheese, meat, beans, eggs or other ingredients.
You will find a large variety of tropical fruits and local juices: coconut,
mango, melon, papaya, passion fruit . . . . and the typical Cocada made
with the coconut water and fruit. The most popular beer in Venezuela is
called Polar, good and comparatively cheap. Also, try the coffee, one
of the best in the world.
Many of
the leading international rental-car agencies are represented on the island.
To rent a car, you must be older than 18, have a valid license and a major
credit card (Visa or MasterCard). It's strongly recommended to obtain
special insurance. Driving is on the right side. Depending of the model
and rental time, prices can vary from 40 to 70US$ per day. Taxis are not
so expensive. Nevertheless, it's always a good idea to agree on a fare
beforehand.
Watersports. Dining. Perfect beaches. It's all here, right on your doorstep.
Tropical
Dining