Margarita Island General Info

[Odyssey]

Isla Margarita

Isla Margarita (Margarita Island) is the largest island of the Nueva Esparta State in Venezuela, situated in the Caribbean off the north eastern shore of the country. The State has two other smaller islands: Coche and Cubagua. The capital is La Asunción located in a river valley of the same name. Primary industries are tourism, fishing and construction. Population is about 420,000 and it covers an area of 1,020km.

In close proximity with the mainland, approximately 19 Km. from the coast of Venezuela, enjoying a tropical climate and an average year round temperatute of approximately 27 C to 38 C. People practice all most kinds of water sports, everything from a simple walk on the beach or a nice tan to discovering the underwater flora and fauna of the Caribbean, from sailing to rowing in a kayak. It is not a mistake to know some Spanish few people speak fluent English.

Local fishermen pick up their nets at dusk and enjoy the spectacular show of light and color our island has to offer such as the colonial ruins or enjoy the duty free shops, offering the tourist the most prestigious and internationally renown brand names. Only a few Caribbean countries have such a variety of climates and landscapes. From Coral Reef Lagoons, the Amazones Rain Forest, the Plains and the Savannas, the Andes mountains and to one of the largest Delta in the world: Venezuela 2.
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History

In 1498, Christopher Columbus discovered Margarita Island. The local natives named Guaiqueries received the conquering Spaniards with open arms unaware that they later would become slaves of their own wealth. Pearls would represent almost a third of all New World tribute to the Spanish Crown. Margarita Island had to be fortified against the increasing threat of pirate attacks. On the Island of Margarita you find the castles which are maintained up to southamerican standarts, the lack of money or the unwillingness to spend it on historic buildings contributed to their current appearance.

In 1814, its people's brave fight for independence and Margarita became the first free territory in Venezuela. It was on Margarita Island that Simon Bolivar, later called the Libertador, was confirmed as Commander in Chief of the new republic, la gran Colombia. From where he started to free Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia from the Spanish Crown.

Climate and Beaches

Climate is very sunny and dry, with temperatures from 24 to 37ºC. The island has numerous beaches, ranging from solitary to crowded. Playa El Agua in the north is the most popular, with 4 km of fine sand. Playa El Yaque is internationally known as an excellent location for windsurfing. Playa Parguito is the beach for people around 20 and below, Playa Caribe is for all ages, far away is Punta de Arena, a very popular beach for Venezuelans. Venezuelans from all over the country enjoy duty-free shopping and, of course, the beaches. Vacationers crowd the island especially during Christmas time, Easter week and the summer months.

Nowadays, Margarita Island is a Duty free Caribbean Island. Venezuelans come to Margarita Island on a spending trip. Whiskey, cheese, chocolate, electrical appliances or other goods can be bought less expensively than on the mainland Venezuela. A double strategy on foreign exchange rates makes the Caribbean Island Margarita specially attractive to travelers from abroad.

Porlamar

The biggest city on Margarita island is Porlamar, known for its commercial center, it flourishes with shops and good restaurants. About 85,000 people live during the low season in Porlamar, while about 125,000 in the high season. It has two city beaches and a soon-to-be-opened harbour for cruise ships.

Pampatar

Is the second biggest city. Pampatar has around 50 000 citizens in its greater area. Most of the larger shopping malls are in its Jurisdiction. Sambil Margarita, Rattan Depot, Centro Comercial AB (Avenida Bolivar) and La Redoma. A very nice and large city beach with a lot of small little Restaurants. Seat of the Castillo San Carlos Borromeo constructed from 1664 to 1684 approximately.

La Asuncion

Capital of the Federal State Nueva Esparta, with about 25 000 Citizens seat of the regional Government. No Discotheques through a ban issued by the local Government. In Asuncion you'll find few Restaurants and two natural Parks, both showing some of the abundante Plant life of Margarita Island.

Juan Griego

A city of around 45 000 people, small shopping centres and nice beaches. Some of the best restaurants are in Juan Griego. La Gallera a "fortress" where in the early 1820 was fought a fierce battle for Indipendence is not far off the city centre.

Courtesy of Wikipedia.

[Admin]

Good info. I will make this a sticky thread for now.