Margarita Island, or Isla de Margarita, is a Caribbean paradise that offers many if not all of the attractions and amenities of the surrounding islands, but at a fraction of the price. A popular destination for international travelers as well as local Venezuelans, the island is less than 20 miles from the mainland, but more than a hundred miles from Caracas. It lies in a relatively isolated patch of the clear blue Caribbean sea and can seem like an unlikely destination. But Margarita Island can be just as easy to get to as any other island in the area–maybe even easier, since there are so many different ways to do it.
Margarita Island is split into two sections linked by an 11 mile spit of sand. Most of the island’s 400,000 residents occupy the more developed eastern half, especially the bustling city of Porlamar and adjoining Pampatar. Others are found in the much smaller city of La Asunción, the capital of the region that also encompasses the neighboring islands of Coche and Cubagua.
The urban sprawl around the island’s largest town, Porlamar, is the favored haunt of holidaying Venezuelans and is full of glitzy shops, huge hotels and beach bars. By far the best bits of the island are to be found elsewhere – the beach towns of El Yaque and Juangriego, the inland mountains and the largely untouched Península de Macanao are the real highlights of any visit here. To learn more about all the beautiful beaches on the island of Margarita, visit here. Now view our Margarita Island travel guide to help plan your next Margarita vacation!
Margarita Weather – When to Visit
On the island of Margarita, which is a few miles off the north coast of Venezuela, the climate is tropical, hot and muggy all year round.
Margarita is located in the extreme southern limit of the trajectory of the hurricanes, which means that it is very rarely affected; however, the hurricane season runs from June to November, and the highest probability is between August and October.
The best time to go to Isla Margarita runs from late February to late May, being the driest, during which it almost never rains. Even during the rainy season, sunny days are actually more predominate, however, sometimes strong thunderstorms can break out. If you plan to visit the island from November to mid-February, you will prefer the western part, the Macanao Peninsula, or the western part of Paraguachoa.
Best Margarita Island Area Beaches
Playa El Agua Beach
Playa El Agua Beach is one of the busiest beaches on the island, but for good reason. It boasts beautiful white sand and cool, clear water. Although it is a very busy beach, it is a great way to spend the day and enjoy the many nearby cafes and shops. There are also plenty of bars to drop by and have a cocktail or an amazing margarita (of course).
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Playa Juventud
This is a much quieter beach then Playa El Agua. It’s located just 12km away from downtown Porlamar and is much more relaxed than Playa El Agua. You will still find a lot of choices in cafés and shops.
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Coche Island
It’s not technically on Margarita Island, but it’s an easy and fun day trip. It does require an early start, but once you get there, you’ll be glad you did it. It’s such a beautiful, untouched beach that it really feels like a lost island paradise. There’s also a great restaurant on the island with friendly and helpful staff. The boat ride to the island is also a lot of fun, as it gives you the chance to meet other travelers and make some new travel friends.
Playa Manzanillo
If you enjoy hidden and untouched beaches, then you’ll love Manzanillo Beach. It is one of the more difficult beaches to access but, this means that the crowds stay away and you’re likely to have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy yourself. As an old fishing village, there are also great seafood shacks to enjoy a fresh meal. It’s not fancy, but that’s all part of its charm.
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Playa el Yaque
If you love watersports, you’ll love Playa el Yaque. Although it’s not Margarita Island’s best swimming beach due to the strong wind, it is the best for water sports such as windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kite surfing. You can also swim there, although young families and novice swimmers should be careful in the water.
Best Margarita Island Restaurants
El Rancho De Pablo $11 – 30
El Rancho De Pable is one of the most recommended eateries in the area. Seafood here is seasoned with the most amazing spices deemed imaginable and served aesthetically, this is where taste meets beauty. Apart from the sinfully irresistible meals, guests enjoy impeccable service that makes eating here an immensely pleasant experience. Telephone: 58-295-263-1121 Web: El Rancho De Pablo.
Dolphin $11 – 30
Dolphin is one of the most sought-after eateries in Porlamar priding itself on a happy and contended clientele. Dolphin serves Italian cuisines and the repertoire of offerings on its menu is known to impress even the most discerning of foodies. The serving sizes are sufficient and the bar with the wide array of beverages is at its glamorous best. The service is cordial and ‘excellent’ is the only word you will be chanting once you eat here. Telephone: 58-295-262-3755 Web: Dolphin.
La Casa de Rubén $11 – 30
La Casa de Rubén is a margarita tradition restaurant that you can not miss if you visit Margarita Island. For over 25 years they have been talking about the quality of this traditional food restaurant on the island where the famous cake of Chucho is born, known throughout the country thanks to its creator Rubén Santiago, the present owner and founder of this restaurant. Telephone: 58-295-264-5969 Web: La Casa de Ruben.
Gaia Trattoria $11 – 30
With a capacity for 45 people opened the Gaia Trattoria on Margarita Island, where the visitor can perfectly translate to the gourmet world of Italian with succulent traditional concepts and Mediterranean food that meets your expectations. From wooden tables to a Greek style, they also have a terrace where the customer can visualize their surroundings while they consume their orders and can take some drinks. A warm atmosphere and comfort offer the owners of this place. Telephone: 58-295-266-1831 Web: Gaia Trattoria.
Fondeadero $11 – 30
The Fondeadero restaurant offers its guests a varied menu of fresh sea food in a roofed environment with a beautiful view of the sea and the Castle of San Carlos de Borromeo. The place has enough tables to receive at least 100 visitors who wish to try their excellent dishes. Telephone: 58-295-267-0351 Web: Fondeadero.
Best Margarita Bars & Nightlife
Hard Rock Café Margarita
Join them on Margarita Island in the Venezuelan Minor Antilles for unforgettable music and a rock star dining experience. Explore music history with the incredible collection of memorabilia lining their walls while sitting down to eat our Legendary® Burgers and hear some of music’s great living legends. Telephone: 58-295-260-2400 Web: Hard Rock Café Margarita.
Green Martini Lounge Margarita
Nice party bar with a discotheque. Telephone: 58-295-935-0110 Web: Green Martini Lounge Margarita.
BoraBora Margarita
If you want to enjoy a night full of magic and taste the best of Mediterranean and Caribbean food you have to live the experience of this nightclub and restaurant located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea in Porlamar. The nightclub and restaurant “Bora Bora” renovation to keep abreast of the most recognized nightlife in the world. Telephone: 58-414-777-5074 Web: BoraBora Margarita.
Trendy Bar
Great atmosphere, great outdoor terrace, and fun place for parties. Telephone: 58-412-795-4040 Web: Trendy Bar.
Go here for the best Margarita Island Tours.
Best Margarita Island Hotels
Margarita Village
Margarita Village with all inclusive located between the commercial area of Porlamar and the main beaches. This is a family hotel where you will find a typical rustic infrastructure comprised of bahareque (type of mud used for building) and logs, making it a picturesque place for vacation. Margarita Village has 520 cottage style roomes with a buffet-style rrestaurantestaurant buffet-style, pool bar, 24 hour taxi service and located close to the best restaurants, shopping centers, and night life. Two large swimming pools with slides and 2 jacuzzis. Get more information here. Get more information here.
Stevie WonderLand Hotel Boutique
An exclusive Hotel-Boutique located in Altos del Yaque, just 500 meters from the famous and popular Playa El Yaque, walking quietly and 100% safe between 3-5 minutes. It’s surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden and a spectacular pool.There are 9 beautiful rooms and suites, each one in a different style where you will feel VIP, especially enjoying our exquisite breakfasts. Get more information here.
Sunsol Unik Luxury Hotel
Offering an outdoor pool and restaurant. The Sunsol Unik Luxury Hotel is located in Porlamar where you can enjoy an array of activities from theatres and museums to lounging on the beach. Free WiFi access is available. Get more information here.
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Lidotel Margarita
Lidotel Margarita in Pampatar offers 5-star comfort with family rooms, interconnected rooms, and balconies. Each room features air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy a terrace, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. Additional facilities include a hot tub, solarium, and kids’ club. Located 16 mi from Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport, the hotel is praised for its attentive staff, convenient location, and delicious breakfast. Get more information here.
Maloka Hotel Boutique & Spa
Maloka Hotel Boutique & Spa offers a luxurious getaway where good taste, comfort, style and peace come together in a beautiful natural spot on the slopes of the Matasiete hill. The calm of its surroundings, the impressive ocean view and its pleasurable ambience undoubtedly capture the senses of its visitors. Upon entering the hotel, the different levels that make up the pool area, connected by multiple mini cascades is definitely an eyecatcher. Due to this singular design, the rooms that surround the pool area seem to be suspended in water. Get more information here.
Hesperia Eden Club
The Hesperia Edén Club Hotel is located on a 3 km beach on the Venezuelan island known as Isla Margarita, just half an hour from the shops in Porlamar. Charm, romance, exclusivity, and relaxation are the main attributes of this wonderful place. This is an adults-only hotel. Enjoy the spa and gym, exclusive restaurants. This exclusive adults-only hotel has 139 guestrooms decorated in earth tones, elegant wooden furniture with views. Get more information here.
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For a short first trip, base in El Yaque. You’ll be close to the airport, steps from the water, and you can add kite/windsurf lessons or easy beach days without commuting. Do one evening in Porlamar/Pampatar for dining and a nightlife splash, then take a daytime escape to Playa El Agua for classic sand-and-sea vibes. If you want a quieter local feel, add Manzanillo for fresh seafood and a low-key sunset.