Porlamar, VEN
Updated Sunday, December 21, 2008 7:30 PM
Fair | 77°F | High: 85°F
Low: 77°F
Wind: 7 mph
Humidity: 83%
| | MSN Weather Data provided by Foreca |
Margarita Island (Spanish: Isla Margarita or Isla de Margarita) is the largest island of the State of Nueva Esparta in Venezuela, situated in the Caribbean Sea, off the northeastern coast of the country.
The state also contains 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. Its population is about 420,000.
The island is formed by two peninsulas joined by an isthmus. It covers an area of 1,020 km². It splits into two sections linked by an 18-km (11-mi) spit of sand. It is 78 km long and its widest side measures roughly 20 km. The climate is very sunny and dry with temperatures from 24 to 37°C.
The east part of Margarita island has considerable resort facilities. Most of the island's 420,000 residents live in this more developed eastern part, especially in the city of Porlamar and adjoining city of Pampatar. Others are found in the much smaller city of La Asunción, the capital of the region or Juan Griego. Margariteños as the people born in the island are called, are friendly, charming and open to the tourist.
The western part of Margarita Island is called the Macanao Peninsula, which is an arid desert-like undeveloped and mostly uninhabited mountainous region surrounded by sandy beaches. Most of the very small villages seen from the road are only several fishermen huts huddled together. The dry, yellow and reddish mountains of Macanao with its desert vegetation contrast sharply with the green forests, banana and cafe plantations that cover the Sierra of the eastern side of Margarita Island. Picture near both, the numerous sandy white beaches and clear blue ocean that disappears beyond the horizon. | Porlamar, VEN
Updated Sunday, December 21, 2008 7:30 PM
Fair | 25°C | High: 29°C
Low: 25°C
Wind: 11 kph
Humidity: 83%
| | MSN Weather Data provided by Foreca |
Isla Margarita can usually be reached by ferry or by airplane, as the Santiago Mariño International Airport is located 25 kilometers away from the city of Porlamar. There are direct flights from Caracas and other Venezuelan cities, as well as scheduled or charter flights from a number of North American and European cities. Ferries from Puerto La Cruz, Cumaná, and La Guaira also travel to the island.Its status as a duty-free port and proximity to the mainland make it one of the top vacation spots for Venezuelans.
Vacationers crowd the island especially during for the end-of-the-year holidays, Easter week, Carnaval and from July to mid-September. Venezuelan tourists come on shopping sprees. Also, many retired people choose Margarita as an ideal, peaceful dwelling place. The island has numerous beaches, which range from solitary to crowded. Playa El Agua, to the north, is the most popular with 4 km of fine sand. Playa El Yaque is internationally known as an excellent location for windsurfing. Among many others, Playa Caribe, and Punta de Arena are also popular beaches. Many resorts cater to the international, Caribbean-loving crowd, especially from European countries.
For more information on Isla Margarita, visit Wikipedia. |