Isla Margarita, Venezuela

Isla Margarita, known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean” is the most developed of three islands which form the state of Nueva Esparta, just off the North East coast of Venezuela. Although situated within the Caribbean, Margarita is not in the hurricane belt. Its’ natural beauty and tropical climate make Isla Margarita an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Isla Margarita measures 55km east to west by 22km North to South. The dramatic mountainous terrain, populated with lush vegetation, flora and forna ascends to over 1000 metres above sea level and is framed by many stunning white sandy beaches.

With over 300km of coastline, you may wish to bask in the sun or perhaps explore many of the more active pursuits and sports on offer. Margarita provides residents and tourists alike with a huge variety of both relaxing and active ways to spend the day. The climate is a consistent 80°F, varying little more than +/- 4°C across the year, with a soothing sea breeze. The warm days & cool evenings make for a very comfortable living environment.

Access to the island is good with more and more direct flights from numerous global locations as well as to Caracas a mere 35 minute flight away.

Despite the closeness to the mainland, just 38 kilometres, Margarita remains practically untouched by its influence. Life goes on in a typically relaxed way, the Latin lifestyle mixed with European & American influences make for a developed, democratic and friendly environment.

When you arrive in Margarita you will be surprised by many things:-

• The warm & friendly welcome from the local people
• The modern airport and great infrastructure
• How pleasant & tastefully the island has slowly developed over the centuries
• The value for money: many items in Margarita are a fraction of what you would expect to pay, making the whole experience very cost effective as well as pleasurable

The east of Margarita is flourishing with good quality property and resort development underway. To the west of the island is the Macanao Peninsula, an undeveloped and protected region with mountains to the interior and ringed by sandy beaches. The combination of its adventure-tourist character and its charming people, make it possible to offer you the best of both worlds from this enchanting sun-kissed Caribbean island.

Beaches

The best beaches on Margarita run along the North and East cape like a string of pearls. There are at least 50 unique & magnificent beaches occupying 106 miles of the coastline. Playa El Agua, Caracola, Playa Parguito and Playa Caribe are the pick of the island’s beaches, with palm trees and turquoise waters. Isla Margaritas’ beaches are not over-crowded, even at peak season, so those of you who prefer a more isolated and private beach will not have to look too far.

Caracola Beach (Caracola is a Conch shell indigenous to Isla Margarita) is a long straight golden sandy beach which attracts runners, cyclists and people on horse back. The Caracola Beach and Spa Resort will be the best and last truly front line development on the beach itself.

Playa El Yaque is located in the south of Isla Margarita. In the windy waters outside Playa El Yaque there are always plenty of ‘sails’. It has become a mecca for windsurfing, and now is one of the world’s greatest spots, with steady side shore winds of 25 knots plus. Because of its’ windy conditions, Playa El Yaque also has become a very popular kite-surfing destination in the last few years. Here you will find a place that probably boasts the most consistently warm and windy days in the world.

• 170 km of beaches
• 50 stunning beaches
• 27°C annual average
• 2,752 hours of sun in 2007

Places of Interest

La Asuncion
La Asuncion boasts buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, including the oldest church in Venezuela and the fort of Santa Rosa. From the top of the fort you can view the valley, the hills in the distance and the blue waters of the Caribbean. On the roof is an entrance to a tunnel that served as an escape route for the soldiers of the revolution. During holy week, religious statues are carried through the streets of the city.

Porlamar
This is the island’s largest town where major hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and stores are located. The Franciscan monastic order founded Porlamar in 1536, and it remained a quiet fishing village until the end of the 19th century, when it was flooded with foreign merchants in search of pearls.

Restinga National Park
The fascinating La Restinga Lagoon is a national park consisting of an amazing mangrove forest, water channels and lagoons. Located on the small piece of land connecting the eastern & western sections of Isla Margarita. The park is home to many species of birds, tree crabs, sea horses and starfish.

• Ground floor investment
• Low property prices
• Property ownership is freehold
• Good accessibility, particularly from Europe, South America and the US
• Good Infrastructure – International airport & developed road systems
• Low cost of living
• Warm consistent climate, all year round
• Great facilities, activities and attractions
• Naturally beautiful, both mountains & beaches
• Tax efficient – Isla Margarita is a tax and duty free zone
• Visitor numbers reached 2.3 million in 2007 (up from 2m in 2006 and 1.5m in 2005)*
• Consistently strong economic growth:- Average GDP increase of 11.3% per year between 2004-07**

* Statistic supplied by Venezuelan Ministry of Tourism
** Statistic supplied by www.latinbusinesschronicle.com