About Margarita Island
A poperty buyers guide
Margarita Island
White sand beaches, 340 days of sunshine, natural parks, Margarita Island is an idyllic Caribbean getaway.
The Island
Useful information on flights, amenities and a guide to everyday living on this magical Caribbean paradise.
Finding a Property
We are proud to offer a variety of property on Margarita from apartments to beach side spa villas.
The Purchase Process
How do I buy? Information on taxes, legal fees and any other associated costs with buying on Margarita.
Growth & Rentals
Looking to invest for capital growth and rental returns? It’s time to consider the exciting property market of Margarita.
Margarita Island Developments
Margarita Island Guide
Known for its reputation as an island getaway, Margarita Island, Venezuela offers the same amenities as its Caribbean neighbours; all-inclusive resorts, excellent white sand beaches, water sports, natural parks, a golf course, but all at a fraction of the price.
Your Place Abroad, a British company have been helping our clients invest abroad since 1997. We are the sole developer for all the Margarita Island property you will find on our site.
To help our clients better understand the process of buying property on this unique and beautiful Caribbean island we've created this guide which we hope will explain why now is the time to “get in early” and take advantage of buying off-plan on Margarita - directly from the developer.
Location
Margarita Island is located on the north east Caribbean coast of Venezuela and is one of three islands comprising the state of Neuva Esparta (Coche and and the uninhabited Cubagua being the other two) discovered by Christopher Columbus.
La Isla Margarita, the "Pearl of the Caribbean" (Margarita means pearl in Spanish), is situated 38 km north east of the mainland of Venezuela and far from the track of Atlantic tropical storms.
Its location means that it is out of the hurricane belt, a very important consideration that many people overlook when considering a move to the Caribbean.
Margarita Island is 43 miles long and actually consists of two islands connected by a narrow isthmus or peninsula. Peninsula de Macanao the western island of Margarita is largely unpopulated with the eastern isle housing the busy towns such as Porlamar to southeast.
The highest point on the island is 1,000 meters above sea level offering spectacular views of the surrounding island, coast and Caribbean waters.
Climate
The sun shines almost constantly on Margarita with the daytime temperature on average 28 ºC. Even in the summer months when the temperature may reach 36ºC (99ºF) the cooling breezes keep the climate very liveable.
This means that combined with around 340 days of sun a year that the climate of the island is nearly perfect if you are looking for a glorious sunny location for your holiday home.
It rarely rains in Margarita; the average annual rainfall is 27 inches a year. The island landscape tends to cactus and pale green yabo plants. Rainfall is more abundant in the green hills.
Facilities
Venezuela is improving the island's infrastructure. The road system has been expanded; a new water pipeline has been laid between the island and the mainland; the phone and electrical systems have been upgraded. A law has been passed prohibiting the construction of high rises along the sea, and anti-pollution measures have been established.
The island boasts many modern shopping centers of an international standard, nightclubs, entertainment centers and an abundance of restaurants along with its 72 stunning beaches. It also has a selection of 2 to 5 star hotels to choose from. Activities include scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding, fishing, boating, golf and much more.
Attractions
While the tourist industry is booming on Margarita - you will see hotels, condominiums, restaurants, shops, discos, and tourists from all over the world - island traditions continue. If you get up early enough in the morning, you will see fishing families pulling in their nets. Fishing boats line the beaches and ride at anchor in all the harbours and bays. On many of the headlands you will see lookouts, or vigias, where watchmen look out to sea for schools of fish.
Beaches
Isla Margarita is blessed with 72 beaches with names like Moreno, El Silguero, Pampatar and El Yaque. On beaches like El Agua, Parguito and Guacuco, you will find most services like hotels, restaurants, umbrellas and chairs. There are no private beaches. By law all beaches have public access.
Other beaches like Manzanillo, Puerto Cruz, La Restinga and Juan Griego, are partly oceanic and offer a great diversity of water sports and services.
The beautiful Last Wind Resort sits just off Playa El Yaque one of Margaritas most stunning beaches located in the south of the island. This little beach has become an eldorado for sea sport participants. It is one of the world’s greatest destinations for windsurfing numerous other water sports.
Travelling tourists find their paradise on Margarita; met by white beaches shadowed by the coconut palms, a pleasant easterly wind and sunny climate, the ideal holiday location.
Towns
Natural and historical treasures not withstanding, the biggest draw on Margarita Island is the town of Porlamar. This is where the island's major hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and stores are located. Avenida Santiago Marino and Avenida 4 de Mayo are the two main streets, lined with designer shops.
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. They turned it into the major commercial city it is today. In the heart of the city and in an envious position next to the marina lies our Marina Caribe development.
The capital of the island is La Asuncion, founded in 1562 by coastal residents fleeing pirates. Set high in the hills, it was a safe refuge. La Asuncion has a number of buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, including the oldest church in Venezuela and the restored 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.
Coche Island
Just 8 miles south of Margarita and accessible via a 20 minutes boat ride stands Coche Island approximately some 65 yards above sea level with a surface of 11km long and 6km wide. There are beautiful, tranquil beaches for visitors to enjoy along with pristine turquoise water.
Home to the Isla Coche Spa Resort the island is marked by different landscapes, with one of its top attractions a shoreline dotted with a variety of wonderful white unspoiled beaches and clear blue waters for everyone.
Now is the time to buy a home in Margarita. The tourist industry is thriving, and real estate will rise in value quickly. For the moment, prices are quite affordable. Furnished apartments start from as little as £49,500 in Margarita, whilst furnished beach-front villas are available from only £69,000.