Learn the History of Isla Margarita

Are you a history buff? Be sure to check out these locations on Isla Margarita when visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort.

Ruins of Caranta Fort

Caranta Fort is located on top of La Caranta Hill and was built between 1586 and 1595. It was originally built to shut off access to the bay and shoreline, but before it could perform this duty, it was destroyed during an attack by Dutch pirates in 1626.

Today, the ruins of Caranta Fort still have a few original cannons pointing towards the ocean that visitors can experience. La Caranta Hill also provides visitors with a world class view of the bay which is always filled with sailboats from around the world.

San Nicolas de Bari Church

The first church that was originally built on this site was looted and burned down by pirates in 1555. From there, worship was held in a home until San Nicolas de Bari Church was built 400 years later.

San Nicolas de Bari Church showcases the history of this island and is an important landmark to the locals, which makes this church a must see site when visiting.

Francisco Narvaez’s Contemporary Art Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Porlamar on Isla Margarita, you will find Francisco Narvaez’s Contemporary Art Museum. This museum was opened in 1979 to honor Francisco Narvaez’s work, who was known as one of the greatest Margaritan sculptors.

The museum contains a collection of oil paintings plus wood, stone, and bronze sculptures created by Narvaez during time spent in Caracas, Paris, and Italy. You will find contemporary works by other artists here as well.

The Diocesan Museum

The Diocesan Museum is located next to the La Virgin Del Valle Church, showcasing a diversity of offerings granted by the faithful devotes of the Virgin.

Here guests can admire all the offerings from the parishioners, the dresses of the Virgin, objects that belong to the church, and paintings where numerous scenes depict the Virgin Mary and her miracles.

The museum is open from 9 am to 12 pm, & again from 2 pm until 5 pm.

Your Isla Margarita Vacation at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort

How do I get to Isla Margarita?

Depending on where you live, the easiest way is to find out if there are any direct charter flights and then book "AIR ONLY".

From Canada: - Air Transat has “air only” tickets for direct flights to Isla Margarita. Air Canada has weekly direct flights from Toronto to Caracas.

From America: There are direct flights to Caracas from Houston and Miami.

From Europe: There are direct flights to Caracas on Air France, KLM, BA, Lufthansa, Alitalia, Iberia and others.

The alternative is to book a regular flight to Caracas and then, from there, to Isla Margarita (Porlamar) on one of the many daily 35 minute shuttle flights.

What is there to do at the resort?

Caracola Beach and Spa Resort is a luxury condominium resort located on the beachfront of the Caribbean on Isla Margarita. Within the resort, you will find a multitude of services and facilities. You will be sure to enjoy our delectable restaurants, tropical swim-up bars, full-service spa, and refreshing swimming pools. Caracola Beach and Spa Resort will also boast a fully-equipped gym, hairdressers, and high end retail establishments. Here you will find yourself lost in paradise while relaxing in our seaside hammocks or lying on the sandy beach while the waves of the Caribbean Sea travel over your feet.

What is there to do on the island?

Here are the top 5 must see sites.

1. Playa El Agua- This is the longest, widest, and most popular beach on Isla Margarita. This also results in it being the busiest, but most serviced beach on the island where visitors can find many sport activities, concerts, bars, and restaurants.

2. Playa El Yague- This is one of the world’s best spots for wind and kite surfing whether you are a beginner or more advanced. If you are lucky, you will even catch expert windsurfers training for international competitions.

3. Los Roques- This is one of the best snorkeling locations in the Caribbean. This area contains around 150 islands that offer white sand beaches accompanied by crystal clear waters. This location also offers one of the best coral reefs in the entire world. A flight to Los Roques takes about an hour from Margarita Island, but it is well worth it.

4. Lagoon La Restinga- If you are in need of a break from the beaches, Lagoon La Restinga is one of the best national parks around. This park offers a lagoon with mangrove swamps and colorful flamingos. La Restinga is about an hour boat ride away from Isla Margarita but if you go in the morning you will see many different varieties of fish, dolphins and about 100 bird species.

5. Porlamar- This is the largest city on Isla Margarita and is the island’s center of commerce. To get the best prices on goods, shop on Boulevard Guevara. If you are looking for higher-end, more elegant stores visit the avenues of Santiago Marino and 4 de Mayo. Isla Margarita is a duty-free port which means that goods are declared exempt from tax.

Stay up to date with Caracola Beach and Spa Resort!

Stay in the “know” about all things going on at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort by following us on twitter.

You’ll be the first to know about the progress of Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, enjoy general information about the resort, and learn useful information about Isla Margarita.

Follow us at www.twitter.com/caracolaresort.

Heading to the Caribbean? Read these helpful tips!

Before your trip:

Buy film or an extra memory card for your camera before you leave. You will not get a break buying film for your camera in a tourist destination. Look for a sale where you live and buy lots of your film there.

Packing/Luggage:

Clearly mark your luggage with a distinctive tie so you can retrieve it easily from the luggage carousel.

Mark every piece of luggage inside and outside with your last name and first initial only. Do not use a title (Mr.). Do not put your home address or destination address on the luggage unless your destination is a hotel or resort.

If you are traveling as a couple, each of you should put one complete outfit in the other's suitcase in case one suitcase is delayed or lost. It is also a good idea to carry a change of underwear and socks in your carry-on.

Use a twistie. Use garbage-bag ties to secure the zips (as well as locks) on your luggage. This measure annoys and may deter a potential thief.

Flight:

Be familiar with the security restrictions for carry-on items, particularly fluids. However make sure that you carry essential items such as prescriptions with you, in quantities that will see you through 48 hours if your luggage is mislaid.

Make sure you bring your plane ticket or E-ticket receipt, passport and a pen onto the plane with you- you will invariably have to fill in an arrival form and customs declaration form - which are normally distributed in flight.

Playa Caribe on Isla Margarita is a Must!

Are you looking for the complete beach experience during you stay at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort? Well then you must be sure to check out Playa Caribe, located on the north coast of Isla Margarita.

Here you will find dozens of restaurants and beach vendors on the mile long stretch of beach, who will serve you right from your beach chair as you enjoy the beautiful white sand and the cool refreshing breeze off the water.

The waters offer moderately sized waves making it a fun beach for older children to splash around and play in the waves as they come in.

For those older, why not rent a boat or a jet ski and head out to explore the tiny rock island facing the beach, or learn to surf on the great beginner waves.

Looking to be a little adventurous? Head over to the west end of the beach and explore the many caves and rock formations that can be found here.

After your day on the beach, be sure and stick around as the sun sets and the music is turned up! Dance on the beach, take a nightly swim, or enjoy dinner and cocktails at one of the many restaurants on the beach. Whatever you decide, your day at Playa Caribe is sure to be on you won’t forget!

Sail Around Isla Margarita

During your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita, why not experience the island in a different way by sailing around it!

The Caribbean waters surrounding Isla Margarita and the weather in the area offer the perfect sailing environment whether you’re a new sailor or experienced.

Thinking about a longer sailing trip? Isla Margarita is a duty free port so you can stock up on your supplies at much lower costs than other Caribbean islands. The best store to visit is Sigo La Proveeduria, located on the outskirts of Porlamar, which caters specifically to the yachting crowd.

There are a number of yacht and sailboat charters on the island to choose from that offer a range of services, boat sizes, and sailing routes to provide the perfect sailing experience for everyone.

For more information on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort and other activities on the island, be sure to visit http://www.caracolabeachsparesort.com/.

Isla Margarita: South America’s Most Important Beach!

Check out what tourism analysts consider the most important beach in South America: Isla Margarita!

Isla Margarita, home to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, provides visitors with exotic shores which host some of the best beaches in the world, as well as many tourist attractions and a national and international gastronomy of a first level.

Isla Margarita features a great variety of beaches, suitable for all ages. If you are looking for calm waters suitable for young children or a relaxing atmosphere, be sure to check out La Caracola, Playa Montero, and Pampatar. But if you are looking for a little more action and the excitement of high tides perfect for water sports, head over to Playa Caribe or Playa el Agua.

One of the best parts about Isla Margarita is that any time is the perfect time to visit! The sun is unbelievable throughout the whole year with average temperatures in the 80’s. There is also a low probability of rain and hurricanes because Isla Margarita is outside the hurricane belt.

For more information regarding local attractions and Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, be sure to visit http://www.caracolabeachsparesort.com/.

Discover Los Roques Archipelago!

Looking for the perfect day of exploration and relaxation when visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita? Be sure to visit Los Roques archipelago!

Los Roques has more than 50 keys and approximately 300 coral reefs perfect for exploring. Los Roques is even considered one of the best island beaches due to its diversity of beaches and the best natural landscapes!

Los Roques is one of the few virgin paradises left in the Caribbean offering visitors numerous beaches to relax on and plenty of excursions to embark on. Enjoy your day exploring inhabited islets on small fishing boats, snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking or sailing the crystal clear, turquoise waters.

For more information about Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, please visit http://www.caracolabeachsparesort.com/

Isla Margarita is a ‘Top 10 Beach Resort Destination’!

Looking for the perfect South American beach resort destination?

Well look no further than Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita!

Whether you are looking for a party or looking to relax, Isla Margarita is sure to provide you with exactly what you’re looking for.

Isla Margarita has even been named a “Top 10 Beach Resort Destination” by http://www.bigtravelweb.com/!

The best time to visit Isla Margarita is mid June to mid September, December to April, and during Carnival in February. For other helpful overseas travel tips, visit Helpful Travel Tips for Visiting Isla Margarita.