Plaza Bolivar
In Porlamar, you will find the Plaza Bolivar named after Simon Bolivar, which is the most important public space and Ceremonial Square in Porlamar. Plaza Bolivar is a pedestrian friendly area which offers visitors plenty of ubiquitous shops for exploring. This plaza is also the social center of the city where people meet to hang out, play a game of chess, or provide entertainment to other visitors of the area.
Avenida 4 de Mayo
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort is located near one of the top tourist destination on Isla Margarita. This destination is dominated by two streets: Avenida Santiago and Avenida 4 de Mayo. Avenida 4 de Mayo is populated with boutiques and shopping centers which carry the best lines of all sorts of merchandise including clothing, electronics, cosmetics, perfume, liquor, etc. Many of these items carry exclusive manes like Gucci, Fendi, Cartier, Nike, etc. Avenida 4 de Mayo also houses many international goods, fast food joints, and restaurants.
New Market of Los Conjeros
The New Market of Los Conejeros is a huge shopper’s destination featuring both food and apparel within hundreds of small stalls. On the eastern end of the market visitors will find T-shirts, shorts, towels, swimsuits, and sandals, among many other clothing items that are cheaper here than in the stores. On the western end, visitors will find a lively center for fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish, and dry goods. New Market of Los Conejeros is located on the northwestern border of Porlamar near the corner of Avenida 4 de Mayo and Avenida Santiago Mariño.
Sambil Mall
The Sambil Margarita Shopping Mall or "centro" is the largest retail center on Isla Margarita.
The Sambil Mall is located near the town of Pampatar, just a few miles away from Porlamar, and very close to a large "Rattan Hypermarket" grocery store.
Some of the most notable features of the Sambil Margarita Mall include; a movie theater, a variety of dining options in the food court, a Baby Buggy child care service, various events, and a huge selection of retail stores.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Enjoy Exploring The Major Cities of Isla Margarita
When staying at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, be sure to check out one, or all, of Isla Margarita’s major cities. Each city is sure to offer its visitors something different.
Porlamar- This is the biggest city on Isla Margarita and is known for its commercial center. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, sure to appeal to every taste. Boulevard Guevara, a narrow, store-lined road, is the best place to shop at good prices. The city also has two major beaches: Playa Moreno and Playa Guacuco.
Pampatar- This is the home to most of the largest shopping malls on Isla Margarita, including Sambil Margarita, Rattan Depot, Centro Commercial Avenida Bolivar, and La Redoma. It also houses the Castillo de San Carlos de Borromeo, which was constructed entirely of coral and built on the waterfront of the town center to protect the bay of Pampatar.
La Asuncion- This is the oldest city on Isla Margarita and is the capital of the Federal State of Nueva Esparta. It is also the center of the commercial and manufacturing industries, which include the growing of cotton, sugarcane, coconuts, and cassava.
Juan Griego- This city has small shopping centers and beaches but is well known for the fortress La Galera. La Galera is not far from the center of the city and it is where the fierce battle of independence was fought in the 1820’s.
Porlamar- This is the biggest city on Isla Margarita and is known for its commercial center. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, sure to appeal to every taste. Boulevard Guevara, a narrow, store-lined road, is the best place to shop at good prices. The city also has two major beaches: Playa Moreno and Playa Guacuco.
Pampatar- This is the home to most of the largest shopping malls on Isla Margarita, including Sambil Margarita, Rattan Depot, Centro Commercial Avenida Bolivar, and La Redoma. It also houses the Castillo de San Carlos de Borromeo, which was constructed entirely of coral and built on the waterfront of the town center to protect the bay of Pampatar.
La Asuncion- This is the oldest city on Isla Margarita and is the capital of the Federal State of Nueva Esparta. It is also the center of the commercial and manufacturing industries, which include the growing of cotton, sugarcane, coconuts, and cassava.
Juan Griego- This city has small shopping centers and beaches but is well known for the fortress La Galera. La Galera is not far from the center of the city and it is where the fierce battle of independence was fought in the 1820’s.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, May 21, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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.
Friday, May 14, 2010
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/.
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