The Library and Museum is a colonial house. Inside there is a small library and an antique museum which holds pre-Columbian artifacts .
Colonial Houses are still occupied by local Margaritans. It is worth the time to appreciate their architecture.
San Carlos De Borromeo is Margarita’s largest fort. Overlooking and dominating the bay, it was built between 1664 and 1684 to protect the port on the site of the original fort which was destroyed in 1662. It was built of coral rock on a star plan with salients radiating from the four angles of the central square, each with a look out tower.
Jester’s Cave (Cueva del Bufon) is overlooking the sea. It’s said that this was the area where the smugglers used to hide their treasures. It is a terrific feeling when one listens to the sound and movement of the waves. The view is fascinating, the surf splashing the rocks makes this a superb experience.
Caranta Fort has some original Spanish cannons overlooking the sea. The seascapes and views are terrific from here. On your right side is a panoramic view of Porlamar city and the Pampatar harbor, on your left side is the Playa Terminal and below is the Caranta Beach. This place is recommended for photographers and video fanatics and also to those of you looking for a romantic setting.
Fondene is a pink neoclassical building (1864) which was the seat of the transitory Republican Government during the independence war. Nowadays it is the seat of an important local development agency.
The Holiest Christ of Good Voyages is a sober white-washed Church which houses a wood sculpted statue of Christ. Unloaded by a Spanish ship which couldn’t weigh anchor the Christ image is venerated by fishermen and boatmen.
La Capitania Beach is a recommended spot for snorkeling and diving lovers. It is tiny, sandy and has no shade. To the right and to the left there is an inshore coral reef. Be careful, some times the sea current is very strong in this area.
descripcion
In Los Robles there is a handsome 16th-century Church that houses the solid golden Virgen of El Pilar and a curious 16th-century Church bell. It is said that both of them were received as a donation to the colony in 1504 by Queen Juana La Loca, daughter of Queen Isabel the Catholic. |
Moreno is a village with a special personality. It was named after Moreno’s family, the town’s first settlers. Nowadays most of the people living here are descendants from Moreno’s family.
Pampatar is a quaint and quite beautiful town, was founded in the 1530s and named after a Guaqueri Indian word meaning “town of salt”. Indeed, a salt flat mine is close by to this day. There is a lot of mystery and beauty to explore in this charming town, specially in the fine old colonial buildings. Spaniards settled here
because of its strategic location - a deep water-calm port and wealth produced by the existence of a natural salt flat mine. Yachts, ships, and wooden boats are anchored in the quiet bay giving a picturesque contrast. Location: 10 Km east from Porlamar.
Pampatar Beach is 1.5 Km of golden sand, lined by tiny restaurants and bars. This Palm shaded beach is 20m wide, deep 7m out, warm (25 c) and has gentle waves. If you like the idea of watching sleepy pelicans resting perched on colorful wooden boats on a picturesque Caribbean bay, this is a place not to be missed. Come and share with the locals the easy going fishermen’s shore side life after a long and tough day. The best time is late afternoon before sunset.
El Angel Beach is in a secluded area between two rocky hills. Its name was taken from an naturally sculptured rock which looked like an angel praying. Mother nature sculptured it and then took it away. Neither shade nor services are available here. The sea view from the hill approx. 80m to the west is superb. It is accessible either by 4x4 vehicle from Moreno or by an easy hike from either area.
Caranta Beach. During fishing season, it is very impressive to watch the hauling in of the huge nets on this beach. The fishermen seize the fish with their hands and throw them on to the beach, they are then dried in the parching sun on stones or wooden structures, some of them are salted, and most are shipped to the mainland for market. If you want to check this out, look carefully for the nets, they are usually floating on the water before being dragged to the beach.
Punta is a secluded two mile sandy beach. In front of it there is a natural salt flat which makes construction impossible and thus limits the development of this area. It also contributes to it being a perfect place for a beach gallop on horseback.
Moreno’s beach is 3 Km long and a 20m width of white sand. Water is warm (26 C) and deep 8m from shore and there is moderate surf. Service is limited.
Terminal Beach is a tiny, palm shaded beach, a lovely place to visit. Here is a place to stop, relax and breathe the pure air brought in by the sea breeze. For those who enjoy snorkeling, there is a coral area right in front of the beach, no need to swim far to reach it. The water is incredibly clear most of the year.
Punta Ballena is Margarita’s most eastern hill. It has a dirt trail dominating the most spectacular panoramic views that extend across the Caribbean horizon. The scenery here is impossible to match. |
