Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2019 | Page 372

MARGARITA island POPULATION SIZE 436,900 (2013) 1,020 sq. kilometers OFFICIAL LANGUAGE CAPITAL CITY Spanish CURRENCY Bolivar (1 US dollar equals 9.99 Bolivars ) Nueva Esparta AVERAGE TEMPERATURE 290 C / 840 F About Margarita Island Margarita Island is the largest island in the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta. It is located 25 miles from the Venezuela’s mainland and is accessible via air or ferry. Check with your travel agent about flights to Margarita. The east end of the island is a resort area while the west end is undeveloped with white, sandy beaches, mountains and dry arid land. The island has over 93 km of beaches and as a result offers to visitors a wide range of water activities such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving and snorkeling. If you were to visit some of the smaller villages like Macanao, you will be able to witness the simple life of fishermen and purchase locally made craft and art made by the villagers. Margarita When it comes to shopping, Margarita is a free port so head to Porlamar and enjoy the range of shopping options there.