A week is the perfect length for Margarita: enough to see both faces of the island — the eastern coast of beaches and towns, and the wild Macanao — without rushing. This is the itinerary we put together for our guests when they ask "so, what do we do now?".
Day 1: arrival and the Pampatar seafront
Arrive, settle in and plan nothing big. Walk the Pampatar seafront at sunset, watch the fishing boats in front of the San Carlos de Borromeo fort and have fresh fish for dinner at one of the restaurants on the bay. Buy fruit and breakfast supplies for the days ahead — starting each day with breakfast on the balcony is part of the plan.
Day 2: Playa El Agua and Parguito
The classic first: the morning at Playa El Agua, with its four kilometres of sand and beach bars. When the sun gets strong, have fried fish for lunch by the water. In the afternoon move to Parguito, the neighbouring surf beach, to watch the surfers or try a lesson. On the way back, stop for a cold coconut at a roadside stand.
Day 3: La Restinga and the Macanao
Adventure day. Head out early to La Restinga lagoon: the boat ride through the mangrove tunnels is one of the most memorable things on the island. Continue to the Macanao peninsula — Margarita’s desert, near-empty half — to see another island entirely: arid hills, wild horses and kilometre-long beaches like Punta Arenas with hardly a soul. Bring water, a full tank and sunscreen.
Day 4: Juan Griego and the north
A quiet morning at Playa Caribe or Puerto Cruz, the jewels of the north coast. As evening falls, position yourself on the bay of Juan Griego: the sunset behind the La Galera fort is the most famous in Venezuela, and deservedly so. Order a drink facing the sea and keep your phone away until the sun touches the water.
Day 5: El Yaque or shopping day
Two plans depending on your style. Option A: El Yaque, to try windsurfing or kitesurfing on flat, shallow water — the schools teach complete beginners, and the spectacle of the sails alone is worth the trip. Option B: an urban day in Porlamar — Sambil mall, Avenida Santiago Mariño, plus the pharmacy run and the souvenirs. Margarita is a duty-free port: electronics and spirits go for surprising prices.
Day 6: Manzanillo and the village beaches
Head to the far northeast: Manzanillo, a fishing village with a crescent bay. Swim in calm water and lunch on the freshest fish on the island, straight off the boats. On the way back, stop at Playa Guacuco for a last afternoon swim under the palms.
Day 7: market, fort and farewell
A light morning: the Porlamar municipal market for breakfast empanadas and a souvenir, the visit you still owe the Pampatar fort, and a last dip in the bay before packing. If your flight leaves late, El Yaque sits right beside the airport — lunch watching the sails is the best possible send-off.
- Rent a car for days 3, 4 and 6 at minimum — the Macanao and the north need one
- Cash in small bills for beach chairs, boats and beach bars
- The La Restinga boat is priced per boat: sharing with other travellers makes it cheaper
- In the green season (May–October), plan beach time for the mornings