Margarita has more than 50 beaches along its coast, and each has its own character: some have waves for surfing, some have flat water for swimming with children, some are fishing villages and some are postcard tourist beaches. These are the ten we recommend to our guests, with what you need to know about each.
1. Playa El Agua
The most famous beach on the island: four kilometres of golden sand on the northeast coast, lined with coconut palms and beach bars serving fried fish and cocktails. The surf is moderate and the atmosphere lively. This is the postcard beach — if you only visit one, make it this.
2. Playa Parguito
Just south of El Agua, Parguito is the surfers’ beach. It has the best waves on the island and schools that rent boards and give lessons. On Sundays it fills with locals; midweek it is far quieter.
3. Playa Caribe
On the north coast near Juan Griego, Caribe is a long stretch of white sand with strong waves and little development. Less touristy than El Agua, perfect for those who want space and open sea. Mind the currents if you are not a strong swimmer.
4. Playa El Yaque
In the south, next to the airport, El Yaque is a world-class windsurf and kitesurf destination. The wind blows steadily and the water stays flat and shallow for tens of metres — ideal conditions for learning. Even if you do not do watersports, the spectacle of the sails at sunset is worth the trip.
5. Playa Guacuco
In the east, Guacuco is a long beach with medium waves, ideal for bodyboarding, with palms for shade. The crowd is mostly local weekenders, so it keeps an authentic feel and reasonable prices.
6. Playa Manzanillo
At the far northeast tip, Manzanillo is a fishing village with a crescent-shaped bay and calm waters. This is where you eat the freshest fish on the island, straight off the boats. Ideal for an unhurried afternoon and a long lunch.
7. Playa Puerto Cruz
Tucked between cliffs on the north coast, Puerto Cruz is one of the most beautiful and least-visited beaches on Margarita, because reaching it needs a car with good suspension. The reward is pale sand, turquoise water and few people.
8. Playa Juan Griego
The bay of Juan Griego, in the northwest, is famous for its sunsets: the sun sets over the sea behind the La Galera fort. Calm waters, fishing boats and seafront restaurants. Arrive before dusk and order a drink with a view.
9. Playa La Restinga
On the isthmus joining the two halves of the island, La Restinga is a long bar of crushed shells inside a national park. You reach it by boat, crossing the lagoon through tunnels of mangrove — a ride that is an attraction in itself. Very calm water, no surf.
10. Playa Pampatar
The town beach of Pampatar, beside the San Carlos de Borromeo castle. Calm waters, colourful fishing boats and a seafront promenade with fish restaurants. It is the most convenient if you stay nearby — perfect for families and for a quick swim without travelling.
- For surfing: Parguito and Caribe
- For swimming with children: La Restinga, Manzanillo and Pampatar
- For windsurf and kitesurf: El Yaque
- For sunsets: Juan Griego
- For the postcard photo: El Agua