The Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo is a National Historic Monument on the Island and is the islands largest fort. It is located in Pompatar Bay and was built in 1622. The castle was destroyed in 1662 by pirates, but was rebuilt. Tour the Castle and visit the museum inside.
Margarita Island offers many sandy beaches around the island. The largest of these is Playa El Agua on the north side of the island. It is four kilometers, or two and a half miles, long. Shops, hotels and restaurants line the beach as well as local vendors and artists.
La Restinga National Park is located on the east side of Margarita Island in the area that connects to the state of Nueva Esparta. The park features a shallow lagoon and mongrove forests. Four different species of sea turtle can be found within the park as well as cottontail rabbits, white-tailed deer and a variety of birds including parakeets and pygmy owls. Two towns are located within the park: El Portillo de Leonardo and El Maguey. Boat tours of the park are offered.
Ranch Cabatucan is located near Restinga National Park and offers horseback riding tours year-round. Two-hour rides of the beach and surrounding mountains are offered year-round to individuals ages three and older and less than 120 kg, or 264 lbs. Children between the ages of three and six must ride with a guide. Two-hour moonlight rides are also offered.
