🇻🇪 Isla Margarita, Venezuela: My Brutally Honest Review
What if one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean was also one of the most misunderstood?
Two years ago, I travelled to Isla Margarita in Venezuela with no idea what I was walking into. Back then, the country wasn’t dominating international headlines the way it is today. Fast‑forward to now, and Venezuela is once again in the global spotlight - this time because of political tension, shifting relations with the US, and the ongoing situation surrounding Maduro and the oil industry.
With all of that unfolding, it felt like the right moment to share my own experience of the country - not to make a political statement, but to offer a grounded, personal perspective from someone who actually spent time there. My trip happened before the latest developments, so this isn’t a commentary on the current situation. Instead, it’s a snapshot of what Isla Margarita was like when I visited, and a look at whether it might be a destination worth considering in the future once things stabilise.
Right now may not be the ideal time to book a flight, but if you’re curious about Venezuela beyond the headlines, this honest review might give you a clearer picture of what the island has to offer.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Coming from Europe, reaching Isla Margarita is a long journey. I had to fly into Caracas first before connecting to the island. There are plans for direct flights from Madrid to Isla Margarita, which would make things much easier, but for now, expect a multi‑step trip.
Once you arrive, public transport is scarce. Renting a car is almost essential, but the roads are rough and the driving style is… let’s say “creative.” Think GTA energy, but real life. Unless you have a local friend to drive you around, getting from place to place can be challenging.
Score: 2/5
💶 Cost of Living
I stayed with a friend, but I checked hotel prices out of curiosity. Hostels start around €25, and more comfortable hotels sit around €40. Compared to Europe, that’s extremely affordable.
Food is both delicious and budget‑friendly. Some items are even shockingly cheap - like the bag of mangoes we bought for $2. Petrol, however, is surprisingly expensive at €3.20 per litre.
Overall, you can live very comfortably here without spending much.
Score: 4/5
🌴 Environment, Cleanliness & Natural Beauty
If someone asked me to picture a tropical paradise, Isla Margarita would fit the description perfectly. The landscapes are stunning, the beaches feel untouched, and the lack of crowds makes everything even more magical.
What really surprised me was how clean the island is. Locals clearly care about their home and work hard to keep it beautiful.
Score: 5/5
☀️ Weather
If you’re considering Isla Margarita, you probably already know what you’re signing up for: sunshine, heat, and more sunshine. I didn’t see a drop of rain during my stay. Just remember your sun cream.
Score: 5/5
🍽️ Culinary Experience
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the food scene, but it blew me away. Of course, there’s Venezuelan cuisine, but there’s also a surprising amount of international food - especially Italian - and it’s genuinely high quality.
Everything is affordable too… except the time I accidentally bought a family‑size pizza for $25. Annoying, yes. Delicious, also yes. It fed me for a day and a half.
Score: 5/5
🤝 Local Hospitality
Before arriving, several Venezuelan friends warned me about Caracas airport and the military presence. But my experience was overwhelmingly positive. People were warm, patient with my Spanish, and genuinely helpful.
My friend’s family welcomed me as if I were one of their own, and even the beach vendors were polite and respectful.
There was one annoying moment on Playa Restinga where we were charged $10 after sitting for two hours, but that was the exception, not the rule.
Score: 5/5
🛡️ Safety & Security
Despite the warnings, I felt safe most of the time. I’ve travelled in this region before, so I had a sense of what to expect, but Isla Margarita felt secure overall. I could film in public without worrying about someone grabbing my gear.
The only time I genuinely felt unsafe was thanks to two homeless dogs living near my friend’s building. One liked biting car tires, and the other seemed to have a personal vendetta against me. It followed me up the stairs barking aggressively more times than I’d like to admit. I love dogs, but this one tested me.
Still, in general, the island felt safe as long as you stay aware of your surroundings.
Score: 4/5
🌟 Overall Experience
My time on Isla Margarita was overwhelmingly positive. It’s not a perfect destination - there are still things that need improvement — but it comes incredibly close to being a dream location.
Here are the few negatives I managed to scrape together:
- No non‑alcoholic beer options like 0.0
- Beach vendors selling random junk
- Frequent power cuts
- Massive bugs (a personal nightmare)
Even with those, the island left a huge impression on me.
Score: 4/5
🧮 Final Score
Adding everything up, Isla Margarita earns 34 out of 40, making it an excellent, must‑see destination.
If you’re looking for natural beauty, warm people, great food, and an affordable tropical escape, this island deserves your attention - especially once the political situation becomes more stable.
