Stretching 32km north to south and 67km east to west, Isla Margarita covers an area of 920km² and is Venezuela's largest Caribbean island. According to legend, Margarita was created by the teardrop of a cherub and named the "Pearl of the Caribbean". In reality, however, it formed when a narrow sand bar emerged from the sea and connected two adjacent islands. The sand bar and its surroundings, which comprise mangroves, salt-flats and a lagoon, are now the Laguna de la Restinga National Park.

Getting to Margarita is very easy. The island has a large international airport, (Santiago Mariño) and receives flights from Europe, North America and Canada. A dozen daily flights operate between Margarita and Caracas, as well as several daily flights to and from most other cities in Venezuela, including Puerto Ordaz, Maracaibo, Barcelona, Maturín, Tucupita, Valencia and San Antonio. Fares are relatively reasonable. The ferry is perhaps the most popular means of transport, as it enables visitors to bring their cars. The ferry terminal is called Punta de Piedras and there are several daily crossings between Margarita and Puerto la Cruz, Cumana and Trinidad. Ferries can be express or regular, and take passengers, vehicles or both.

Throughout the year, the east side of Isla Margarita maintains an average temperature of 25ºC to 28ºC, and enjoys a cooling breeze. The peninsula is less windy, and temperatures soar. The rainy season lasts from November to January, but as rain tends to fall during the night, most days remain dry.

The Macanao Peninsula forms the western side of Margarita, and is characterized by its distinctive red earth, cactus-covered coastline and mangrove swamps of the lagoon. The land is dry, barren and infertile, and much of the territory is desolate scrub; yet the striking colors lend the peninsula a rare and peculiar beauty. Just 15,000 people inhabit the region; most of whom live in small fishing villages scattered along the coast. The inland area remains undeveloped, home to just wild deer, goats and hares that browse the sparse vegetation on the hills. The life and landscape of the region contrast greatly with that of its eastern counterpart. Home to some 300,000 citizens, the east side of Margarita has rich soil, cool valleys and lively, busy towns. The capital of the state, La Asunciun, was so chosen for the sole reason that its inland location would shield it from pirate attacks. With a population of around 17,000, it is a quiet, cultural town with a tranquil plaza, cathedral, museums and the ancient hill fort of Santa Rosa. Porlamar, once a quiet, fishing village, has expanded in the last 15 years and is now the largest, busiest town on the island with a population of over 80,000