Beaches. White sand. Warm clear water. Tropical breezes. Scuba. Windsurfing. Palm trees. Temperate climate. Tranquility. Excitement. Sailing. Sunsets.

You'll find these at the many beaches of Margarita Island located 17 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It's been a favored destination with European tourists for some time but the island is gaining esteem from beachgoers from all countries. It's also a preferred location for windsurfers as the wind and water cooperate to make the beach of El Yaque a world-class windsurfing beach.

You'll find upscale shopping centers such as Rattan Plaza Shopping Center in Playa El Angel, Porlamar and Los Robles Shopping Center where you can safely leave the children in Play Aventura or Play Planet while you shop. Declared a duty free port in the '70's Margarita makes shopping for imported goods very reasonable.