Nueva Esparta, Island state in northeastern Venezuela
Description
Nueva Esparta covers three main islands off northeastern Venezuela: Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua, with Margarita holding the largest area and most residents. These territories stretch across the Caribbean Sea and feature dry climates with flat coastal strips.
History
This territory gained status as a Venezuelan state in 1909 after decades of regional governance shifts since the colonial era under Spanish rule. Cubagua Island experienced a pearl boom in the 16th century that ended quickly.
Culture
Place names across the three islands recall Spanish mariners and Catholic saints, visible in churches and squares throughout coastal villages. Fishermen still speak local expressions born from handling pearls and nets.
Practical
An underwater pipeline system from mainland Venezuela delivers fresh water to residential and commercial zones on Margarita. Visitors should know that boat connections between islands can vary depending on weather and season.
Did you know?
Cubagua holds Nueva Cádiz, the first city founded in Venezuela. Its ruins now sit abandoned along the coast, bearing witness to the brief pearl fishing prosperity of the 16th century.
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Cubagua
29.7 km
Laguna de La Restinga National Park
16.3 km
Tetas de Maria Guevara Natural Monument
14 km
San Carlos de Borromeo Fortress
22 km
Santa Rosa de la Eminencia Castle
14.8 km
Cerro El Copey National Park
12.5 km
Fortín de La Galera
10.2 km
Cerros Guayamurí y Matasiete Natural Monument
19.1 km
Playa El Agua
22.1 km
Playa El Yaque
12.2 km
Laguna de Las Marites Natural Monument
12 km
La Asunción Cathedral
14.9 km
Fortín Santiago de La Caranta
22.8 km
Nueva Esparta Stadium
15 km
Playa Caribe
12.6 km
Parque El Agua
20.7 km
Playa Punta Arenas
44.4 km
Playa Puerto Cruz
16 km
Punta Ballena Lighthouse
24.3 kmPhare de Cabo Negro
23.2 km
Punta Charagato Lighthouse
24.7 km
Faro de la Puntilla
17.6 km
Punta Faragoza Lighthouse
15.8 kmLos Frailes Lighthouse (Venezuela)
35.2 km
Macanao Wildlife Reserve
31.9 km
Bahía El Saco Wildlife Reserve
27.7 km
Cubagua Island Natural Reserve
28.6 km
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Francisco Narváez
17.3 km
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