The history of El Faro de La Puntilla began at a different location from its present one. In 1895, engineers Carlos Monagas and Hilario Ortega installed a carbide lamp on a headland jutting into the sea, commissioned by Club Progreso. When Paseo Guaraguao was built, the lighthouse was moved to its current location. It was inaugurated on January 1, 1896. Its 15-meter-high, hexagonal tower houses a spiral staircase leading up to the lamp.
Lighthouse, Promenade and City History
On August 15, 1998, the lighthouse was declared a Monumento Histórico Municipal. The occasion was the 500th anniversary of the arrival of European sailors on Isla de Margarita. The site includes a fountain, an amphitheater and a promenade, with trees and palm trees providing shade. Here, the lighthouse’s history and facilities for spending time outdoors come together in one place.
Paseo Guaraguao also tells the story of the public development of this coastal town. A bust of Venezuelan writer and politician RĂłmulo Gallegos stands on a rectangular pedestal in its broad, paved area. The lighthouse and the paseo offer different points of connection: one recalls the history of a structure that changed location, while the other commemorates a well-known figure.
Art, Architecture and Tradition in Porlamar
In Porlamar, you’ll encounter different cultural eras. The Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari was built in the Neo-Gothic style in 1853, with construction continuing over several decades. Every year on December 6, the city celebrates its patron saint, San Nicolás de Bari. The celebration includes the ringing of bells, a solemn Mass and a procession carrying the image of the saint. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Francisco Narváez offers a different focus: it permanently displays works by sculptor Francisco Narváez and other Venezuelan artists.
These places can be seen as different ways to explore Porlamar’s culture: through a church’s architecture, an annual celebration or works in a permanent exhibition. This lets you decide which interests shape your exploration of Marino, rather than reducing the city to a single attraction.
Activity and Nature at Playa La Caracola
Playa La Caracola is about four kilometers long. You can walk, run, skate, cycle or walk your pets there. This is especially possible in the morning or afternoon, when vehicle traffic on the adjacent road is restricted. This time-dependent restriction may change; check whether it is in effect before your visit.
Laguna de El Morro, also known as Laguna Blanca, lies directly beside the beach. You can watch flamingos and other birds there. The beach and lagoon thus appeal to two different interests: being active along the coast and observing birdlife. An outdoor gym is also described in the area around the beach.
A Glimpse of Everyday Life and the Wider Destination
The Mercado Regional del Mar in the Punta sector of Municipio Mariño offers another perspective. A report dated March 14, 2026, describes the market after its rehabilitation, with fish and vegetable stalls, food kiosks, a parking lot and public lighting.
At the regional level, Nueva Esparta comprises the three islands of Margarita, Coche and Cubagua. The wider destination includes Parque Nacional Laguna de la Restinga, described as a recognized nature reserve and considered suitable for observing birds and seahorses. These nature-related interests belong to the wider regional perspective and should be distinguished from the attractions and experiences in Marino.
Discover more destinations: Llano Adentro, Porlamar, Antolin Del Campo, Antolin Del Campo, Arismendi, Marcano.
Back to the main travel overview: Nueva Esparta.
