Isla Margarita lies close enough to the Venezuelan coast to have imported a vibrant hint of Latin America to its relaxed island mood. It is in fact two islands linked by an 18km sandbar of broken seashells called La Restinga behind which lies a wetland lagoon and mangroves National Park containing over 100 species of birds, turtles, dolphins, deer, ocelots, seahorses and oysters. The western island, known as the Peninsula de Macanao, is barren and hot but has some good deserted beaches and a few small settlements. The eastern island has wooded areas and fertile valleys and most of the population and facilities. The tiny colonial capital of La Asuncion is filled with architectural gems including colonial buildings, a cathedral and the fort of Santa Rosa. Porlamar, centre of the island's long-established pearl industry, is the largest town on the island and good for shopping.