Margarita Island: La Asuncion

La Asuncion is the capital of Isla Margarita and the entire state and the city is one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in South America – founded in 1562. It’s located away from the coast and right in the heart of the island, surrounded by mountains and having a cooler climate. The town is quite compact, with well preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, pastel-colored facades, and lots and lots of very pretty graffiti paintings almost on every building. The centerpiece attraction is without a doubt the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Asuncion, built between 1570 and 1617, this is the second-oldest surviving church building in all of Venezuela. It has austere architecture, looking like a heavy fortress designed to withstand attacks, topped with a rectangular bell tower. The town is amazing to just roam around – with old buildings with overhanging balconies, colorful graffiti, and many unique shops and restaurant.