Catia La Mar

Catia La Mar is a city in the state of La Guaira in Central Venezuela. The beaches west of the Caracas airport beginning with Catia La Mar have never been as popular or well maintained as those to the east. While they were relatively unharmed by the mudslides, the area is plagued by pollution and insecurity. Still this is the beach area closest to international airport and it is not without its attractions including airport pickup and cheap hotel rates.

Modern sculpture of an attendant pumping gas

See

• 1 Castillo Las Salinas. A castle that is quite an eye-catcher but spooky too in its abandoned state. Can only drive by and photograph it. (updated Oct 2020)

Do

There are beaches everywhere. These are just a couple of representative ones.

• 1 Playa Candilejas A y B, Calle Real de Playa Verde. (updated Oct 2020)
• 2 Playa Marina Grande, ☏ +58 212 3515019. You have to pay a fee here but it is probably safer than just about anywhere else. Plus umbrellas and food vendors available. (updated Oct 2020)

Eat

• 1 El Meson del Faro. Restaurant with good seafood choices like paella, and a bar. (updated Oct 2020)
• 2 El Caney del Chivo, Av La Marina, ☏ +58 424 1794385. Seafood by the sea. (updated Oct 2020)

Sleep

• Hotel Catimar, Urbanización Puerto Viejo Av. Ppal., ☏ +58-212-351-90-97, fax: +58-212-352-46-03. Has an airport shuttle 5 minutes from Caracas airport. US$30-60. 
• 1 Venezuela Marriott Hotel Playa Grande, Avenida El Hotel. Playa Grande, ☏ +58 212 3358700. This is a nice hotel if you're looking for a pool fronting the sea and willing to pay a price for it. Comes with a spa and restaurant and the Marriott brand name too of course. $89. (updated Oct 2020)
• 2 Hotel Restaurant Alto Mar, Avenida La Armada, Catia La Mar 1162, ☏ +58 212 3525393. Hotel with inviting restaurant not far from the sea but also right next to a noisy road. (updated Oct 2020)
• 3 Hotel Playa y Brisa, Calle El Pedregal, Maiquetía, ☏ +58 212 3125217. This hotel with a unique building design and a restaurant is right across from the beach. (updated Oct 2020)
• 4 residencia Nautilius, Av La Playa. Pool by the beach. (updated Oct 2020)