The calm blue waters of Lake Nicaragua have made it a favorite destination for nature lovers across the world. Spanning 110 miles in length, it’s the largest freshwater lake in Central America.

In fact, the lake is so large that it actually has many ocean characteristics. The lake is tidal, and the area often experiences storms of the kind you’d find on the coast. The area around the lake is beautiful, and it’s not surprising that many expats set their heart on moving here.

If you are thinking of making Lake Nicaragua your home, you have the choice of five main areas. They are Granada, San Carlos, San Jorge, Ometepe Island and San Miguelito.

These five port towns all have a lot to offer. Around the banks of the lake you will find historical architecture, churches, markets, and nightspots waiting for you to discover them.

Which area you choose depends on your personal preference. Here is some guidance to help you make the right decision.

Granada

Granada is a very popular choice. It is a beautiful colonial city, with stunning Spanish-inspired architecture and a lot of cultural experiences to offer. As it is a comparatively wealthy area, Granada offers much more in the way of luxurious living than the other four port cities. A lot of money was spent on restoring the city in the 1990s, and the city now has amenities like:

• cable and cell phone service
• four star hotels and restaurants
• a brand new supermarket and a selection of health food stores
• libraries
• gyms
• Internet cafes

Because of this, Granada offers a high quality of life for expats. Not only does it enable you to get closer to nature and enjoy the fantastic landscapes and still waters of the surrounding area, it also lets you do it with all the comforts of a modern city! However, though the real estate in Granada still offers strong investment opportunities, it is more expensive than it is in other parts of the tropics.

San Carlos

Like Granada, San Carlos is a big city with a good selection of facilities and amenities. It is the capital of Rio San Juan, and here you’ll find doctors, lawyers, and most other professional services. The town also has its own small airport, which makes for very convenient travel.

One of the main benefits of San Carlos is that it sits right on the bank of the lake and offers beautiful views across the water. The city also has idyllic features such as a tropical atmosphere, friendly people, and a very low volume of traffic. Many of the people who live in San Carlos are fishermen by trade, which means that it’s a great place to eat!

The downside of San Carlos is that it is not as picturesque as other places in the area. The natural rainforest around the town is being threatened by slash-and-burn timber techniques, and the town’s accommodation is characterized by corrugated iron.

San Jorge

San Jorge is a small village on the western side of the lake. It’s best known for its ferry links, as it’s here that people go to to catch the boat to Ometepe Island. Though small, the village does have some popular restaurants.

This rural area is rich with vegetation and wildlife. If you’re looking for a truly rural retreat, San Jorge might be the right choice for you. If you’re looking for a new home base with a bit more life, you might want to look elsewhere.

Ometepe Island

Speaking of rural living, could island life be what you’re looking for? Ometepe Island sits right in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, measures 276 square kilometers and is home to two volcanoes. The island has fertile soil, lovely beaches, and rich biodiversity. In fact, Ometepe has long been described as a paradise.

Unlike Granada and San Carlos, Ometepe Island has little to offer in the way of facilities or luxuries. It is, however, a beautiful spot.

San Miguelito

San Miguelito is a mountainous municipality that looks out over the lake. In addition to gorgeous lake views, it is also home to two rivers and numerous waterfalls. The real beauty of this area is the sandy beaches that line the edge of the lake.

The town of San Miguelito is small but well formed. Between March 8th and 14th each year the town lights up to celebrate the traditional festival of San Miguel de Arcangel.

There are some travel links to the town, but it doesn’t have much to offer in terms of restaurants or nightlife.

Wherever you choose to live on Lake Nicaragua, you can be sure of two things; beautiful lake views and friendly locals.