Quaint old houses with high doors, windows with intricate grillwork, decorative friezes and wrought-iron locks line the entrance to Pampatar. This is one of the oldest cities on the island and in all of the Americas. Founded in 1535, under the name Puerto Real de Mampatare, it has managed to preserve remnants of its historic past. The town has a very lively beach, located close to its harbour, which has been in constant use by fishermen for centuries. Founded in 1530 as Villa del Norte, Santa Ana is proud of its magnificent trees, plazas and colonial homes. The beauty of this little town of 4,500 inhabitants is worth a detour in itself. All beaches are open to the public, including those at the luxury hotels. Beaches that are swept by the trade winds (to the southeast, east and northeast), from El Yaque to Playa El Agua, are famous for windsurfing, while Playa Parguito and El Tirano mainly attract bodysurfing enthusiasts. Swimmers will particularly enjoy the clean, clear waters of the beaches that lie to the east of Pampatar, including Playa El Terminal, below the La Caranta fort.