About Marco Island
Marco Island is a wonderful resort island 20 miles south of Naples Florida. The largest, and most populated of southwestern Florida's 10,0000 islands. This warm, sunny barrier island boasts 6 miles of beaches and 24 square miles of land traversed by over 100 miles of canals. Marco Island features a relaxing lifestyle that can be enjoyed from waterfront homes, beachfront condos, and high-end resorts like the JW Marriott, The Hilton, and Marco Beach Ocean Resort. Marco Island also boasts many exquisite restaurants like Fin Bistro, Da Vinci's, Ciao Bella, and many more. You can also find fun bars/restaurants such as The Snook Inn, Sunset Grill, and Kane (at the JW Marriott) providing a waterfront atmosphere that makes you feel like you are thousands of miles from life's normal stresses. Many residents of the island enjoy boating, sunbathing, shelling, and other watersports as part of Marco Island's charm.
History
Originally inhabited by the Calusa Indians around 500 B.C., the island was eventually discovered by the Spanish in the mid-1500s, who named the island "Isla de San Marcos". Eventually, Marco Island began being developed in 1896 by the Collier family. A hotel was opened by Capt. Bill Collier, son of Baron Collier, this Hotel is called The Olde Marco Inn today. Clamming became a dominant industry on the island along with the construction of a railroad and bridge to accommodate the transport of goods and people during the early to middle of the 20th century. In the 1960s, the Mackle Brothers purchased land and developed the island in what was considered a revolutionary approach at the time. Selling properties before and during development through mass advertising. This development began what today is the modern era of Marco Island as a world-class resort destination. Currently, Marco Island has approximately 17,000 full-time residents with the population swelling to just under 50,000 people during the winter season.
Marco Island Today
Today, Marco Island is considered the jewel of the 10,000 islands with a spectacular 3 ½ mile crescent beach, to our many serene waterways and canals, Marco Island is known for its sunshine, resort lifestyle, and distinctive “chill” island feel. Just far enough south of Naples to be a world apart, but close enough to conveniently access the metropolitan buzz of the city, Marco Island boasts a special lifestyle. Water can be seen at almost every location, whether at the beach, cruising on a boat, or relaxing with friends near the water for a meal or cocktail, you will know the beauty of Marco!
Marco Island real estate offers many different options for resort-style living. 80% of homes and lots are on the water. You can choose from expansive luxury estates, or a quaint home on a canal, with easy boating access to the emerald waters of the Gulf. Condo choices abound from inland apartments close to the beach to luxury high-rise condos right on the beach. Marco Island Real Estate offers options for almost any lifestyle, preference, or budget.