Curaçao, where every corner holds a story, every wave whispers a tale, and every sunset paints a masterpiece in the sky.
About Curaçao
Curaçao, nestled in the sunny Caribbean, is a captivating island that offers everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. With its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture, Curaçao is a true paradise for travelers.
Explore the colorful capital, Willemstad, with its historic architecture and lively streets, and savor local cuisine in charming eateries. Beyond its beautiful beaches, Curaçao boasts impressive natural attractions such as the stunning Hato Caves and Christoffelpark, making it an ideal destination for relaxation, cultural exploration, and adventure.
Curaçao beaches
The island has about 38 beaches.The majority of the island's beaches are located on the south coast where the waters are calm compared to the rough surf of the Atlantic Ocean on the northern shores. Although all of the beaches on Curaçao share the same crystalline blue waters and smooth white sand, each one has its own unique appeal and characteristics.
TIP: Don't miss Cas Abao beach, Playa Porto Mari, Playa Kenepa, Daaibooi beach, Kokomo Beach, the tug boat at Baya beach and Playa Piskado to spot and swim with sea turtles.
Christoffel Parc
A trip to Curaçao isn't complete without a visit to the largest national park on the island. Christoffel Park stretches out over an area of 2300ha providing a safe environment for a large number of rare species of flora and fauna. Two scenic paved car routes traverse this rough area where the vegetation is specially adapted to this harsh climate. In addition to natural wonders, there are numerous historical and archaeological finds scattered around the park. In total there are eight hiking trails varying from easy strolls to more challenging hikes such as the path to the 375m-high summit of Mt. Christoffel.
TIP: Make sure you get an early start.
Handelskade
Even if you've never been to Curacao, you have likely seen the colorful postcard-perfect section of Handelskade perched along the Santa Anna Bay. This world UNESCO historic site with its colorful buildings is a vibrant reminder of Curaçao's Dutch heritage. Only a 10 minute walk from Kas di Laman Apartments.
Happy Hour: Monday - Saturday from 6pm-8pm.
TIP! Watch the huge container ships come in to the St. Anna Bay while having a cup of coffee or a refreshing cold beer at Iguana Café.
Queen Emma Bridge/ Pontoon Bridge
Built in 1888, and named after Dutch Queen Emma (1890–1898), this bridge connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts. 16 floating pontoon boats support the “Pontoon Bridge.” Also known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” it swings open using two powerful ship motors, allowing ships to access the port. When the bridge is open to let ships from the harbour pass, pedestrians are transported free of charge by the 'ponchi', a small ferry. Also only a 10 minute walk away.
TIP! At night the bridge is beautifully illuminated.TIP: Make sure you get an early start.
Manors of Curacao
Curaçao boasts a rich history, evident in the many traditional manors scattered across the island. These beautiful estates, now serving as museums, restaurants, and boutique hotels, offer a unique glimpse into the island's heritage. Highlights include Manor Kenepa, the starting point of Tula's slave uprising; the historic Chobolobo Manor with its famous Curaçao liqueur distillery; and Manor Bona Vista, now a charming boutique hotel. Whether you're interested in architecture, art, or just a beautiful place to relax, these manors are well worth a visit.
Discover Shete Boka National Park
Explore Curaçao's rugged north coast at Shete Boka National Park, home to seven dramatic inlets where waves crash against limestone cliffs. Spanning 10 kilometers, the park offers hiking trails and scenic drives, showcasing sites like the natural bridge at Boka Wandomi and the cave at Boka Tabla. Named the 2022 Best Caribbean Attraction in Curaçao, it’s also a protected sea turtle nesting site. Visit from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, with entrance fees of Naf 25.75 for adults and free for children under 5. Combine your visit with nearby beaches for a perfect day in Curaçao's natural beauty.
FAQ
-
Curacao is an island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. It is situated to the north of the coast of South America and to the east of Central America and the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Bonaire. Curacao is located outside of the hurricane belt, which makes it a popular tourist destination year-round. The island is part of the Lesser Antilles and is the largest and most populous of the three Dutch Caribbean territories, which also include Aruba and Sint Maarten
-
Curacao is a Caribbean island located off the coast of Venezuela. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and Dutch colonial architecture. Here are a few things that tourists can do in Curacao:
Visit the capital city of Willemstad, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal clear waters around the island. Curacao has a number of dive sites that are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and shipwrecks.
Relax on one of the island's many beautiful beaches, such as Playa Kenepa or Playa Porto Marie.
Take a tour of the island's historic landmarks, such as the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the Americas.
Go hiking or biking in the island's national park, Christoffelpark, which is home to a variety of plants and animals.
Visit the Curacao Sea Aquarium, which is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and sharks.
Try the local cuisine, which is a blend of Dutch, Spanish, and African flavors.
-
Curacao is a popular destination for diving due to its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. Here are a few of the best diving spots in Curacao:
Playa Kalki: Located on the northwest coast of the island, Playa Kalki is known for its clear waters and colorful coral reefs. It is a popular spot for both snorkeling and diving.
Tugboat: The Tugboat is a sunken vessel located off the coast of Curacao that is now a popular dive site. The boat is home to a variety of marine life, including barracuda, groupers, and reef sharks.
Mushroom Forest: The Mushroom Forest is a unique dive site located near the island of Klein Curacao. It is named after the mushroom-shaped coral formations that can be found there.
Klein Curacao: Klein Curacao is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Curacao. It is a popular dive spot due to its pristine waters and abundant marine life, including schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks.
The Lost Anchor: The Lostanchor is a sunken ship located off the coast of Curacao that is now a popular dive site. The ship is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish and octopuses.
These are just a few of the many diving spots in Curacao. There are many other dive sites to choose from, so you are sure to find a spot that meets your interests and skill level.
-
Christoffelberg is a mountain located on the island of Curacao in the Dutch Caribbean. It is the highest point on the island, standing at 375 meters (1,230 feet) above sea level. The mountain is located within Christoffel National Park, which covers an area of approximately 4,500 hectares (11,000 acres).
The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including cacti, iguanas, and parrots. Visitors to the park can hike to the summit of Christoffelberg for panoramic views of the island, or take a guided tour to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
The park is also home to a number of historic landmarks, including an old plantation house and a stone bridge that dates back to the 18th century.
-
Curacao is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions to help protect yourself and your belongings.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while in Curacao:
Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas such as markets and tourist attractions.
Avoid walking alone in deserted areas or at night.
Keep your hotel room or rental property locked at all times.
Don't leave valuables in your rental car, and park in well-lit areas.
