Curacao, one of the Caribbean’s most colorful and vibrant islands, is located just off the coast of Venezuela. Its history dates back to 1499 when it was first discovered by Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda. The island was later colonized by the Dutch in 1634 and became a major center for trade, particularly in salt and slavery. Curacao’s rich blend of Dutch, Spanish, and African influences is evident today in its architecture, cuisine, and culture.
Willemstad, the capital city of Curacao, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its bright pastel-colored buildings along the waterfront. Must-visit areas include Punda and Otrobanda, connected by the famous Queen Emma Bridge. The city boasts museums, art galleries, and vibrant markets. Other cities worth exploring are the port town of Sint Michiel and the quiet fishing village of Lagun.
If you're seeking quaint and unusual towns and villages, visit Westpunt, a peaceful village on the western tip of the island, known for its laid-back vibe and access to some of the island’s best diving spots. Barber, a small inland village, offers a more authentic glimpse into local life, with traditional farms and cultural landmarks.
Curacao is known for its surrounding islets, but Klein Curacao, a small, uninhabited island off the southeastern coast, is a popular day-trip destination. Visitors flock here for its pristine beaches, snorkeling, and the chance to explore the island’s abandoned lighthouse and shipwrecks.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Curacao. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will find an underwater paradise filled with coral reefs and shipwrecks, especially around Playa Kalki and the Tugboat dive site. For a cultural experience, visit the Kura Hulanda Museum, which showcases the history of the slave trade. Hiking in Christoffel National Park, home to Curacao’s highest point, Mount Christoffel, is a must for nature lovers.
When it comes to dining, Curacao offers a diverse culinary experience. For the best local food, visit Plasa Bieu in Willemstad, a local food market serving traditional dishes like kabritu (stewed goat) and stobá (stews). For fine dining, head to Fishalicious for fresh seafood or The Wine Cellar for gourmet European cuisine. Another great spot is Landhuis Daniel, a plantation house restaurant serving farm-to-table dishes.
Popular seaside towns and villages for tourists include Jan Thiel, a resort area known for its luxurious beachfront hotels, water sports, and lively nightlife. Another popular destination is the Blue Bay resort area, which features golf, diving, and a pristine private beach.
Accommodation options in Curacao range from luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels and guesthouses. Famous hotels include the Avila Beach Hotel, a historic beachfront property in Willemstad, and Baoase Luxury Resort, an exclusive, high-end resort offering private villas and beach access. For a more intimate experience, consider staying at a guesthouse like Pietermaai Boutique Hotel in the artsy Pietermaai district or The Scuba Lodge, perfect for diving enthusiasts.
When it comes to things to see, start with a walk along the iconic Handelskade waterfront in Willemstad, known for its vibrant colonial architecture. The Queen Juliana Bridge offers stunning views of the harbor, while the Curacao Sea Aquarium provides an interactive marine experience. For history buffs, Fort Amsterdam and the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Americas, are must-see landmarks.
Carnival and festivals in Curacao are major highlights of the island’s cultural calendar. The Curacao Carnival, held between January and March, features extravagant parades, colorful costumes, and lively music. The Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival, held in August, attracts international musicians and jazz lovers from around the world.
Curacao’s local food is a unique blend of African, Caribbean, and European influences. Aside from kabritu and stobá, try funchi (a polenta-like dish) or pastechi (fried pastries filled with cheese or meat). Another local favorite is iguana stew, a delicacy for adventurous eaters. Be sure to try blue Curacao, the island’s famous liqueur made from bitter oranges.
Famous people from Curacao include Olympic baseball player Andruw Jones, and painter Jean Girigori, known for her vibrant Caribbean-inspired artwork. Also, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has roots in Curacao, further highlighting the Dutch influence on the island.
Attractions on the island include the colorful floating market in Willemstad, where Venezuelan merchants sell fresh produce from their boats, and the Hato Caves, a limestone cave system featuring stunning stalactites and petroglyphs left by the island’s indigenous Arawak people. The Shete Boka National Park is another must-see, where dramatic cliffs meet the powerful waves of the Caribbean Sea.
Local music in Curacao is influenced by its African and Latin heritage. You’ll hear genres like tumba, a local form of rhythm-driven music, and tambú, a traditional Afro-Caribbean genre often accompanied by dance. Nightlife in Willemstad is lively, with plenty of bars and clubs playing salsa, merengue, and local rhythms.
Curacao’s nature sites are breathtaking. Christoffel National Park offers hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning views of the island, while the salt flats of Jan Kok attract flamingos. Playa Porto Mari is a picturesque beach known for its clear waters and coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Important places to visit include Landhuis Chobolobo, where the famous blue Curacao liqueur is made, and the Museum Kura Hulanda, which offers a deep dive into Curacao’s history of slavery and the African diaspora.
For unusual things to see, explore the Blue Room, an underwater cave accessible by swimming or diving, where the light reflects to create a magical blue glow. Another quirky spot is the Curacao Ostrich Farm, one of the largest ostrich farms outside of Africa, where visitors can feed and learn about these fascinating birds.
Curacao(3),
Willemstad(574)