C u r a ç a o
Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Curacao
Welcome to Curaçao, an enchanting island nestled in the southern Caribbean Sea. Curaçao is a true tropical paradise that offers a blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant history. With its sparkling turquoise waters, stunning white sandy beaches, and charming colonial architecture, Curaçao has become a popular destination for travelers from all over.
Quick facts
Population: 152,369
Capital: Willemstad
Language: Papiamentu, Dutch, English
Currency: Antillean guilder and Euro (US dollars are accepted throughout the Island) 1USD = 1.80ANG
Curaçao national animal is Caribbean Flamingo
Curaçao national tree is Divi-Divi tree
Curaçao national flower is Kibrahacha flower
Curaçao national dish is Keshi Yena
Visas are not required for US citizen tourists.
Curaçao is in the Southern Caribbean Sea and together with Aruba and Bonaire it forms the ABC islands. Curaçao is an autonomous country, within the independent Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The flag of Curaçao is a blue field with a horizontal yellow stripe slightly below the midline and two white, five-pointed stars in the canton. The blue symbolises the sea and sky (the bottom and top blue sections, respectively), divided by a yellow stroke representing the bright sun which bathes the island. The two stars represent Curaçao and Klein Curaçao, with the five points on each star symbolise the five continents from which Curaçao's people descend.
Island Overview: Curaçao is one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) and is located in the Dutch Caribbean. It is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is known for its diverse culture, warm hospitality, and incredible natural beauty. The island spans 444 square kilometers and boasts a population of approximately 160,000 people. Willemstad, the capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a glimpse into the island's captivating history and architectural splendor.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Curaçao is during the dry season, which runs from January to September. The island enjoys a year-round warm and sunny climate, with average temperatures ranging from 80°F (27°C) to 86°F (30°C). However, keep in mind that the hurricane season officially lasts from June to November, so it's advisable to plan your trip outside of this period to minimize the risk of adverse weather conditions.
Curacao's top 3 must-visit beaches:
Grote Knip Beach (Playa Kenepa)
stunning beach located on the northwest coast of Curacao. With its azure waters and powdery white sand, Grote Knip offers a picture-perfect setting for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquility. Don't forget your snorkeling gear to explore the underwater wonders of this beautiful beach.
Playa Porto Mari
popular beach known for its swimming pigs! These adorable creatures freely roam the beach, creating a memorable and unique experience for visitors. Aside from the friendly pigs, Playa Porto Mari boasts soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Kokomo Beach
Located on the west coast of Curacao, Kokomo Beach offers a laid-back and vibrant atmosphere. This beach is known for its lively beach bar, delicious cocktails, and good music. Lounge on the comfortable beach chairs, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking.
Must-Do Activities
Explore Willemstad: Immerse yourself in the colorful streets of Willemstad, where Dutch colonial architecture blends with Caribbean charm. Don't miss the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, Fort Amsterdam, and the floating market.
Visit Shete Boka National Park: Discover the rugged coastline and dramatic wave formations at Shete Boka National Park. Witness the power of the ocean at sites like Boka Tabla and Boka Pistol.
Hike to Christoffel National Park: Embark on a scenic hike to the top of Mount Christoffel, the highest point on the island, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Curaçao's landscapes.
Hato Caves: Explore the fascinating limestone formations and ancient Indian petroglyphs in the Hato Caves. Join a guided tour to learn about the cave's geological and historical significance.
Klein Curaçao: small, uninhabited island known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and wildlife. It's a popular day trip destination from Curaçao
Must-See Attractions
Museum Kura Hulanda: Delve into Curaçao's history and African heritage at this captivating museum. Learn about the transatlantic slave trade, local art, and cultural artifacts that tell the story of the island.
Street Art in Scharloo: Take a stroll through the vibrant neighborhood of Scharloo, known for its impressive street art. Admire the colorful murals and creative expressions that adorn the walls, capturing the essence of Curaçao's artistic spirit.
Grote Knip Beach: Considered one of the best beaches on the island, Grote Knip (also known as Playa Kenepa Grandi) is a must-visit destination. The combination of crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and the surrounding cliffs creates a picture-perfect setting for relaxation and photography.
Mambo Beach: For a mesmerizing sunset experience and vibrant beach bars, head to Mambo Beach. Capture the stunning colors of the sky as the sun dips below the horizon and indulge in the beachside ambiance.
Pietermaai: If you're looking for a lively nightlife scene, Pietermaai is the place to be. This vibrant district offers a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues, providing an excellent opportunity to experience Curaçao's after-dark entertainment.
Curaçao Sea Aquarium: Get up close and personal with a variety of marine creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. The aquarium also offers interactive programs for a unique and educational experience.
Instagrammable Spots
Handelskade: Capture the picture-perfect rows of colorful buildings along the waterfront of Punda. This iconic location in Willemstad is a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hour when the vibrant hues of the buildings are beautifully illuminated.
Queen Emma Bridge: Take a stroll across the Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the "Swinging Old Lady." This floating pontoon bridge connects Punda and Otrobanda and offers fantastic views of the waterfront, Willemstad's iconic architecture, and passing boats.
Kleine Knip Beach: Known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand, Kleine Knip Beach is a slice of paradise. Capture the contrasting colors of the turquoise sea against the sandy shoreline and the surrounding cliffs for stunning Instagram shots.
Porto Mari Beach: This picturesque beach is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and an underwater statue garden. The vibrant blues of the sea, the swaying palm trees, and the impressive sunsets make Porto Mari Beach a true Instagram-worthy destination.
Scuba Lodge and Bij Blauw: Don't miss the opportunity to capture the vibrant and photogenic Scuba Lodge, a pink building located in Pietermaai, and Bij Blauw, a charming yellow building that offers a stunning backdrop for your Instagram photos. These colorful buildings add to the vibrant atmosphere of Curaçao.
Kokomo Beach: Capture the perfect Instagram shot at Kokomo Beach, which features a swing in the ocean. Pose on the swing against the backdrop of the turquoise waters and enjoy the delightful tropical scenery.
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Day-by-Day
CURACAO Itinerary
Uncover Curaçao's charm: Explore Willemstad's vibrant architecture and indulge in unforgettable experiences on this 5-day adventure.
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Insider Tips
Venture to Klein Curacao: Don't miss the opportunity to visit Klein Curacao, a small uninhabited island just off the coast of Curacao. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Klein Curacao is a paradise for beach lovers and snorkelers. Take a day trip to this idyllic island, soak up the sun, explore the historic lighthouse, and swim alongside sea turtles in the surrounding waters. It's an unforgettable experience that should not be missed during your time in Curacao.
Power plugs: In Curacao, the standard power plugs and sockets used are of type A, B, and F. The standard voltage is 127/220 V. Type A plugs have two flat pins and are similar to the plugs used in the United States and Canada. Type B plugs also have two flat pins, but with an additional grounding pin. Type F plugs have two round pins and are commonly used in Europe.
It's advisable to carry a universal travel adapter with you to ensure compatibility with the different plug types.
Experience the Floating Market: Visit the floating market in Punda, where local vendors from neighboring Venezuela sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish from their boats. It's a unique and colorful experience, offering a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.
Check out these pictures from my recent girls' trip to Curacao! We embarked on this adventure to celebrate our friend's birthday and it was a blast. I hope you get inspired to plan your own epic getaway to Curacao.