Welcome to Curaçao, a vibrant and colorful island in the Caribbean known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and diverse culinary scene. Here’s your comprehensive guide to make the most of your trip:
Getting Around:
The best way to get around the island is to rent a car and explore for yourself. This island is small enough to get from one end to the other in under an hour and a half with a lot to see along the way.
Accommodation:
Pietermaai District:
Experience the charm of the historic Pietermaai District with its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere. This area offers a range of boutique hotels and guesthouses.
Boutique Hotel’t Klooster:
Location: In the heart of Pietermaai District
Features: Charming boutique hotel with stylish rooms, a courtyard pool, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
Scuba Lodge Boutique Hotel & Ocean Suites:
Location: Waterfront location in Pietermaai District
Features: A beautifully restored building offering comfortable rooms, a beach bar, and a PADI dive center for underwater enthusiasts.
Pietermaai Boutique Hotel:
Location: Within the vibrant Pietermaai District
Features: Colorful and modern accommodations with a rooftop terrace, providing stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
Westpunt:
For a more tranquil stay, consider Westpunt. This area provides access to some of the best beaches and offers a variety of accommodation options, from resorts to vacation rentals.
Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club:
Location: Overlooking Westpunt Beach
Features: A beachfront resort with a spacious pool, ocean-view rooms, and easy access to some of Curaçao’s most scenic beaches.
Marazul Dive Resort:
Location: Situated near Playa Forti and Playa Piskado
Features: Self-catering villas with ocean views, a large outdoor pool, and proximity to popular dive sites.
Westhill Bungalows:
Location: Nestled in the hills of Westpunt
Features: Cozy bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens, a tranquil setting, and a short drive to some of the island’s best snorkeling spots.
Piscadera:
Piscadera Bay, the centerpiece of this coastal enclave, boasts crystal-clear waters and gentle sea breezes. The area is home to some of Curaçao’s finest resorts, each offering a unique blend of comfort and Caribbean charm.
Hilton Curaçao:
Location: Nestled along Piscadera Bay
Features: A luxurious beachfront resort offering spacious rooms, multiple dining options, a private beach, and amenities such as a spa and casino.
Floris Suite Hotel – Spa & Beach Club:
Location: Close to Piscadera Bay and within reach of Willemstad
Features: An adults-only boutique hotel with modern suites, a tranquil spa, a beach club, and lush tropical gardens.
Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa:
Location: Situated in the Piscadera Bay area
Features: An upscale resort known for its all-inclusive luxury, spa facilities, and a focus on wellness and relaxation.
Jan Thiel:
Jan Thiel is a popular resort area with beautiful beaches, upscale hotels, and vibrant nightlife. It’s an excellent choice if you want a mix of relaxation and entertainment.
Papagayo Beach Resort:
Location: Adjacent to Jan Thiel Beach
Features: Luxury resort with modern suites, a private beach club, multiple dining options, and close proximity to Jan Thiel’s vibrant nightlife.
Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort:
Location: Near Jan Thiel Beach and the Spanish Water
Features: Spacious apartments with Caribbean-style décor, a large swimming pool, and a restaurant offering international and local cuisine.
Chogogo Resort:
Location: Within walking distance of Jan Thiel Beach
Features: Tropical resort with colorful bungalows, two swimming pools, and a relaxed atmosphere, providing a perfect blend of comfort and nature.
Beaches:
1. Playa Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip):
Known as one of the most picturesque beaches, Grote Knip boasts turquoise waters and white sandy shores. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. Entrance is free, and you can bring your own snacks and drinks.
2. Playa Porto Mari:
Famous for its double reef, Porto Mari offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. The beach is free, and the snorkel rental is affordable. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the vibrant marine life.
3. Cas Abao Beach:
Cas Abao is a tranquil beach with soft sands and calm waves. While there’s a fee for parking and access, it’s well worth it for the amenities like beach chairs, restaurants, and water sports.
Local Food:
1. Plasa Bieu (Old Market):
Head to Plasa Bieu for an authentic taste of Curaçao’s local cuisine. This market in Willemstad offers a variety of dishes like karni stoba (beef stew) and kabritu (goat stew) at reasonable prices.
2. Marshe Bieuw (Floating Market):
Visit the Floating Market in Punda, Willemstad, where vendors from Venezuela sell fresh produce, seafood, and tropical fruits. It’s a vibrant place to explore local flavors and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
3. Netto Bar:
For a taste of the island’s culture, try the “Kadushi Cactus Soup” at Netto Bar. This iconic spot in Punda serves traditional dishes with a local twist.
Historical Sights:
1. Willemstad’s UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Explore the capital city of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Don’t miss the iconic Queen Emma Bridge and the vibrant Handelskade waterfront.
2. Hato Caves:
Discover the Hato Caves, a natural wonder with ancient Indian drawings and stalactite formations. Guided tours provide insight into the island’s history and geological features.
3. Fort Nassau:
Visit Fort Nassau for panoramic views of Willemstad and the surrounding area. This historical site offers a glimpse into the island’s past and is a great spot for sunset views.
Adventure:
Watersports Wonderland:
Curaçao is not just a haven for relaxation; it’s a playground for watersports enthusiasts. Kite surfing aficionados will find the steady trade winds and azure waters ideal for an exhilarating ride. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice eager to learn, the area offers schools and rental services to make your kite surfing experience unforgettable.
Aloe Vera Discovery:
The Aloe Vera Plantation presents a fascinating encounter with one of nature’s most versatile plants. Explore the Aloe Vera Farm to learn about the cultivation and production of this medicinal plant. Discover the healing properties of Aloe Vera and indulge in natural skincare products derived from the island’s abundant aloe fields.
Ostrich Adventures:
Delve into the intriguing world of the Curaçao Ostrich Farm, where these magnificent birds roam freely. This farm provides an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Take a guided tour to learn about the life cycle of ostriches, witness their impressive speed during a safari tour, and even have the chance to feed these majestic creatures.
Additional Must-Sees in Curaçao:
Shete Boka National Park:
Shete Boka, meaning “Seven Inlets,” is a rugged and wild national park on the northern coast. Witness the powerful waves crashing against the cliffs and explore sea caves. Don’t miss the dramatic views at Boka Tabla and Boka Pistol.
Flamingo Sanctuary at Jan Kok:
For a unique wildlife experience, head to the Flamingo Sanctuary at Jan Kok. Located on the southern part of the island, this area is a habitat for the vibrant pink flamingos. Witness these graceful birds in their natural environment and capture stunning photos of them against the picturesque backdrop of the salt flats.
Christoffel National Park:
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of Christoffel National Park. Hike to the summit of Mount Christoffel for panoramic views of the island, and explore trails that lead to unique plant and animal life.
Klein Curaçao:
Take a boat trip to Klein Curaçao, a small uninhabited island off the southeast coast. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, it’s a paradise for snorkelers and beach lovers.
Leave a Reply