Curacao

is a gorgeous island located in the southern Caribbean. It’s part of the Netherlands Antilles and is a Dutch-governed territory. You might recognize the island for its beautiful beaches, local culture, and its spectacular scenery. Curacao has rugged mountains, deep canyons, and sandy cliffs, along with stunning waterfalls, hidden caves, and old plantations. On a clear day, you can see neighboring islands like Bonaire and Aruba.

Short History of Curacao Island

Curacao, an island in the southern Caribbean, has been a destination for pirates and explorers since at least 1510. The discoveries of Christopher Columbus on the island in 1502 made it one of the most visited spots in the Caribbean. For centuries, the island was a major slave trading center, with slave auctions held here as early as 1619.

Curacao or Curaçao as it’s commonly referred to, is a gem in the Caribbean. Its name comes from the Spanish term for “base of the crown,” and the island is the fifth-largest Dutch Caribbean island. It is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is famous for its harbors, beaches, and coral reefs. The island is 120 miles off the coast of Venezuela, and by the time it received its first settlement, it was already inhabited for 4,000 years.

Fun Facts about Curacao

Curacao, a Caribbean island country in the Dutch Caribbean, is a real paradise in the sun. Curaçao shows a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, with plenty to see and do. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, fun, or all of the above, Curacao has something for you. The following is a list of some fun facts about Curacao.

• Papiamento as its official language

Curaçao is officially Dutch-speaking, with about 90 percent of people speaking Dutch and less than 10 percent speaking Papiamento. Although the island’s official language is Dutch, many locals understand, speak, and write Papiamento, which is a creole language created in the 17th century by Dutch settlers. Papiamento is a combination of Dutch, Portuguese, and African languages, and it’s spoken alongside Dutch. Papiamento has a long history of influence from other languages, and Dutch and English are dominant on the island.

• They have a variety of corals

The Caribbean is home to a variety of corals, which are responsible for fertilizing the growth of new coral. They also form the foundation of a marine ecosystem, which contributes enormously to the biodiversity of the region. Every August to October, coral spawning is visible in the Caribbean. This natural phenomenon can be observed on the shores of Curaçao, where whale sharks and manta rays can often be seen as well.

• You can find different species of turtles

The waters surrounding Curacao are home to the five species of sea turtles that come to the island to nest. While you’re less likely to come across leatherback turtles, who prefer deeper water, it’s possible to see many of the other species while snorkeling or diving around the island. Popular spots for underwater turtle encounters are the coast of Scharloo, Punda and Sorobon, where turtles are frequently spotted.

Best Areas to Go in Curacao

As I said, Curacao is an island in the Caribbean, not far from Venezuela. The capital of Curacao is Willemstad, which is the biggest city and home to most of the island’s population. Curacao is a popular tourist destination, with beautiful nightclubs, great shopping and of course, beaches, such as:

• Mambo Beach;
• Jan Thiel Beach;
• Willemstad cruise port.

Hotels to stay in Curacao

Curacao boasts both beautiful beaches and historic sites, making it a great choice for a vacation. If you’re looking for a place to rest your head, check out five luxury hotels that offer some unique amenities and upscale comforts. Aruba’s Hyatt Regency Pier B Resort & Spa and Curacao Marriott Beach Resort and Stellaris Casino are two of the most popular places to stay on the island. The Hyatt Regency Pier B Resort & Spa was recently renovated and offered 5-star amenities like a full-service spa, two pools, a casino, and a private beach club. The Marriott Curacao Beach Resort and Stellaris Casino feature a large outdoor pool, watersports, a spa, and a casino. Both hotels offer a kids club and babysitting services.

Good places to eat in Curacao

Curacao’s shorelines teem with tourists and locals enjoying the warm weather. This Caribbean island boasts modern resorts with upscale amenities, as well as charming bed and breakfasts, hotels, and inns. Visitors who want to experience authentic Curacao life can dine at many of the island’s restaurants, from casual cafes and beach bars to traditional Caribbean cuisine.

If you are looking for a good place to eat in Curacao, you can visit Bowls Noodle Bar Curacao. Bowls is famous for its mix of Asian and Latin American dishes, and you must try their famous bowls. It is the perfect place for lunch or dinner. If you are in Willemstad, don’t miss Perla Del Mar curacao. Perla Del Mar is famous for its fresh seafood dishes. Perla Del Mar also offers lunch specials, perfect for people who want to taste the best dishes in Curacao without having to spend too much.

Still my favorite one is Karakter.

Activities or things to do in Curacao island

Curacao is a wonderful island to visit. There are restaurants on just about every corner, and the island is a great place to sit on the beach, enjoy the sun, and swim in the ocean.

However, Curacao is also an island with a lot of history, and there are plenty of places to explore that will show some of that history. Curacao may be amongst the smallest of the Caribbean’s gems, but it’s packed with things to do.

From beaches and biking to casinos and museums, it’s fun for the whole family. You can visit Playa Porto Mari is a large white sandy beach perfect for families, while Cas Abao Beach has a rocky shoreline that makes it perfect for snorkeling. Kenepa Beach boasts a natural Caribbean pool and Klein (Little) Curacao offers panoramic views of the island. Curacao’s queen Emma Pontoon Bridge is the longest pontoon bridge in the world.

Best time to visit Curacao island

Plan a trip to Curaçao for Carnival? Or, if you’re just planning your next vacation, this is the time for the island paradise. The best time to visit Curaçao is generally between the months of December and mid-April when it is the peak season.

You’ll get the most out of your time on this paradise island, with most of the events happening, including Curaçao Carnival, which culminates with a grand street parade on February 24.

Overall, Curacao is beautiful, the weather is always warm and with 365 beaches, you will never feel boredom in your journey. Curacao has so much to offer that a few days feels too little and a week is far from enough.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, horseback riding, whale watching, parasailing, snorkeling, golf, deep-sea fishing, quads, parasailing and so much in between, Curacao is a dream location.

Last but not …

Even though the island might be small being about 40 miles by 4 miles, it is still easier to move around, at your own, pace by car.

While many people think of it as part of the Netherlands Antilles, it’s actually its own country and more than just the color Curacao blue. Curacao has a rich history, with Dutch, Spanish, and African influences evident throughout, particularly in its architecture.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, the capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are plenty of other interesting spots to visit.

Being an island nation in the Caribbean Sea and the epitome of sunny travel destinations, my friendly advice is – JUST GO AND SEE IT WITH YOUR OWN EYES!