Curacao holidays

Curacao holidays are a bit of an all-rounder – they’ve got the stock for scuba divers, history buffs and beach lovers.

Caribbean meets Dutch

Curacao takes a southern position in the Caribbean Sea, around forty miles north of the Venezuelan coast. Along with Aruba and Bonaire it makes up one third of the trio known as the ABC islands. The Netherlands ruled over these islands for more than three centuries, leaving them with a combination of Caribbean and Dutch influences. It’s most noticeable in Willemstad – the island’s capital and colonial old town – where buildings look as if they’ve been plucked from a canalside in Amsterdam, and given a tropical lick of paint.

Blessed by beaches

Curacao’s count of beaches stacks up to more than 35, delivering on plenty of options for fans of the sandy stuff. The shoreline that wraps around the island’s south coast is given special protection as part of the Curacao Underwater Marine Park. The sea’s at its clearest along this cut of coast, making it a hot spot for scuba divers and snorkellers. Meanwhile, out west, a collection of covers peppers the coastline – Playa Jeremi’s a great shout if you’d prefer something a little less well-trodden.

Capital sights

This coastal capital is well worth an entry on your holiday agenda. Be sure to check out the Queen Emma Bridge – or the Swinging Old Lady if you’re talking to the locals – which connects two quarters of the capital. It sweeps right across the water, allowing large boats and vessels entry to the sea. Across the bridge on the southwest side of the city, Otrobanda’s car-free streets come lined with colour-splashed street art and murals. Meanwhile, on the other side, Punda’s fitted with street-spilling cafés – they’re plotted in a perfect position for watching the world go by.