Its wild landscapes, pristine beaches and pastel-coloured Dutch colonial architecture combine to make Curaçao a fascinating place to visit. The island is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. Wherever you are on the island, you'll find palm trees, a vibrant food scene and friendly locals. Its history-steeped capital, Willemstad, boasts a palette of made-for-Instagram colours, while you can also learn about the island’s past in one of the former sugarcane plantations. And a day at sea is another must-do when in Curaçao.
Top six things to do in Curaçao
1. Explore historic Willemstad
Photogenic gabled façades and a UNESCO World Heritage Site old town make Willemstad stand out from the crowd. The capital of Curaçao is the perfect place to experience life like a local. Stroll along the colourful Handelskade waterfront to historic Fort Amsterdam, shop in authentic boutiques and enjoy an evening of live music and good food in Pietermaai. For a bit of history, check out the oldest synagogue in the Americas and St Anne’s Basilica plus the opulent villas of Scharloo, which is just a short walk from the old town.
2. Try out some water activities
With miles of sandy beaches washed by crystalline waters, Curaçao is a mecca for water sports lovers. Activities range from diving and snorkelling to paddleboarding and catamaran cruises. Playa Kalki, the Grote Knip beach and Playa Piskado are very popular with snorkellers because of their coral reefs and sea turtles.
3. Sail to Klein Curaçao
Uninhabited Klein Curaçao makes for a perfect escape. Book a catamaran cruise to this islet, which lies 10km southeast of Curaçao, and enjoy a day in a desert island. You can snorkel among turtles, laze on sun-kissed beaches, take selfies by shipwrecks or make the short trek to the half-abandoned lighthouse in the heart of the island. And after any exertions, there are reed-roofed beach bars where you can relax over a drink.
4. Explore Curaçao’s wild landscapes in a 4x4
Book a 4x4 safari and discover Curaçao’s diverse landscapes. Some of the places you should not miss are Mount Christoffel, which is the highest point on the island, the sandy plains of San Pedro and the remote Sint Joris Bay. Also worth a detour are the Hato cave and the flamboyance of flamingos at St Willibrordus – but don’t feed them.
5. Landhuis Knip country manor
Landhuis Knip, or Kenepa, houses an important piece of Curaçao's history. It is located on the plantation that saw an important slave revolt at the end of the 18th century. Led by Tula, hundreds of slaves began a month-long quest for freedom. It now houses a museum, where you can learn about the history of slavery on the island and see antique furniture from the era.
6. Drink Curaçao
When in Curaçao, do as Curaçaoans do. The country’s name is synonymous with the distinct blue liqueur that’s been produced on the island for centuries. It’s made from a blend of the peel of bitter laraha oranges, sugarcane alcohol and spices – and not all versions are blue. Some of the distilleries offer guided tours, where you can learn all about the drink’s history and the production process before rounding off with a tasting.
