Curaçao - A Dutch Caribbean Island

On the enchanting island of Curaçao, nature’s splendor dances with the grace and beauty of Greece, where sun-kissed shores caress azure waters reminiscent of Venice’s romantic canals. Amidst this coastal symphony, the architecture stands proudly, adorned with grandeur like in Amsterdam, weaving tales of a timeless and captivating tapestry.

Where is Curaçao

Curaçao is located in the continent of South America. It is part of the Lesser Antilles, which is a group of islands in the southern Caribbean Sea.

This stunning island is situated about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Venezuela’s coast and is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

My first question - always: Are there some nice places to stay?

Accommodation on Curaçao varies from luxury resorts with all-inclusive options to boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and budget lodgings like hostels. Eco-lodges offer a nature-centric stay, while unique floating villas allow a memorable experience above the turquoise waters. Booking in advance is advised for optimal choices. Here are a few we can recommend:

Sandals Royal Curacao All Inclusive Couples Only

Located in Nieuwpoort, 1.6 km from Santa Barbara Beach, Sandals Royal Curacao All Inclusive Couples Only provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre, and a garden. Each accommodation at the 5-star resort has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace and a sauna. Book now…

Blue Marlin Handelskade Apartments

Very friendly service right from the Airport. The apartment is beautiful and the view from the balcony is superb, especially at night. Located in Willemstad, 1.2 km from Queen Emma Bridge and 5 km from Curacao Sea Aquarium. The property features sea and city views, and is 11 km from Jan Thiel Beach. Book now…

Travel Tip(s)

Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space in your luggage. It also prevents wrinkles (especially when you don’t have a travel-size steamer) and it’s easier to find specific items.

Use leak-proof sleeves for your toiletries to prevent spills in your luggage. Keep things tidy and hassle-free!

A World of Color

The island’s historic architecture is a sight to behold. Vibrant, pastel-colored buildings line the streets of its capital city, Willemstad, creating a picturesque and Instagram-worthy setting.

The historic city center of Willemstad is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding value as a well-preserved colonial trading and maritime hub.

Breathtaking Sunsets

With its western-facing beaches, Curaçao offers breathtaking sunsets over the Caribbean Sea, providing a perfect way to wind down after a day of exploration.

Top 10 beaches to visit

The island Boast with more than 35 stunning beaches and bays

Here are some of the best beaches on the island that you should definitely explore:

Playa Kenepa (Kenepa Beach): Also known as Knip Beach, Playa Kenepa is a postcard-perfect beach with turquoise waters and a picturesque cove. The soft, white sand and the surrounding cliffs create a stunning backdrop for a relaxing day in the sun. – 49 min (42.1 km)
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Playa Cas Abao (Cas Abao Beach): This beach is a tropical paradise with clear waters, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and a wide range of amenities, including beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment for rent. 39 min (30.5 km)
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Playa Porto Mari (Porto Mari Beach): Set in a beautiful bay, Playa Porto Mari is known for its double coral reef, which makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. The beach is well-maintained and offers shaded palapas and a beach bar. 36 min (27.3 km)
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Playa Grote Knip (Grote Knip Beach): Similar to Playa Kenepa, Grote Knip is a breathtaking beach with striking blue waters and a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your own picnic or grab a snack from the food trucks parked nearby. 50 min (43.2 km)
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Playa Lagun (Lagun Beach): Nestled in a small fishing village, Playa Lagun is a hidden gem, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The bay is often visited by sea turtles, making it an exciting spot for nature enthusiasts. 44 min (38.7 km)
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Playa Daaibooi (Daaibooi Beach): This family-friendly beach offers calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing. The snorkeling is excellent here as well, and you can explore the coral reefs and marine life. 33 min (26.4 km)
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Playa Jeremi (Jeremi Beach): A quiet and secluded beach, Playa Jeremi offers a serene escape. The snorkeling here is fantastic, and you’ll likely encounter colorful fish and other marine creatures. 45 min (39.7 km)
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Playa Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Beach): Located on the western coast, this beach provides a tranquil ambiance with beautiful sunsets. It’s an excellent spot for sunbathing and enjoying the serene surroundings. 43 min (37.8 km)
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Kleine Knip (Klein Knip Beach): Also known as Little Knip, this beach is a smaller version of Grote Knip but equally charming. Bring your own snorkeling gear and explore the underwater beauty. 49 min (42.1 km)
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Playa Kalki (Kalki Beach): Situated near the northern tip of the island, Playa Kalki is famous for its clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. 49 min (45.1 km)
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Willemstad is located on the southern coast of Curaçao, and these beaches are spread across the northwestern and western coasts of the island. Some of them are relatively close to Willemstad, while others may require a short drive to reach, but they are well worth the visit for their beauty and unique characteristics.

Floating Market

The Floating Market is one of the iconic and vibrant attractions in Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao. It is a unique and colorful marketplace that adds to the island’s rich cultural experience.

Here’s what you can expect when visiting the Floating Market:

Location: The Floating Market is situated along the waterfront of Willemstad’s Punda district, near the Queen Emma Bridge (also known as the “Swinging Old Lady” bridge).

Although it is called the Floating Market, you don’t have to get into a boat to see everything. Just take a walk along the promenade and enjoy the wonderful colors and sights and take the opportunity to buy your fresh fruits, and souvenirs.

Boats from Venezuela: Local fishermen from Venezuela travel across the sea to Curaçao in their colorful boats filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goods. They anchor their vessels along the canal, creating a picturesque scene of boats lining the waterfront.

Vibrant Atmosphere: The market is a feast for the senses, filled with the lively chatter of vendors, the vibrant colors of the boats and goods, and the aroma of fresh tropical fruits. It’s an excellent place to soak in the local culture and witness the daily interactions between vendors and customers.

Fresh Produce: The Floating Market is known for its selection of fresh and exotic fruits and vegetables. Visitors can find a variety of tropical delights such as mangoes, papayas, pineapples, bananas, avocados, and more.

Local Handicrafts: Besides fruits and vegetables, some vendors also offer handmade crafts and souvenirs, making it an ideal place to find unique gifts and mementos to take home.

Cultural Exchange: The Floating Market is not just a place to buy and sell goods; it’s also a meeting point for cultural exchange. The friendly vendors, often fluent in Papiamentu, Dutch, and Spanish, eagerly engage with visitors, sharing stories and creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Travel Tip(s)

The Floating Market typically operates in the morning and early afternoon, with vendors packing up their goods by mid-afternoon. For the best experience, it’s recommended to visit in the morning when the market is at its liveliest.

Mondly

The best Photo Opportunities

The vibrant colors of the boats, the lively atmosphere, and the picturesque backdrop of Willemstad’s pastel-colored buildings make the Floating Market a photographer’s paradise. It’s a great spot to capture some stunning images of Curaçao’s culture and daily life.

A very pretty spot to take photos of the famous and very colorful buildings is from Koningin Emmabrug (a beautiful bridge) on De Rouvilleweg. You’ll have spectacular views across the water.

More shopping...

Penha Duty Free Curacao In Punda: The Penha Building was built in 1708 in Dutch colonial style and is now a department store on the corner Handelskade and Breedestraat in Willemstad. It is a duty free store, but it is actually more known to be one of the most photographed buildings on the island.
Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort – a waterfront mall with a courtyard, stores & bars/eateries.