Curaçao

Travel Guide
Willemstad showing night scenes, a city and street scenes
Explore local art galleries, take a bird-watching expedition to a remote island and party well into the night on this colorful Caribbean island.

Venture to the Dutch island of Curaçao, an enchanting destination in the Caribbean that offers pristine diving conditions, picturesque coves and a thriving nightlife scene. Hike exotic nature trails, spend the day shopping in colorful Willemstad and learn about the work of local artists at regional museums and galleries.

Curaçao blends European architecture with a relaxed island atmosphere and a rich Caribbean history. This cultural blend is easily evidenced by the mixture of languages you’ll hear on the island, with Dutch, English and Papiamentu, a Portuguese-based Creole language, all frequently spoken.

The UNESCO-listed capital of Willemstad is a popular shopping destination, but even if you had no interest in hitting the stores, there is lots to keep you entertained here. Inspect the European-style architecture, watch ships pass under the grand Queen Emma Bridge and browse exhibits on the island’s tumultuous past at the Museum Kura Hulanda.

Curaçao’s beaches range from busy tourist and watersports destinations to hidden quiet coves, perfect for a romantic getaway. Go snorkeling and diving at Caracasbaai to explore the underwater park, or watch the local fishing boats bob up and down in the waves at Boka St. Michiel. Kenepa in the north of the island offers sparkling blue water, sandy beaches and beautiful views of the hills in the background.

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship into Curaçao. If you are coming by air, you’ll most likely fly into Hato International Airport on the northern coast. Daily non-stop services run from the U.S, and it’s easy to find a connecting flight to destinations across Europe and the Caribbean.

If you plan on venturing outside the resort, rent a car and buy a local map. Public buses are also available, but run with limited schedules. Large buses, known as konvooi, travel long distances, while smaller cars and vans carry passengers within the towns and cities.

Visit Curaçao to discover a land of unspoiled natural beauty. Be sure to stop by the smaller villages to observe island communities that remain relatively uninfluenced by major tourist activity.

Popular cities in Curaçao

Willemstad showing swimming, rugged coastline and a sandy beach
Willemstad
Known for Beaches, Sea and Islands
The capital of the Caribbean Island of Curaçao, Willemstad has a multicultural feel, natural beauty, colorful buildings and a deep sense of history.

Reasons to visit

  • Mambo Beach
  • Curaçao Sea Aquarium
  • Handelskade
Sabana Westpunt
Sabana Westpunt
Known for Beaches, Snorkeling and Sea
Escape to relaxing Sabana Westpunt! Enjoy its snorkeling and beaches.

Reasons to visit

  • Grote Knip Beach
  • Kleine Knip Beach
  • Kalki Beach
Jan Thiel
Jan Thiel
Known for Beaches, Dining and Bars
Get away to Jan Thiel! Enjoy the beaches, local cuisine, and snorkeling.

Reasons to visit

  • Jan Thiel Beach
  • Caracas Bay
  • Tugboat Beach
Weather centre in Curacao - playa portomari
Sint Willibrordus
Known for Secluded, Beaches and Museums
Trip time! Discover the beaches and museums in secluded Sint Willibrordus.

Reasons to visit

  • Porto Marie Beach
Sunset just off the beach at Cas Aboa Curacao
Bisento
Known for Beaches
Escape to Bisento! Enjoy its beaches.

Reasons to visit

  • Cas Abao Beach
Sint Michiel
Sint Michiel
Known for Beaches, Sea and Golf
Explore Sint Michiel: its beaches, golf, oceanfront, and more!

Curaçao