Curacao is known for its pristine beaches, colonial architecture, and beautiful coral reefs. It's part of the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the southern Caribbean Sea. The 444-sq-km island has around 35 stretches of sand, most of which line its southwest coast. Blue Bay is a pretty crevice on Curacao’s western shoreline, where it forms a horseshoe-like curve between sea-facing villas.

The island’s colonial past lives on in Willemstad, where you can explore pastel-coloured mansions and notable landmarks, including the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue and Queen Wilhelmina Park. Punda dates back to the 17th century, making it the city’s oldest district. It sits adjacent to Fort Amsterdam, on the south side of Queen Emma Bridge. If you’re looking for a place to sunbathe, Jan Thiel Beach and Mambo Beach are just a 15-minute drive south of Willemstad.

What to see & do in Curaçao

Featured stories & fun stuff

Things to do in Curacao go far beyond endless stretches of white-sand beaches with turquoise Caribbean waters and include museums, outdoor adventures, snorkelling and scuba diving, and live entertainment. You can go swimming with sharks and dolphins, dive a shipwreck, take an quad bike tour of the island, or see real-life plantations. The island is rich with landmarks and historic sites, and the kids will love a visit to the Curacao...

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Where & what to eat in Curaçao

Food and dining in Curacao offer a unique blend of flavours from all over the world that create an interesting culinary fusion tradition. You can hit places like the Blue Bay Beach Restaurant to dine on fresh, locally sourced seafood right on the beachfront. You can grab a gelato or Italian ice from stands along the streets. If something more fancy and romantic is your style, you'll find plenty of upscale,...

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Where to shop & what to buy in Curaçao

  • 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Curacao

    The best places to go shopping in Curacao include top-notch malls, art galleries and independent boutiques where you can take a break from the tropical warmth. While many come to this island for its idyllic beaches and historic towns, it’s also a great place for a shopping trip in the Caribbean. The capital of Willemstad is where you’ll find many of...

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Where to go & what to do at night in Curaçao

Nightlife in Curacao ensures that when the sun sets, the fun is just getting started, whether you head for a cabana beach club, a lounge-style bar, or a vibrant casino. Clubs here host live local music, while hopping and hip dance clubs feature the latest popular music spun by renowned DJs. You can find classic jazz cafés that seem like they're right out of the 1920s, as well as ultramodern disco...

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Useful information

  • 10 Best Towns and Resorts in Curacao

    Curacao is one of the shining jewels of the Dutch Caribbean where you'll find a variety of towns and resorts that offer unique experiences. Whether you're looking for something relaxing or thrilling adventures, the local towns offer a variety of things to do with a welcoming atmosphere. To get the most out of your trip to Curacao, you'll want to know...

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Where to stay in Curaçao

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