Curaçao Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Curaçao, an island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and historical charm. With its stunning beaches, colorful architecture, and diverse attractions, Curaçao is a true gem waiting to be explored.

One of the highlights of Curaçao is its breathtaking beaches. The island boasts over 35 sandy stretches, each with its own distinct character. From the popular Mambo Beach, with its lively atmosphere and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, to the secluded PortoMari Beach, surrounded by lush vegetation and offering excellent diving opportunities, there is a beach for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer soaking up the sun or engaging in water sports, Curaçao's beaches will not disappoint.

Beyond the beaches, Curaçao's capital city, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination. Known for its iconic pastel-colored buildings lining the waterfront, Willemstad is a picturesque blend of Dutch colonial and Caribbean architecture. Explore the historic district of Punda, with its narrow streets filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Cross the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge, to reach the vibrant neighborhood of Otrobanda, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine.

For those seeking adventure, Curaçao offers a variety of outdoor activities. Discover the island's underwater world by diving or snorkeling in the pristine coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. Hike through the rugged landscapes of Christoffel National Park, home to exotic flora and fauna, and climb to the top of Christoffelberg for panoramic views of the island. Explore the Hato Caves, a mystical underground network of limestone formations and ancient Indian petroglyphs.

In addition to its natural beauty, Curaçao is known for its lively festivals and events. The island comes alive during Carnival season, with colorful parades, music, and dancing. Experience the vibrant rhythms of the local music, such as the infectious beats of tumba and the soulful melodies of the tambú, which reflect the island's rich cultural heritage.

Alternative names: Area: 171.43 mi²Elevation: 112 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 12°9'13"N, 68°55'60"W

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Curaçao Top Attractions

Curaçao Attractions - What to See and Explore

Curaçao offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Daaibooi, Playa Porto Marie, Playa Lagun, Playa Jeremi. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Beach
Daaibooi
Daaibooi is a beach on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, located close to the village of Sint Willibrordus, a 30 minutes drive to the north-west of Willemstad. The beach is in a secluded bay, surrounded by cliffs. The loggerhead sea turtle is known to nestle here. The beach is used as a starting point for scuba diving.
Relaxed beach with snorkeling and a cafe
Playa Porto Marie
Playa Porto Marie is a beach on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, located near the village of Sint Willibrordus, at the Porto Marie Bay. The beach is used as a starting point for scuba diving and snorkeling. There is a small bar.
Beach
Playa Lagun
Playa Lagun is a beach on Curaçao, located near the village of Lagún. Play Lagun is located in a small bay. Surrounding the bay, an apartment complex has been built. The beach is used as a starting point for snorkeling. There is a snack bar and also a restaurant and dive school.

Beach
Playa Jeremi
Playa Jeremi is a beach on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, located close to the village of Lagun in the north-west of the island. The beach is made up partly of sand, partly of volcanic material. There are no facilities.
Beach
Playa Kalki
Playa Kalki is a beach on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, also known as Alice in Wonderland due to mushroom-shaped coral formations.
Beach
Playa Santa Cruz
Playa Santa Cruz is a beach on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, located to the south of the village of Lagun. It is a wide, sandy beach. There are beach cabins and a snack bar that opens irregularly during weekends.
Beach
Playa Forti
Playa Forti is a beach on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, located near the village of Westpunt in the north-west of the Island. It is a sandy beach with small pebbles. There are a snack bar and a restaurant. Close to the restaurant, there is a spot where one can make a 10-metre jump from a cliff into the sea.
Popular snorkeling beach with palapas
Grote Knip
Grote Knip is a beach on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, located at the western side of the island, between the villages of Westpunt and Lagun. The beach gives way to a small lagune between high rocks. It is freely accessible to the public. The beach is used as a starting point for snorkeling, due to the presence of a coral reef nearby.
Park
Christoffelpark
Christoffelpark is a national park, protected nature area and tourist attraction at the north-western end of the island of Curaçao surrounding Christoffelberg.
Beach
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is a private beach on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, located at the southeast of island. The terrain is property of a mining company, close by an ancient phosphate mine can still be found. The beach is accessible to the public paying an entrance fee of $15 per car. A landmark on the beach is Tafelberg.
Beach
Baya Beach
Baya Beach is one of 38 official beaches on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, situated on a peninsula in the south-east of Caracas Bay next to Fort Beekenburg. It used to be a bunker port of Royal Dutch Shell; some piers and tanks can still be seen. It is a small beach, mainly geared towards water sports.
Beach
Playa Gipy
Playa Gipy is a beach on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, located on the northern tip of the island, close to the village of Westpunt. The beach is small and rocky, and the waterfront is difficult to reach. There are no facilities. The beach is visited by loggerhead sea turtles.
12°4'48"N • 68°51'56"W
Mermaid Boat Trips
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Universities and schools
University of Curaçao
The Dr. Moises Frumencio da Costa Gomez University of Curaçao, formerly University of The Netherlands Antilles, is the state university of Curaçao. It is a public university, graduating approximately three hundred students per year. The quality and level of the program are similar to those in the Netherlands.

Day trips

Curaçao – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Curaçao, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Museum Kura Hulanda (Willemstad), Hato Caves (Willemstad), Tugboat beach (Willemstad).

3.1 miS
Museum, History museum, Art museum
Museum Kura Hulanda, Willemstad
Nestled in the heart of Willemstad, Curaçao, the Museum Kura Hulanda stands as a poignant testament to the cultural history and anthropology of the region. This unique museum, situated on the site of a former slave yard and merchant's home, offers a profound insight...
2.1 miNW
Cave, Park, Trail
Hato Caves, Willemstad
The Hato Caves, a breathtaking natural wonder, is nestled on the northern fringes of Willemstad, the vibrant capital of Curaçao. These ancient limestone caverns, formed beneath the sea level millions of years ago, now stand as a testament to the island's geological...
7.6 miSE
12°4'8"N • 68°51'42"W
Tugboat beach, Willemstad
Beach, Boat tours, Tours
3 miS
Museum, History museum
Curaçao Museum, Willemstad
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Willemstad, Curaçao, the Curaçao Museum stands as a bastion of culture and history on this colorful Caribbean island. This historical museum, housed in a charming colonial-style building, offers visitors a deep dive into the island's...
3.3 miS
Floating landmark open to pedestrians
Queen Emma Bridge, Willemstad
The Queen Emma Bridge, affectionately known as the "Swinging Old Lady," is a floating pontoon bridge that serves as a vibrant artery connecting the two halves of Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao. This iconic bridge, swinging open to allow ships to pass through...