The typical deep blue hue of the sky and the sea is even embodied in the drink, Blue Curaçao.
A tropical island with a European feel
Together with Bonaire and Aruba, Curaçao forms the Leeward Antilles (or ABC Islands) in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea. The island has six natural harbours, including Willemstad, the largest of its kind in the world. With more than 150,000 inhabitants, this is the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles. This destination, popular for many reasons including its climate, can be reached via direct flights from Amsterdam in just over ten hours. The days without sun can be counted on the fingers of one hand. There is some rain between October and January, but the average temperature is 31°C all year round. During the day, the trade winds keep you feeling cool and refreshed. At night, they guarantee a pleasant temperature of about 25°C.
Holiday for the whole family
On a holiday in Curaçao, families with children will find all the comforts and amenities of home. You can rent a holiday home, villa or apartment there in the holiday of 2019. English is one of the official languages, and there's a very friendly atmosphere everywhere you go. You can buy local food on the streets or at the market, and the tap water is pure and drinkable. Would you rather stick to familiar cuisine? Then go to one of the larger supermarkets. You'll find a wide range of American and European products.
Diving and snorkelling
Most of the beaches are scattered along the well-sheltered southwest coast. The water is calm and crystal clear, making it a true paradise for snorkellers and divers. The island has no less than 65 locations where you can discover the most beautiful natural treasures below sea level, such as Jan Thiel and Blauwbaai.The Mushroom Forest is particularly famous among divers. This 'underwater forest' is made up of large mushroom-shaped corals. Schools of colourful fish swim all around you, making for a dazzling display. Curaçao received the Reader's Choice Award from the subscribers of Scuba Diving Magazine for a reason! You don't even have to go into the water to admire all this beauty. The Seaworld Explorer submarine allows you to get acquainted with the fascinating underwater world at a depth of one and a half metres. The unique Seaquarium on the coast at Bapor Kibra is also very much worth visiting. The many aquariums are constantly filled with fresh seawater and the large “touch tank” brings you closer than ever to the live animals, which you are allowed to feed. And how about a safe dive among the sea turtles and sharks?
Also ideal for an active holiday
On Curaçao, you can spend hours lazing on the fine sand of the beach. But if you do feel like taking a trip somewhere, the possibilities are endless. A visit to the Hato Caves is a must. Over many centuries, nature here formed beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and people made rock carvings here over 1,500 years ago. Animal lovers and families can visit the extensive Christoffel National Park. Many exotic animals live in the wild among the most beautiful natural landscapes. For majestic flamingos, you need to be in the nature reserve of Sint Willibrordus. And if you want to, you can swim and dive with dolphins at the Curaçao Dolphin Academy - a truly unforgettable experience. If you like sports, you can go cycling or mountain biking on unpaved paths, play golf, go horseback riding in the unspoilt countryside or do indoor fitness. On the water, your options include sailing, kayaking, fishing, parasailing and jet-skiing. After all this activity, you can be pampered in one of the spas and wellness centres.
Willemstad: shopping and going out
Willemstad has a charming harbour, chic boutiques, restaurants and great bars. The capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique appearance and the historical value of its colourful colonial buildings. The oldest part of the city, 'Punda', is located in the east and has lots of inviting shops. It is connected to the district of Otrobanda, Papiamento in the west by a wooden pontoon bridge (the Queen Emma Bridge). On the floating market on De Ruyterkade, market traders offer their merchandise from boats. The city is also home to many talented artists, painters, photographers, sculptors and designers. Some of them are happy to welcome you into their workshops. At the Bloempot shopping centre, you'll find everything you need for an hour or two of great shopping: jewellery, luxury clothing and shoes, children's fashion, lingerie, haute couture... In between, you can sate your appetite and quench your thirst with sandwiches, salads and drinks.