Our Highlights in Curacao
One thing that truly stands out is that Curacao has a gorgeous capital built in colonial style (Willemstad) — perfect for strolling around and crossing the famous floating bridge.
Curacao is a remarkably diverse island: it features towering cacti and low shrubs. The interior feels like a Wild West movie set. Parts of the coastline are rugged, with narrow sandy beaches providing access to the brilliant blue sea. Curacao is ideal for divers — most dive spots are reachable by car. More than 35 white, often long sandy beaches invite you for a swim.
If the name Curacao sounds familiar even though you've never heard of the island, it's probably because of the brightly colored liqueur (Blue Curacao) you've surely tasted before.
The Island Capital Willemstad
With 150,000 inhabitants, Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island capital is characterized by its rows of colorful gabled houses that are strongly reminiscent of old Amsterdam. Elaborate stucco decorations and vibrant colors are the city's trademark. It's a wonderful place to stroll through the picturesque lanes and browse the numerous duty-free shops.
An absolute must-see is the Queen Emma Bridge (Koningin-Emma-Brug). This pontoon bridge opens for incoming ships and simply "folds away." When the bridge is open, a free ferry runs between the two banks. A word of advice: the bridge can stay open for up to an hour — if you're in a hurry, take the ferry!
Weather, Climate & Best Time to Visit Curacao
On Curacao, you can enjoy year-round vacation in a dry climate outside the hurricane belt with European standards and Caribbean flair. It's summer all year long, with pleasantly cooling trade winds. The rainy season (occasional short showers, mainly at night) runs from October to January. The average temperature is 27°C. The temperature difference between summer and winter is only about 2.5°C. The day-night temperature difference is approximately 5–6°C. Curacao lies outside the hurricane belt — making it ideal even during the rainy season.
Entry Requirements, Recommended Vaccinations and More
European tourists need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward flight ticket to enter Curacao.
No vaccinations beyond the standard ones are necessary.
Tap water on Curacao is perfectly safe to drink; it comes from seawater desalination plants.
Power outages on Curacao are rare. The voltage on the island is 110 volts (same as in the USA and Canada).
Getting There and Getting Around Curacao
Curacao has an international, modern airport. The island is served by several airlines with connections worldwide. Curacao's Hato Airport has the longest runway in the Caribbean — even jumbo jets can land here. Curacao offers multiple daily connections to Europe and the USA.
Curacao has two berths for cruise ships. The large vessels anchor at the Mega Pier in front of the city. Smaller ships dock directly in the harbor. Both cruise terminals are just a few meters from the city center with shops and restaurants.
Note: taxis don't have meters. Agree on a fixed fare with the driver before your ride.
Major international car rental companies as well as local ones operate on Curacao. The minimum driver age is 21. Right-hand traffic and international road signs apply, though there are some different right-of-way rules. Have them briefly explained at the car rental desk.
Where Is the Caribbean Island of Curacao?
Curacao belongs to the so-called ABC Islands and covers 444 km2. It belongs to the Leeward Islands and is the largest of the Dutch Leeward Islands. Curacao lies just 56 kilometers off the northern coast of Venezuela.
The History of Curacao
- In 1499, the Spanish landed on Curacao. They named the island Isla de los Gigantes (Island of the Giants) after the native Caquetío people. After the indigenous people were taken as forced laborers, Curacao was promptly renamed isla inútil — useless island.
- In 1634, the Dutch drove out a handful of Spanish settlers, fortified the harbor entrance, and surrounded Willemstad with a defensive wall. This laid the foundation for the island's rapid wealth. In addition to sugar and gold, slaves were traded in Willemstad. Curacao became home to the largest slave market in the Caribbean.
- It wasn't until 1863 that the Dutch abolished the slave trade. The island's next boom came with the construction of the world's largest oil refinery.
