Here are 5 Reasons Why You’ll Love Curacao Too!
Like sister island Aruba, Curacao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located off the coast of Venezuela. Spend some time there and you’ll find a small piece of Europe melded with a slice of the old country, right at the edge of the Caribbean Sea. We think Curacao may be the last authentic island in the Caribbean. Sounds uniquely intriguing, right?
With a population of only 150,000, Curacao delivers a fabulously authentic – read less touristy – island experience. Visitors experience a beautiful mix of urban and nature experiences. And the charming capital of Willemstad has big Amsterdam vibes, except for one thing – where Amsterdam’s townhouses offer drab tones, Curacao’s capital boasts colorfully upbeat and joyful home colors at every turn. Truly delightful to see!
Ah yes, our excitement gets the best of us…we digress…here are those 5 reasons…
1. Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Love marine life? Diving in Curacao is like diving in a fish tank. Generally, the visibility in the waters surrounding the island is over 100 feet and dive/snorkeling tours will place you right on top of sea turtles and other vibrant sea life.
Thus, there is a remarkable variety of corals for you to explore on the refreshingly healthy reef – something becoming less common in the Caribbean. Shore diving and snorkeling are also very possible pending favorable weather and sea conditions.
2. Incredible Cultural Sites
Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a fine example of a Dutch colonial trading settlement and its historic inner city and harbor offer significant cultural value. Most of the original urban structure and architecture of the period 1650-1900 still stands and is the setting for a large number of monuments.
The development of the city is strongly influenced by the multicultural community over three centuries. Certainly, these elements make it the most unique port-town in the Caribbean region and one that charms its visitors time and again. And, it’s one more reason we think Curacao may be the last authentic island in the Caribbean.
3. Lovely Beaches with Great Lagoons
There are 38 beaches in Curacao, many located in secluded areas, offering intimate retreats for visitors. The northwest coast’s rugged waters make swimming difficult. So, almost all Curacao beaches are scattered along the sheltered southwestern coast, where the waters are calm and crystal clear. Many are a dream come true, with idyllic stretches of white sand, palm trees, and crystalline aqua blue water.
If you enjoy sunning and snorkeling, an added beach bonus is excellent shore-based snorkeling from many beaches. When you go, check out these favorites: Grote Knip, Playa Porto Marie, Playa Kalki, Mambo Beach, Playa Lagun, Playa Piskado (Sea Turtles!)
4. Diversity+: Culture and Nature
Curacao is a great place to vacation for its beaches, water sports, golfing, hiking, and biking, yet it really is much more than beaches and blue cocktails. We especially enjoyed the dramatic landscape of Shete Boka National Park with its rugged rock formations, angry blue waves, and caves.
Shete Boka literally means 7 inlets. The surf pounding on the limestone cliffs had us channeling Hawaii (Big Island) vibes, right down to the blowholes and natural bridges. The 10 pocket bays are also home to 3 species of sea turtles, who come here to lay their eggs.
However, this diverse island offers more than gorgeous rocky landscapes and insta–worthy sandy coves. Experience some serious history about the slave trade at the Kura Hulanda Museum, learn more about rural life in Curacao at the Kas di pal’i maishi museum house, or visit the former Dutch West India Company headquarters at Fort Amsterdam.
Prefer to find yourself some local fun? Curacao has a variety of festivals and events to explore. Locals enjoy the Curaçao Jazz Festival, Curaçao International Film Festival, Curaçao Dance Festival, and more. We’re sure you will too!
5. Cuisine Options with a Taste of Local Flavors
Experience Curacao’s rich cultural diversity through its cuisine. Want to eat like a local? Go where the locals go – head over to the Old Market food court, Plaza Bieu, for an authentic meal.
You’ll find traditional Curacaoan food with Dutch, Spanish, and African influences. The dishes you’ll experience on the island reflect this multiculturalism. The Portuguese and Asians of the African spice trade came to the island as slaves. The result is a heavy influence on the flavors you taste today.
Some of the more popular dishes include pepian- a type of soup or stew with pumpkin or squash and a tomato base, keshi yena–a dish that is made with melted Edam cheese and spiced ground beef, and paella Negra – squid ink paella.
Side note: Food with a view – during our Curacao visit, after exploring the National Park, we traveled south on the coast road encountering a picturesque seafood restaurant – Blue View – perched high on a cliff giving us endless views of a blue-green bay.
Lunch included local Montana beer and tasty tuna filets, all enjoyed as we watched brave tourists plunge 100′ into the sea from a neighboring cliff.
Conclusion
We loved Curacao, much more than we could have ever expected and cannot recommend it enough. Obviously, this is a diverse island. Indeed Curacao is a great candidate for the last authentic island in the Caribbean. Also, if you want to learn more about Curacao, its history and culture, this is a good site. Our hope is you’ll be inspired to visit and plan your perfect trip! So, click here to start planning your adventure today!
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