If youre feeling really adventurous, theres a trail to the west end of the beach that leads to the countryside. Located in Mambo club Boulevard, Madero also includes a restaurant and bar by the seaside and sometimes live bands. This museum is housed in a restored 1729 mansion near the floating market. All inclusive resorts like Sandals Curaao go above and beyond the typical all-inclusive, offering guests a wide range of quality inclusions that only begin with things like gourmet dining, day and night entertainment, unlimited land and water sports (including scuba diving), golf, access to multiple (swim-up) bars, and more. It goes without saying that one should explore the capital city of any destination as doing so can provide valuable insight into the lifestyle and culture of the people. Its housed in one of the pastel-colored Dutch colonial buildings in Pietermaai. This is where you go to immerse in the lush greenery of Curacao and see unique species like the giant columnar cacti (kadushi), white-tailed deer and green iguana. The most popular day tour from Curacao is the trip to Klein Curacao (Small Curacao in Dutch). brievengat landhuis curacao The Curacao Liqueur Distillery dates back to 1896 and is open for tours that can take you on a journey through some of the islands history. Landhuis Klein Santa Martha was one of the top 3 salt producers on the island and now houses a restaurant and hotel. If youve got the guts, walk out to the ledge of Restaurant Playa Forti, and take a leap into the clear turquoise sea. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. There are some interesting antique miniatures inside as well as 17th century ship models, maps, and other historical seafaring artifacts with some items dating as far back as the 1500s. Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. But it does have an iconic swing perched in the sea perfect for kids and photos. The turtles are used to human beings and arent afraid to get close! Playa Kenepa is quite literally two beaches in one Kenepa Grandi, which means bigger beach, and Kenepa Chiki, the smaller of the two. We are going to Curacao in a few days for an entire month and did lots of notes on what to do / visit from your article, so thank you for that. Sprawling across 2300 hectares in west Curacao, Christoffel Park is the largest national park on the island. From Wilhelminaplein, continue walking along Pietermaai street and youll start seeing buildings splashed in turquoise, pink and purple. The most photogenic ones are Scuba Lodge, BijBlauw, Ginger and the purple/orange houses at the end of Nieuwestraat. On your way back to Willemstad, be sure to stop by a landhuis or plantation estate. Its easy to make your way back and forth between the two by way of the Queen Emma Bridge. Grote Knip is lauded by many (including myself!) Also in the eastern part of the island, Jan Thiel is an up-and-coming beach town popular with families and young travelers. 5. The island is part of the ABC island chain along with Aruba and Bonaire. A few minutes drive from Playa Piskado, youll reach Playa Forti, one of the rare few public beaches in Curacao (free!). My absolute favorite place to eat in Curacao was De Visserij. Most tours include the Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue and Jewish Museum. A fusion of dining, entertainment, music, fashion, art, and technology collide at the Madero Ocean Club. The farm is 15 minutes to the south of Willemstad where you can sign up for an Ostrich Safari Tour. Karakter also offers seafood and vegetarian friendly options. See Blowholes at the Shete Boka National Park, 11. While in Curaao, a visit to the Ostrich Farm is a must. At this old plantation, several significant features still remain including an old slave bell. Landhuis Chobolobo is located in Punda and many describe its history as sketchy. It was built in the early 1800s and is thought to have been a country residence for wealthy merchants at one time. There are a few forts you can visit while in Willemstad and these include Fort Amsterdam, Rif Fort and Fort Nassau. If you dont drive, you can still visit on a jeep tour leaving from Willemstad. The vivid yellow, blue, and white colors perfectly reflect the liveliness of Curaao. We waited in line for 15 mins to get in, but it was easy to see why this place has such a loyal following. The island gained independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. Before going down to the waters edge, be sure to stop at the cliffs by the entrance to admire this postcard-perfect Caribbean image. Ive put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! Playa Porto Mari is on the private estate of Plantages "Porto Mari on the west coast. Though this is quite the spectacular beach stop, there isnt much shade so youll definitely need to bring hats and other beach gear. Plantation houses are commonly found all over the Caribbean built by the colonizers in the 17th century in sugar and salt plantations. Youll need to walk down some steps cut into the rocks to get down to the beach, but once you get there youll be in total admiration of how crystal clear the water is, and how blissful it is to be there especially as the sun goes down. Landhuis Groot Santa Martha is one of the oldest and largest villas on Curacao. Its said to have the best beaches in the area. Price: 13 ANG (US$7) per adult + bench. As history tells it, this small island once had the biggest Jewish population in all of the Americas. If you didnt rent a car, you can book a Tugboat snorkeling trip that leaves from Willemstad. Curacao is such a naturally stunning island, plus there are so many things to do in Curacao youll be spoiled for choice. Once you do that, youll be well on the way to packing your bags for an amazing island getaway! While this is the busiest time to travel to this destination, youll easily find lots of activities happening around town. Next to the Christoffel National Park, Shete Boka is a series of seven inlets along the rocky wave-exposed north coast of the island. If you plan on traveling during peak season, its a good idea to book your trip at least six months in advance. Learn how your comment data is processed. There are also movie theatres, a gym, a bank, and lots of dining options here. barbara curacao beach The Kura Hulanda Museum is located in central Willemstad, right at the harbor. 2017 All rights reserved. If youre traveling during the pandemic, its important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses due to COVID-19 infection as well as lodging in case of quarantine. A guided tour of the facility will provide an opportunity to learn more about the history of this old plantation house. The best way to get around Curacao is definitely by car rental, as public transport is few and far between. There are 8 hiking trails at Christoffel and most are relatively easy to navigate. Sandals all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean, Curaao Restaurants: The 12 Best Places To Eat During Your Stay In Willemstad. curacao cellar wine (its a photo by the end of the article. The Greenhouse Bar & Restaurant is a cool spot to watch games and enjoy delicious snacks, sandwiches, and drinks with good company. Right next to the airport, youll find the Hato Caves which can only be visited on guided tours. Check rates here. The sand is white as sugar, the water is spearmint blue and the beach is flanked by rocky cliffs. This museum is located within Christoffelpark inside the plantation house of the Savonet Plantation. If youre lucky, you might even see them swimming! Our 2-bedroom apartment was huge and stylishly decorated, with sweeping views of the sea. One of the best places to sip a cocktail and watch the sun disappear over the horizon is Mambo Beach, the nearest beach to Willemstad. as the best beach on Curacao. It has since been transformed into a plantation restaurant. Further down the coast enroute to Willemstad, youll pass through the salt lakes of Jan Kok where hundreds (sometimes thousands) of flamingos like to converge. Spearmint water, cacti-studded mountains, and pastel-colored Dutch architecture Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island unlike any other Caribbean islands weve been. The moderate depth (less than 5 meters of water) and the good underwater visibility makes it one of the best things to do in Curacao for water babies! The owner of this garden, Dinah Veeris, studied at the California School for Herbal studies and has even written a book about herbs and their uses. Nieuwestraat is the palpitating heart, popular with expats and locals alike. Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. Which Sandals Resort Is Best For You? This convenient beach spot also has a bar, restaurant, showers, and a massage facility. The variety of birds (especially the rainbow-colored macaws and cuckatoos) is impressive. Playa Kalki is popular for both snorkelling and scuba diving. It is just a few minutes from Willemstad, and during a tour here youll learn about the production process and even get to taste some of the different flavors produced at the distillery. While in Curaao, you might even get a chance to take in a concert, book or poetry reading, or another artsy event here. Car rentals in Curacao are affordable, at around US$25-30 per day. We spent around $400 for our 2-week car rental. Its most famous for the two feral pigs that hang around here: Willy and Woody. Theyve consistently given us the best prices and service. The area where this museum is located played a significant role in the trading and transshipment of enslaved Africans by Dutch entrepreneurs, and thus the museum tells much of this story through its exhibits. It is tranquil and perfect for relaxing from early in the day until the sun goes down. Another hotel with a great location in Willemstad, this resort (pictured) has two private beaches and modern five-star hotel facilities. Queen Emma Bridge connects Punda and Otrobanda in the capital city of Willemstad. Another old plantation house worth visiting while in Curaao is Landhuis Klein Santa Martha. Theres no entrance fee required, and youll have access to beach chairs for lounging and a dive center. A glimpse at the beautiful Kokomo beach in Curaao says it could very well be with its peaceful ambiance and stunning waterside views. The fort kept the British and pirates out of Curacao. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. hey Abigel, thanks for the kind words, glad you find this article useful! Ocean temperatures are usually warm in this area year round, which adds to the appeal. Theyre often hanging out at the beach, sniffing at your food and snooping in peoples bags. This space is largely dedicated to the arts. One of the oldest plantation houses in Curaao is Landhuis Jan Kok. Landhuis Klein Santa Martha was recently converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant that overlooks the stunning Santa Martha bay. Theres also a few emu on the farm as well. Youll also find the most concentration of AirBnBs and boutique hotels in Jan Thiel. Here you can relax, taste local food, and even throw parties if you wish. Once inside you can use the facilities which include showers and restrooms. The reefs here appeal to both snorkelers and scuba divers, and theres also a raft moored off the beach for sunbathing. For more details, check outmy travel tips resource page. Curaloe is an aloe vera plantation in Curaao. These two beaches are also known as Grote Knip and Klein Knip. The guide will point out stories behind some of the stalactites and stalagmites. In Curacao, you can see the sun set almost everywhere along the islands west coast. The Dolphin Academy works with dolphins in the open sea, and as part of their open swim youll get to swim side by side with dolphins that choose for themselves when they want to swim with you! Sculptures here are hand-painted by a group of over 60 women under the guidance of Serena and her team. The Cuban bar has a shabby chic decor and eclectic flair but it definitely stands out for being different. Jamaica vs. Punta Cana: Which Is Better For Your Caribbean Getaway? We stayed at this spacious Airbnb located in Jan Thiel and found it suitable for families like ours. Curaao has a tropical climate year round. Look out for my review. Visit a Landhuis or Plantation Estate, 17. This beach is sometimes referred to by divers as Alice in Wonderland for its mushroom-shaped coral formations. Theres also a restaurant and bar on this beach. Jan Thiel Beach is a commercial beach (i.e. Only some of the apartments are renovated though definitely ask for the ones by the pool. Yet, its unmistakably a tropical island paradise chock full of remote, pristine beaches and rainforests studded with cacti and green iguanas. One of the most popular museums on the island is Curaao Museum in west Otrobanda. The Mambo Beach Boulevard, a modern mall overlooking the beach, also offers nice sunset views at its roof terrace. Den Paradera translates to the place where you feel at home, and it is a botanical and historical garden. Queen Wilhelmina Bridge is a high rise auto bridge that you can cross to get between the two separated parts of Willemstad. If youre looking for a great beach to dive on while in Curaao, Playa Lagun is worth considering. The heart of the city lies at Handelskade, a picturesque stretch of pier youve seen on every Curaao postcard. Heading to the Dutch Caribbean islands? Entry: 32 ANG (US$18) per adult , 16 ANG (US$9) per kid. Its pretty outdated, but you get a strong sense that the staff are truly passionate about marine animals here. Curaao is located i, The first Sandals resort, Sandals Montego Bay, opened its doors in 1981. It is located on thecorner ofBitterstraat and Van Raderstraat. Grote Knip is the most expensive, at 12.50 ANG (US$14) per adult and beach bench. Or, you can just visit the gallery. You can watch a video of the production process while youre there and also get information about the plantation and products from the attendants. But most people come here for that Instagram shot. This farm makes it possible to see all stages of ostrich life, from egg, all the way up to an adult. The bridge has existed since 1888, with renovations being done in 1939. Nenas art can be purchased at local art galleries including the gallery at Landhuis Jan Kok, and in Punda. On the east coast of Curacao, youll find the best spot for snorkeling: the Tugboat. A family business by design, Shelterrock Paradise has been in existence since 2016. Near the plantation houses mentioned lies the Santa Martha Bay, with its undulating hills and winding waterways. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below. The words Shete Boka means seven inlets, but there are many more at this location including Boka Tabla with amazing views from the top, and Pistolero, named for the sound the waves make when breaking on the boka. But why would you want to? It was built to defend theSpanish Waterin 1703. This beach is popular with fishermen as well. Plasa Bieu was once an old market in Willemstad where women sold food. Alonso de Ojeda, a lieutenant to Christopher Columbus, discovered the island in 1499. Theres usually lots of sightings here including a wide variety of reef fish, turtles, corals, large sponges, and other marine life, particularly near the rocky cliffs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is a simple, casual spot in Piscadera that serves the freshest, juiciest shrimps Ive ever had. There are ragged sandstone cliffs along the whole coast, but the ones overlooking Playa Forti are the best for diving. Entry: 30 ANG (US$17) per person. Youll find it along the maze-like pedestrianized street near the Da Costa Gomez statue. Overall, your experience at Blue Bay is bound to be breezy and fun, and even more memorable if you stay until sunset! Whether it is, or it isnt, Kokomo Beach is a special place, and perfect for a couples date. My daughter loved climbing up to the swing and she could stay there all day. The beach itself is beautiful and clean and you can rent out umbrellas and beach chairs to enjoy the view from a shady vantage. Entry: 20 ANG (US$11) per person. Its open to visitors, who are check out the crafts on sale. Established sometime around 1650, Plantation Daniel is said to have been built by a castaway who washed ashore in Curaao on St. Daniels Day. Its quite a trendy spot, with cool beach bars, surfer shops, dive operators, and restaurants. Theres a neat view from the terrace out onto the salt flats of St. Marie Bay where you can sometimes spot flamingoes. NOTE: You often see hundreds of flamingos in the salt marshes along the road to Kokomo beach. We booked our car on Discover Cars before our trip. Curacao is one of the few places that has had relatively low infection rates throughout the pandemic (check current stats here). The latter is great for snorkelling. Its hard to miss. Ribs and Tex-Mex food are specialty items served up at the Ribs Factory in Salinja. Restored in 1996, this land house is near Landhuis Ascension on the way to Westpunt. At the Willemstad Floating Market youll be able to shop around for fresh fruits and vegetables at low prices. Sometimes this bridge moves about to make way for passing boats, but when its stationary, it can make for a romantic stroll with cool views. She has also received many awards for the part she has played in helping to preserve culture and the healing herbs. One such stop thatll be completely worth your while in Curaao is Serenas Art Factory, which is free to visit. Last Updated on June 27, 2022 by Nellie Huang. It takes about 30 minutes to get here from Willemstad by car. Riff Fort in Otrobanda was constructed in 1828 and is now a shopping center. Entry: 9 ANG (US$5). Traveling the Dominican Republic with Kids, 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in the World, 35 Cool Things To Do in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Its rich history is evident in every corner of the old town, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dont let your Curaao experience pass you by without visiting Savonet Museum, one of the newest in town. A former plantation house, Landhuis Habaai (Habaai Mansion) is considered one of the most beautiful in Curaao. In either case, this is still one of the oldest plantation houses in Curaao. Was this the beach that the Beach Boys were talking about in their catchy hit that speaks about falling in love, melting tropical drinks in hand, at Kokomo? Cliff jumping can be a thrill in the Caribbean. The main plantation house has over the years become something of a hub for artisans. Located in Pietermaai overlooking the sea, Scuba Lodge is a stylish boutique hotel and iconic landmark in Curacao. Watch where youre jumping as theres rocks on the bottom. Curaao has always been a major seafaring and commercial center and the maritime museum pays tribute to that. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. From there, cross from Punda to Kura Huland Village and admire the beautiful architecture left behind by the Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. Curaao is an amazing destination to visit year round, but many visitors find that the island is most exciting during peak season, between December and April. :) The Dushi mural art is in the historic center of Willemstad. A small, intimate boutique hotel converted from a historical plantation estate, located in the west near the best beaches in Curacao. The sand here is dazzlingly white, and the water calm and inviting. If hiking isnt your speed, then you can get a tour arranged to explore the scenery at Christoffel by jeep, mountain bike, or on horseback. We didnt do the trip as I heard that you can see pretty much the same underwater life as when you snorkel off the beaches in Curacao. Playa Piscado is also known as Playa Grandi and it is a good option if youre looking to swim with turtles while snorkeling, or just get a better look at the day to day of a local fisherman. Both of these beaches are super private, and relatively isolated. Not too far from Hato Caves is Kokomo Beach, a secluded cove in Vaersenbaai thats free to enter. NOTE: Most beaches in Curacao are not public beaches i.e. The tuna tataki and sashimi are also a huge hit with locals. Theres also shows with dolphins that get underway as well, which can be fun to witness. The Hato Caves make for a great exploring point to start off with while in Curaao. curacao villas This beach is also the starting point for two nature trails. The Curaao Sea Aquarium focuses on rehabilitation and creating safe, natural habitats for marine creatures. This is a great one-stop location where you can find brands like Bath and Body Works, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Aldo, Victorias Secret, US Polo, American Eagle, The Childrens Place, and more. Punda in Willemstad is a great place to shop. Not only is this one of the best beaches in Curaao, it is also one of the safer cliff jumping areas. Many people arent aware that Curaao has quite the interesting Jewish history. You can only visited on a guided tour. The two ladies in charged of the flamingos made it fun and engaging. .reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}. Be careful when parking here, as many TripAdvisor reviews say that car theft is common in this carpark (we didnt have any issues). One of them swam right into me but I dodged it just in time. Nena Sanchez is a native of Curaao and her unique paintings and giclees (digitally reproduced fine art on canvas) depict some of the islands most vivid scenery. You can now create your personalized list of your top 10 (or 20) favorite things to do on this tropical island destination! The architecture of Willemstad is vibrant and inviting, and theres many attractions in this area including Handelskade, a waterfront street with colorful colonial Dutch houses. Bring along your towel, swimsuit, and sunblock and youll be good to go. Theres an observation deck on the edge of the salt pans where you can go to see a nice view of the flamingos without traipsing on the mud. A visit to Shete Boka National Park will be a mellow way to spend your day while in Curaao. Just look for Santa Martha Bay View Lookout on Google Maps. :). You can visit this lunch spot if you want to try authentic Curaao cuisine and local delicacies including iguana meat if youre feeling particularly adventurous. Theres an open terrace where you can relax and enjoy your meal, or you can just take it to go. We found it to be quite a disappointment though theyve built concrete paths, lit up the caves with kitschy lights and put fans all over the place. Closer to shore, theres a roped off area with a floating platform. Of that list, the one with highest prominence is Fort Amsterdam; it is included in UNESCOs World Heritage list. Mundo Bizarro is a hugely popular spot, though the drinks are overpriced. Ginger is another good place worth visiting the stylish Carib-Asian fusion restaurant serves some original dishes and cocktails. The baby ostriches here are the absolute cutest! It is a constituent country that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Sometimes you can even get seafood here. This island is known as Klein Curaao and it is uninhabited. If you go here to unwind or have a meal, you can choose from options including chicken, stewed meat, goat, shrimp, fish, vegetarian or seafood mix. Price: 10 ANG (US$11) for rental of bench. The most famous liqueur produced here is liqueur blue, but there are other varieties including clear, green, red, orange, rum & raisin, chocolate and koffie. Curacao has a vibrant restaurant scene, with lots of local seafood stands and cool upscale restaurants.