Curacao (kyoor-uh-SO)

Curaçao Flag

Why visit Curaçao?

Ideal for the active premier traveler seeking an European flair cosmopolitan sophisticated Caribbean destination to enjoy beautiful beaches, caves, coral reefs, culture, diving, Dutch architecture, golf, hiking trails, nightlife, off-road adventures, snorkeling, and water sports.

Willemstad, Curaçao. Photo Credit: Dave Drury/Unsplash

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Aloe vera products, ceramic goods, cheese, Dutch Delft Blue goods, hand painted chichi doll, hand painted animal form wall hangings, jewelry, orange flavored liqueur, and painted bottles with scenery.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bitterballen (meatballs). Karni Stobá (beef stew). Keshi Yena (traditional). Oliebollen (doughnuts). Poffertjes (pancakes). Stoba (strw). Stroopwafels (snack).
• Local Drink to Try: Blue Curaçao. Curaçao Liqueur. Fria (local soda). Lovers (local juices).

Willemstad, Curaçao. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay

History

• In 1499, settled by the Spanish.
• In 1634, the Dutch took possession.
• In 1888, Queen Emma Bridge (pedestrian toll) was built. An effort to promote social equality.
• In 2011, became independent of the Netherlands Antilles.
  

Willemstad, Curaçao. Photo Credit: Humphrey Janga/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• An independent entity of The Netherlands.
• The primary Economy is banking and commerce with supplemental income from tourism.
• No permanent rivers.
• The Laraha Oranges (grown on the island east side) produces 150-200 fruits per tree. Commonly used for liqueur produced in five colors: clear, blue, green, orange and red.
• Windmills located in the northeast area provide a portion  of the island's electricity.

Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Carnival, Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament, Full Moon Party, Horseback Parade, KLM Curacao Marathon, Tumba Festival, (February) Carnival Horse Parade, International Kite Festival, Ride Walk & Swim for Roses, (March) Farewell March, Grand March, Heineken Regatta, International Blue Marlin Release Tournament, We are One Gospel Caribbean Tour, (April) BlueSea Festivals, Farmers & Fleas, Harvest Festival, Zanzibar Festival, (May) Culture Cuisine & Heritage Experience, Jazz Festival, (June) Caribbean Sun Splash, Curacao Pride, (August) Dive Festival, Salsa Festival, (September) Curacao North Sea Jazz, (October) Restaurant Week, (November) Amstel Curacao Race, and Dutch Santa Claus.
• Holidays: New Years Day, Rosenmontag, Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, Kings Day, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Flag Day, Curacao Day, and Christmas Day.

Photo Credit: Humphrey Janga/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Plentiful bays, limestone formations and salt marshes.
• You may be inspired to visit after watching, Curacao (2007).
• Multicultural with 55 different nationalities.
• Rainstorms are rare.
• Topless sunbathing is permitted.
• It's illegal to use spearguns or remove coral.
• In shallow waters watch out for deadly poisonous spines from the local lion fish or stonefish.
• Airport departure fees are charged for international destinations, usually included with airline costs.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
• Local law is based on Dutch Law.
• Access to quality medical care is limited.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Virus.
• Public transportation is limited. 

Photo Credit: Mali Ancor/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Required from select countries. 

Hurricane Season is June - November. However, outside of the Hurricane Belt, it is not directly impacted.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: September
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: May - November.

Photo Credit: Paul/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Alley District, Bell Pole, Beth Haim Cemetery, Bonam - Fund Jave's Station, Bull's Eye, Cinelândia, Fort Amsterdam, Fort Beekenburg, Fort Church, Fort Piscadera, Keukenstraat, Klein Curacao Scheepswrak, Landhuis Brakkeput Ariba, Landhuis Bloemhof, Landhuis Bloemfontein, Landhuis Cas Chikitu, Landhuis Gaito, Landhuis Groot Santa Martha, Landhuis Jan Thiel, Landhuis Jeremi, Landhuis Veeris, Landhuis Vianen,Landhuis Knip, Landhuis Mount Pleasant, Landhuis Pannekoek, Landhuis Rooi Catootje, Landhuis Rust en Vrede, Landhuis Santa Cruz, Landhuis San Juan, Landhuis Sorsaka, Landhuis Waterloo, Landhuis Wechi, Landhuis Zuikertuintie, Lighthouse Klein Curacao, Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, Plantage Planterust, Plantation House Brievengat, Plantation House Koraal Tabak, Plantation House Sta. Catharina, Queen Emma Bridge, Ser'i Otrobanda, Slave Wall and Vlakte di San Pedro.
• Museums: Curacao Maritime Museum, Curacao Museum, Jewish Cultural Historic Museum, Kura Hulanda Museum, Landhuis Jan Kok " Nena Sanchez Gallery", Manor Savonet Museum, Maritime Museum Curacao, Museum Kas di Pal'I Maishi, Museo di Tambú Shon Cola, Octagon Museum and Rif Fort Museum. 
• Popular Attractions: Boca Grandi, Christoffel National Park, Carnaval Casino, Church of Sint Willibrordus, Curacao Liqueur Distillery, Curacao Sea Aquarium, Den Paradera, Fort Waakzaamheid, Floating Market, Fort Amsterdam, Fort Sint Michiel, Gallery Alma Blou, Hato Caves, Kontiki Beach, Kura Hulanda, Landhuis Chobolobo, Landhuis Kan Kok, Landhuis Ronde Klip, Mambo Beach, Manor Knip, Mega Pier, Mount Christoffel, Mushroom Forest, Old Market, Otrobanda, Punda, Parke Leyba, Queen Juliana Bridge, Shete Boka Park, Substation Curacao and Willemstad.

Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.