Bonbini to all! Today we are traveling to Curacao, a Dutch Caribbean Island that combines a perfect location, great weather all year round and one of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
What makes this island so special is that you have plenty of activities to choose from when you are there. From underwater sports in crystalline waters to have an amazing nightlife, Curacao is known for being a welcoming island to all types of tourists!
So, Are you ready to discover what Curacao has to offer you? Everything you need to learn about Curacao before your trip to this beautiful island will be covered on this page.
Curacao’s location is ideal
This island is located in the Caribbean sea, however, it is also a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
It is situated nearby Venezuela, and the other two lesser-known (but still well-known) islands Aruba and Bonaire, so, together they make the ABC islands of the Caribbean.
Did you know that Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, the Dutch Sint Maarten and Saba form the Dutch Caribbean Islands?
In fact, I think you will be surprised to know that Curacao is the biggest island of the former Netherlands Antilles, with a population of more than 150.000 people and covering at least 100 nationalities, making this a very appealing reason for tourists to come and visit.
Curacao’s history
History tells us that Curacao was discovered in 1499 by Alfonso de Ojeda. Willemstad, Curacaos’ capital city was first established in 1634 and it was built with a strong Dutch influence that it can still be felt even after all of these years.
Nowadays Willemstad is a Unesco World Heritage site. You can see colonial sites that are still up everywhere. According to the island’s government, there are currently 750 historical buildings that can be found in Curacao.
However, over the last couple of years more and more businesses have opened up so there has been a non-stop construction boom of new buildings that don’t seem to stop anytime soon.
In my opinion, this makes Curacao a very unique island, as its capital is in a constant state of evolution while still trying to keep some of its history untouched. It is definitely one of the most interesting islands out there.
Curacao is the most colorful capital in The Dutch Caribbean
If you are looking for an Instagram-worthy photo location, then Curacao is your best bet. The Dutch have always been very fond of colors, this is why Curacao’s capital Willemstad has had colorful buildings since it was founded back in the 17th century.
In fact, if you have seen a photograph of Curacao’s then you have probably seen its buildings being covered with this perfect sunlight and where these colors meet up with the color blue that comes out of the ocean.
Curacao is very proud of its cultural inheritance
Another reason why this island is well-known is due to the cultural mixture of its citizens. Curacao was first settled by the Arawaks nearly 6,000 years ago, then the island became part of the Spanish Empire in the 16th century and after that, it became a Dutch colony.
As a result of all of this colonization and being invaded by different cultures and peoples throughout the Island’s history, Curacao was considered to be as one of the most important hubs for the slave trade back in those days. Nowadays Curacao is an independent state, but its citizens usually carry a Dutch passport.
Curacaoans speak multiple languages
Some people may be surprised to read this, but most Curacaoans speak at least three languages –fluently! Some individuals speak Spanish, English, Dutch, Papiamentu and the local creole.
This is why tourists love to go to Curacao, as they not only find this very helpful as they can almost communicate with everybody but because it also means that this diversity will be expected to be found throughout everything in the country, from the local cuisine to even fashion!.
Curacao is well-known for its party scene
What happens when people from different cultural backgrounds get together? Everything mixes up. This is what happens in Curacao with the country’s music. It is normal to hear bachata, reggae, reggaetón, American pop, tumba, and of course, ritmo kombina, the island’s music production.
Tourists love going out in Curacao because they know they will have a great time dancing, eating out, and finally enjoying themselves.
There are cultural events throughout the year in Curacao. For example, there is the world-famous Curacao Carnival and the Tumba Festival, there are some important sports events (at least three each year), and there are also many film festivals on the island.
Curacao and its Islands
You probably don’t think about the desert when you are talking about the Caribbean, but did you know that Curacao has a mini deserted island? This is another reason why Curacao is a really cool place to visit.
Klein Curacao is a small island that is only two hours away from the main island of Curacao. Of course, you can only go by boat, and no, nobody lives there.
Curacao is known for its perfect location to practice underwater sports
Curacao is well-known for being an idyllic island. Its warm waters and great weather make this place ideal for those who would like to try scuba diving, snorkelling or any other underwater sports.
And if you don’t like to do any type of sports you can always find another way to participate, right? This is why you can cheer-on on any sports events that are usually held in Curacao.
Curacao and its famous Ostrich Farms
If you are looking at doing something different while you are holidaying in Curacao, then look no further, as you can go and visit the islands Ostrich farm. One of them is conveniently located 15 minutes away from the south of Willemstad.
You will be able to see the different stages of the ostrich. From eggs to babies, to juveniles to adults, ostriches are definitely everywhere!
And, if you are a big fan of birds, you will be able to see a few Emu, which is easily the second-largest birth that is found on earth. Some people stand on an Ostrich egg, as apparently, they are really strong!
Curacao is also known for Knip Beach
In fact, there is a strong chance you have probably seen a postcard of Knip Beach at one point in your life as it is definitely one of the most famous beaches on earth.
Knip Beach has pristine sand, crystal clear water, spectacular views and of course, lots of people! This is the local’s favorite beach spot, so if you would like to have a truly amazing time in Curacao, don’t forget to go there.
And lastly…
Curacao is definitely a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It not only has a profound history but it is also a mixture of cultures which in turn, it truly makes it a unique island.
I know it can be difficult to choose between Curacao and its neighbor’s islands Aruba and Bonaire, but this island has perfect weather year-round, it is very safe, locals are friendly and it boasts with a great nightlife.
If you have to choose a place to go this year in the Caribbean I would recommend going to Curacao, you will not regret it!
