Curaçao is a hidden gem and fairly presumably the whole lot you’ve ever wished out of a trip vacation spot. A daring assertion, however wait till you see what this quaint southern island has to supply — the whole lot from multi acre nationwide parks like Christoffel, recognized for its putting pure magnificence, to a number of the most unimaginable seashores within the Caribbean like Playa Lagun. There’s even an ostrich farm the place guests can do excursions that embody spending time with child ostriches, and getting a safari journey!
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How you can pronounce Curaçao. The title of the island vacation spot begins with a tough ‘C’, whereas the ‘ç’ is pronounced as an “s”. Curaçao is pronounced as ‘Remedy-ah-souw’.
Curaçao is a part of the ABC island chain that features Aruba to its West and Bonaire to its East, and this island stands out for extra causes than one. It’s colourful historical past consists of intervals of rule by the Spanish, British and at last the Dutch. Proof of this may be seen in Curaçao’s structure, museums, parks, music, languages and in its folks.
So, with out additional ado, listed below are our prime picks of the 18 issues Curaçao is understood for:
Beautiful seashores
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Curaçao has greater than 30 seashores all of which supply a special expertise. Kenepa Beach, Playa PortoMari and Mambo Seaside are three of the most well-liked, which signifies that they’re regularly crowded. Playa Kalki is cozy and nice for water sports activities like snorkelling. Cas Abao then again is a scuba diving hotspot and a favourite amongst vacationers and locals alike, with a small entrance charge required. The latter consists of restrooms, showers and parking.
Among the world’s finest scuba diving spots
Curaçao has a number of the finest dive websites on the earth. Many of those websites are appropriate for each rookies taking their first dive and specialists who’re used to navigating the undersea. Learners can begin off with Booby Lure within the south (don’t let the title scare you!). This sloping reef has a spread of corals and all sorts of sponges. Booby Lure is positioned simply exterior of Fuik Baai and might solely be accessed by boat. Porto Mari is one other web site that provides easy accessibility through the seaside. It’s appropriate for rookies and superior divers. At Porto Mari, divers can count on to see a lot of fishes, turtles and a ray or two on a fortunate day.
Insider tip: PADI® licensed friends of the Sandals all-inclusive resort in Curaçao dive totally free (max. two tanks a day), this consists of skilled gear. Not licensed but? Get PADI® certified on the resort at further value and dive the remainder of your trip totally free. Over 100,000 friends acquired licensed at Sandals: the skilled scuba employees will make it easier to get comfy and able to go!
A various tradition and heritage
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Various in additional methods than one, the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was occupied by the Arawaks greater than 6,000 years in the past. It was first dominated by Spanish within the Sixteenth century when Spanish Commander, Alonso de Ojeda, found the island. Within the mid-Sixteenth century, the Dutch took over from Spain and in 1651, the primary set of Jewish immigrants got here to reside in Curaçao. Britain additionally joined within the combat however finally the Dutch reigned supreme in a ruling, which significantly reworked the island. To today, this ruling has influenced the lifestyle of the folks.
The historic city of Willemstad
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Curaçao’s capital Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site marked by its wonderful structure, waterways, tropical surroundings and road cafes. Guests love this vibrant metropolis middle and excursions by means of Willemstad are extraordinarily in style. Whereas in Willemstad, you’ll discover that town is actually minimize in half and joined by a bridge often called Queen Emma Bridge.
Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
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This bridge, which extends throughout St. Anna Bay, joins Punda and Otrobanda in Willemstad and is braced by two motors and 16 pontoon boats. Should you get there in time, you’ll get to see this “Swinging Previous Girl” open her gates to permit ships to come back by means of and exit. There are additionally water taxis to take you forwards and backwards throughout the waters, as you would like. The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge is kind of a beautiful sight at nighttime, notably when you’re watching it in motion from close by. Attempt it out whereas having a drink or two with buddies within the metropolis and benefit from the lights on the water.
The colourful Handelskade
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Handelskade is a waterfront strip in Punda lined with colourful homes and 18th century model buildings. Handelskade is a significant vacationer attraction and is cherished for its outside cafes. From this vantage, there’s a cool view of the ships going by means of the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. On a sunny day, a stroll alongside this pier is ideal for getting some recent air and taking a selfie or two in opposition to the picturesque Curaçao metropolis backdrop. Handelskade can be actually stunning at night time when the lights illuminate the bay and produce it to life.
Insider tip: Earlier than leaving Handelskade, go to the Floating Market within the north. On this market you will discover a lot of distributors promoting fruits and lots of keen fishermen with their catch of the day.
Orange Liqueur
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The well-known “Orange Liqueur” from Curaçao is an alcoholic beverage made with the dried orange peels of the Laraha orange, which is a bitter fruit discovered on the island. This fruit can be referred to as “Golden Orange of Curaçao.” The peels are blended with herbs and spices to create this signature drink. It’s offered in sorts of orange, inexperienced, blue and white. It’ll be value your whereas to deliver a bit of little bit of Curaçao again dwelling with you by grabbing a bottle of Orange Liqueur to share with family and friends.
Curaçaoans communicate a number of languages
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Spanish, Dutch and British influences may be seen throughout the island of Curaçao, and that is most evident within the languages spoken on the island. Many locals simply swap between talking creole, Dutch, English, Papiamentu and Spanish. This has additionally influenced the wide selection of music that’s performed on the island which incorporates reggae, mazurkas, danzas, tumba, American pop and bachata.
Shete Boka Nationwide Park
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Shete Boka, which means “seven inlets” is a nationwide park in northern Curaçao that begins on the underground cavern referred to as Boka Tabla. Guests usually stare in awe as nature exhibits off its expertise with waves crashing rhythmically in opposition to the caves. This spectacular present of energy is barely the start; at this park, guests can take a stroll alongside the caves and relish within the astonishing view of the rocky countryside. The animals add to the surroundings too, and a go to on the proper time shall be rewarded with the sight of the numerous iguanas residing at this park or any of the three species of turtles that often nest there.
Avenue artwork
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The city of Willemstad in Curaçao isn’t simply recognized for its cool structure; its road artwork is fairly incredible too. Take a stroll by means of the streets of Punda and the neighborhoods of Pietermaai and Otrobanda to see why these locations are most well-known for his or her art work. The murals which grace the partitions inform the tales of Curaçao and are utilized by the artists to make social statements. Punda additionally has outlets with native crafts and sculptures of all totally different colours and shapes.
Christoffel Nationwide Park
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The Christoffel National Park spans throughout 2,300 acres of land that after housed the Savonet, Zorgvlied and Zeevenbergen plantations. Earlier than exploring this park, guests can cease by the Savonet Museum to study extra in regards to the historical past of slavery and plantation life in Curaçao. Subsequent, when you’re up for a hike, attempt trekking as much as Christoffel Mountain. Put on comfy footwear, deliver alongside water and schedule your journey earlier than 10 a.m., after which level the warmth issue goes up by the hour. Don’t be discouraged by the rugged terrain: the view from the highest is spectacular!
Insider tip: If you wish to skip the heavy train, merely take a drive by means of this park to witness its pure magnificence.
Ostrich farm
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Should you’d like to present the seashores a break and check out a fun-filled exercise on strong floor, then a go to to an ostrich farm could be a nice change of tempo. The Curaçao Ostrich Farm homes greater than 600 birds and provides guided excursions to guests. At this farm, you’ll get to see these birds at each stage of their improvement — from nearly a day outdated to maturity. It’s possible you’ll get to carry certainly one of these infants in your hand and even stand on an ostrich egg when you’d like (the egg gained’t break)!
Chichi dolls
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Chichi means “the older sister” in Papiamento, a language extensively utilized in Curaçao. There are dolls that go by this title, and these dolls are supposed to embody the older sister in Caribbean tradition that’s recognized for being the accountable and caring member of the family. The dolls are handmade and painted by hand, and are offered in numerous sizes. You’ll have the ability to acknowledge them by their shiny, radiant clothes and curvy figures. The Berlin artist, Serena Janet Israel, is the creator of those dolls that are made by craftsmen in Serena’s Artwork Manufacturing unit in Willemstad, Curaçao.
Professional tip: Chichi dolls are the right memento or reward for birthdays, Mom’s Day, and even in celebration of Worldwide Ladies’s Day!
Tropical impressed handicrafts and jewellery
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Whereas Serena’s chichi dolls are actually a singular creation, native artists and craftsmen produce many different helpful objects that may make for nice souvenirs. These artists usually accumulate bottles and different abnormal, on a regular basis objects and mildew them right into a hand-painted masterpiece.
You’ll additionally come throughout numerous jewellery objects to adorn all of the outfits in your suitcase. Locals may be seen promoting their handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets comprised of leather-based, shells and stones. Be certain to have a look; you could simply see one thing you want.
Aloe vera merchandise
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Aloe vera is a tropical plant that’s nice for the hair, pores and skin and physique. Its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal which just about means it’s anti-disease and nice for the physique. Should you’ve by no means seen the plant, then whereas in Curaçao you merely should ask an area to see it, and even perhaps take dwelling a number of aloe vera merchandise. Product sourcing shouldn’t be too arduous contemplating that aloe vera is a key ingredient in a variety of lotions, lotions and different pores and skin merchandise.
Dutch cheese and Delft Blue souvenirs
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What would a visit to this Dutch island be with out taking dwelling some Dutch cheese? Given its historical past, Curaçao is likely one of the finest locations to pattern and buy genuine Dutch cheese within the Caribbean.
Delft Blue souvenirs are pottery items which might be hand-painted in blue. They’re an essential a part of the island’s historical past. These pottery objects would match properly in a eating room and might simply adorn bookshelves and tables.
Colourful work by native artists
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If the road artwork didn’t already provide you with a touch, then you need to know this: Curaçao is full of gifted artists. Earlier than you allow, check out a number of the work of the island’s photographers, sculptors and painters. They’ll be glad to point out off their artistry and share some tales related to their items. So, go forward and listen to them out earlier than you pack your luggage.
Vibrant nightlife
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We’ve spoken a lot about what you are able to do throughout the day in Curaçao, that you simply most likely thought nightlife there was non-existent. Actually, the alternative is true, as Curaçao normally has a vigorous night time of actions prepared for you, starting from reside bands, jazz bars and salsa events.
There’s a lot to do, it’s as much as you to determine — will or not it’s sax music on Thursdays or Soul music on Saturdays? Should you’d like, you may even be a part of the opposite party-goers on the historic Ric Fort for an evening of salsa or benefit from the present whereas relishing your dinner at one of many close by eating places. Whether or not you need to occasion each night time you’re there, or simply on one particular night time, you’ll have the ability to discover simply the correct vibe at dance zones like Mambo Seaside and The Moist and Wild Seaside Membership.
The record of issues Curaçao is understood for now consists of Sandals!
Image: The Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow with a non-public pool.
Curaçao is understood for a lot of issues, together with a stunning Sandals all-inclusive resort. Curaçao is a type of locations that guarantees an expertise with a distinction, and delivers. This mesmerizing island will sweep you off your toes and discover its solution to your coronary heart.
