Travel to Curaçao: cheap flights to the island of colourful facades

Curaçao in numbers

Why visit Curaçao

A UNESCO city, turquoise coves and superb reefs

Landmarks

Willemstad, the west coast, Shete Boka, Klein Curaçao and the landhuizen

Curaçao is best seen by car: Willemstad first, then the west coast and its coves, the wild north with its cliffs and Shete Boka park, and a day at sea to Klein Curaçao for divers.

Willemstad: Punda, Otrobanda and the Queen Emma Bridge

Central Willemstad is split between Punda and Otrobanda, either side of the Sint Anna channel. The pedestrian-only floating Queen Emma Bridge swings open to let ships through. Visit forts, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue, one of the oldest in the Americas, the floating market and the colourful quays.

The coves of the west coast

In the west, small pale-sand beaches hide in coves at the foot of limestone cliffs, such as Playa Kenepa, Cas Abao or Playa Porto Mari. The water is turquoise and clear, perfect for swimming, snorkelling or staying on the sand with a cold drink.

The wild north: Shete Boka, Westpunt and Christoffel Park

On the north coast the sea surges into caves and throws up plumes of water at Shete Boka National Park. Further west, the village of Westpunt has beautiful sunsets, and Christoffel Park lets you climb towards the island's highest point among the cacti.

Klein Curaçao, diving and snorkelling

A boat ride from the main island, Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited islet with a single lighthouse, draws divers and lovers of empty beaches. On the main island many dive and snorkel sites are reachable from shore, with reefs and wrecks.

Landhuizen, liqueur and street art

Curaçao is also known for its liqueur made from bitter oranges, the laraha, and for its old plantation houses, the landhuizen. Willemstad, with its murals, trendy districts such as Pietermaai and its restaurants, appeals in the evening too.

Before you go

All year, with more rain from October to January

Area	Climate	Best time
Willemstad	Hot and breezy; short rainy season at year-end.	December to April; pleasant all year
West coast	Very sunny, clear and calm sea.	All year
Wild north (Shete Boka)	Wind and waves: to admire, not to swim.	All year
Klein Curaçao	Excellent visibility; the sea can be rough depending on the wind.	All year, depending on sea conditions

Curaçao lies south of the main hurricane belt and has only rarely been hit, but no island is entirely safe: check forecasts before booking. Fares climb in winter and at holiday times, which is where an alert helps.

Getting around

Rental car, buses and taxis

A rental car is the best way to reach the west-coast coves and the north. Traffic drives on the right, on roads in good condition, with signs in Dutch and English. Willemstad itself is explored on foot.

Public buses serve the town and some districts, but not every beach. Taxis use set fares. Bring water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes for the rocks.

Culture and food

Papiamento, keshi yena, stobá and Curaçao liqueur

Curaçao blends African, Dutch, Sephardic Jewish, Spanish and Latin American heritage. Papiamento, a creole language, is heard everywhere, with Dutch, English and Spanish. Carnival, early in the year, is one of the highlights.

At the table, try keshi yena (melted cheese filled with meat or fish), stobá, a meat stew, kadushi fish soup and fresh fish. Willemstad's restaurants also serve international cooking.

Travel to Curaçao

The Curaçao airport covered by SniperAir

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Curaçao