10 things I wish I knew before going to Curacao

Curacao is an island located in the Caribbean Sea and belongs to the Leeward Islands. Since October 10, 2010, Curacao has been an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where the colonial history with the Netherlands is visible. Some of the interesting facts about Curacao are that the official language is still Dutch, King is still the head of state, and there is a fairly large Dutch community living on the island. Tourism, which is a reasonable source of income for the country, also consists largely of tourists who travel to Curacao. They come for the relaxed atmosphere and the wonderful tropical climate with plenty of space for sun, and the temperature never actually drops below 22-23 degrees of Celcius at night. There are many reasons for going to Curacao. It is a fairly small island, but there are quite a few different places to choose where you want to relax. And these are also quite diverse. It depends on whether you come for fun beach parties or prefer to lie quietly every day on the most beautiful beaches of Curacao. Is Curacao safe to travel to? Absolutely, yes. And because of the location, any time in a year is the best time to travel to Curacao. Of course, there are exceptions. These and more, in this article, you will read about Curacao, a paradise in the Caribbean. Here, you can find ten things and facts about Curacao, which are better to know before going to Curacao. Bonus, you will see answers to the essential questions, such as how to travel to Curacao, what is the best time to travel to Curacao, is Curacao safe to travel, what are some fun facts about Curacao, etc.

1. How to travel to Curacao?

The locations of the island allow its visitors to easily access it. There are quite many international flights to Curacao International Airport. Also, you can get a cruise trip to travel to the island. This option is more attractive and enjoyable.

2. What is the best time to travel to Curacao?

Due to its location at the equator, Curacao is an excellent beach holiday destination for the whole year. This guarantees a sun-drenched holiday with sea, beach, and pool. The number of hours of sunshine is fairly constant, with an average of eight to nine hours a day. There is, therefore, not one best period or month to travel. Determining the ideal travel time depends on your personal preference. The high season in Curacao runs from December to April. Many tourists then visit the island to escape the cold winter months.

3. The best places to stay in Curacao

You can find various types of accommodations around Willemstad and in the other parts of the island. The most famous resorts here are the Papagayo Beach Resort and the Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort. Both resorts are also very child-friendly due to their spacious layout. If you prefer an adults-only hotel, you can go to the Papagayo Beach Hotel or Casa Amalia. Additionally, there are hotels around Mambo Beach. Well-known names are the Lionsdive Beach Resort and Kontiki Beach Resort.

4. How to travel to Curacao beaches?

The Jan Thiel Bay is located in the southeast of Curacao, about 15 minutes drive from the capital Willemstad. It has a beach, which is largely artificial. When you stay in one of the resorts on Jan Thiel Bay, you can visit the beach for free. If you are not staying there, you have to pay an entrance fee before your visit. Mambo Beach is the place where you are for a party. A fun fact is that its name is not officially Mambo Beach at all, but Seaquarium Beach. The name Mambo came about because of the popular beach club Mambo that used to be there. This place in Curacao mainly attracts young people because of the many entertainment options. It is quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays.

5. The capital of Curacao

If there is a city in the tropics that breathes street art, it is certainly Willemstad, the capital of Curacao. Nothing is better than getting lost in the small streets of the colorful districts of Punda, Otrobanda, or Scharloo. You can have an "Instagram tour" through the city, along with the most beautiful murals, rainbow facades, and quietest places in Scharloo. From the noisy square to the deserted alley, the city in all its glory. You will also find many nice hotels to stay in and near Willemstad. The Sint Anna Bay splits the center of the city, resulting in the districts of Punda and Otrobanda. These neighborhoods are connected by the famous pontoon bridge, which is Queen Emma Bridge. Willemstad is popular with the colorful buildings on the Handelskade. In the city, you will find several attractions, such as Fort Amsterdam, with its Dutch colonial architecture, and the Curacao Maritime Museum. Whether you are staying in Willemstad itself or elsewhere on the island, you should never miss this city when you travel to Curacao.

6. Facts about Curacao population and culture

There are about 150,000 people living in Curacao. In addition to permanent residents, there are a lot of tourists on the island, which can be more than locals. The population of Curacao consists of more than 55 nationalities. Each nationality brings its own culture and tradition, making Curacao a beautiful melting pot of people from all over the world. There are some events that you should attend. The carnival lasts almost two months in Curacao, with the last week as its highlight.

7. Sightseeings in Curacao

Plantation Houses

Former owners of plantations where agriculture, livestock, or ships were taken care of often built a house in Dutch style on top of a hill. These main houses belong to the owner and his family. They are on a hill so that there was a good overview of the plantation, and people could have a good look at the neighbors or other Plantation Houses.

Kura Hulanda Museum

This anthropological museum in the Otrobanda district focuses mainly on the origins of the population, the African slave trade, gold, and Antillean art.

Ostrich Farm

In Curacao Ostrich Farm, you can see beautiful ostriches. For those who have a little fewer guts, it is also possible to just watch them and maybe feed them.

8. Activities to do when you are going to Curacao

Cuisine

Love goes through the stomach, they say, and you cannot help but fall in love with the culinary of Curacao. In addition to its delicious stews and delectable pastries, the island is, of course, famous for its crispy fresh fish. The newest eating spot is De Visserij, where the fish ends up on your plate straight from the sea. The boat moor next to your table, and the fish dives straight into the kitchen. You pay per kilo, add a salad, and the view of the azure blue bay is free.

Sailing

From different points of view, you can only discover the true nature of something, so you can happily board a sailing boat to see Curacao from the water. It will be a wonderful day full of sometimes frightening heaving waves and balmy sea breezes, swimming and splashing, and a barbecue on the deck. So beautiful, the sea next to Curacao! Deep clear blue, vivant coral, and jolly fish with a view of the rugged cliffs of the island. You can sail past the resorts and the deserted beaches and bays, holiday homes to be jealous of, and wild nature.

Other activities

Outside the walls of the resorts, you can see the island crawling out of its dip that it had been in since the 1980s. Between all the idyllic cocktail hours and charming coloring book houses, the island's oil refinery sometimes pops up in the distance, once set up and abandoned by shell thirty years ago. Dutch youth, once born on the island, are returning. They open pop-up bars, co-work places, and trendy hotspots. For example, you can join Number Ten, where you can enjoy a fantastic brunch, take a yoga class, or have an artistic talk when you wander through the artworks in the garden.

9. What are some fun facts about Curacao?

Iguanas

If you are fortunate, you can see iguanas from very close. Iguanas just walk around on the beach or the streets in Curacao. But at Jaanchie Restaurant, they dare to process iguanas in a stew, a strange local delicacy.

Vaccinations

You do not need any vaccinations for Curacao. No mandatory vaccinations, but voluntary vaccinations are better. However, it is good to prepare yourself well for the mosquitoes that are clearly present in Curacao all year round.

10. Is Curacao safe to travel?

In general, Curacao is a safe island. The most common type of crime in Curacao is theft. This is easy to prevent by simply not having valuables with you or not showing that you are carrying them with you. Watch your jewelry, phone, and wallet! Robberies also occur in Curacao. There may be positive travel advice for Curacao, but it is, of course, smart to pay attention to where you go and where you are on the island. Note the good and less good areas of the island. Willemstad has a number of poor neighborhoods that are less safe. At the Koraal Specht district, directly behind the boulevard, many members of the street gang No Limit Soldiers live. It is better to avoid this district as a tourist.