Curaçao travel guide
A UNESCO-listed capital, hidden coves and great shore diving on the largest ABC island.
Curaçao is the largest of the ABC islands and a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its capital, Willemstad, is famous for the colourful buildings along the harbour and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Outside the city, the west of the island is dotted with small beaches tucked into limestone cliffs, and the reefs are easy to reach from shore.
Open Curaçao on the map- Capital
- Willemstad
- Status
- Constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Currency
- Caribbean guilder; US dollars widely accepted
- Languages
- Papiamentu, Dutch, English, Spanish
- Airport
- Curaçao International (CUR)
Top things to do
- Walk Willemstad's Punda and Otrobanda districts and cross the floating Queen Emma pontoon bridge, which swings open to let ships pass.
- Visit the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue, one of the oldest in the Americas, with its sand-covered floor.
- Spend a day at the western beaches such as Playa Kenepa Grandi and Playa Lagun.
- Climb Christoffelberg in Christoffel National Park early in the morning for views over the whole island.
- See waves crash into the caves and inlets of Shete Boka National Park on the north coast.
- Eat a local lunch at Plasa Bieu, the old market hall.
Diving and snorkelling
Many of Curaçao's reefs start just a few metres from shore. The Tugboat wreck near Caracasbaai is shallow enough for snorkellers, and the west end has turtles at several beaches. Dive operators across the island offer boat and shore dives.
Getting there and around
Curaçao has direct flights from North America, Europe, South America and the other ABC islands. A rental car is the best way to explore the west end; buses run but are infrequent.
Good to know
- Some beaches charge a small entrance or parking fee.
- Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars.
- Respect turtles: keep your distance and never feed or touch them.
Schedules, prices and opening hours change often. Always confirm details with operators before you travel.