Discover Curaçao

Are you looking for a tropical getaway in paradise?

Come visit Curaçao for the ideal vacation experience. There are more than enough reasons to visit Curaçao. Curaçao has a unique flora and fauna, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, a diverse cultural heritage, a friendly population, and a historic downtown with numerous artworks. This beautiful island is officially a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Want to find out more about Curaçao? Continue reading for more about this beautiful tropical island below.

how to get to Curaçao

23 Airports with direct connection to Curaçao.

You can get to Curaçao by direct air flights, incoming from Europe, the Caribbean, South and North America or by sea on a yacht or a cruise. There are daily incoming flights to Curaçao. Well-known airlines to get to Curaçao are American Airlines, KLM, TUI, Air Canada, WestJet, Copa Airlines, Avianca, Surinam Airways and Divi Divi. Check the Hato Airport website for updated information about specific flights to and from Curaçao or take a look here for a detailed schedule about flight frequency.

History of Curaçao

Curaçao was first discovered in 1499 by Alonso de Ojeda. Local inhabitants were Indians of huge physical proportions, hence the Spanish name ‘Isla de los Gigantes’. The firsts to settle on the island were the Arawak and Caquetio people. The firsts to visit Curaçao were the Europeans in 1499. 

Later, the Spanish settled themselves on the island, enslaving the Arawak and Caquetio for forced labor. The Spanish introduced a variety of new plants, animal and tree species on the island and started numerous plantations.

The Dutch settled years after that, with the Dutch West India Company invading the Spanish. Thanks to the booming of the slave trade and the natural harbor, the Dutch West India Company was extremely successful. The ports of Curaçao opened up to all countries for both import and export and became one of the most prosperous islands of the Caribbean. In 1971 Curaçao became part of the Dutch colony after the bankruptcy of the DWIC.  As of October 10, 2010, Curaçao became separated from the Netherlands Antilles.

Facts about Curaçao

Population: As of 2021 the population of Curaçao is about 165.000 and consisted of Africans, Dutch, Surinamese, Latin American, Portuguese, South or East Asian or French. 

Languages: Curaçao has 3 official languages that predominate: Papiamentu, Dutch and English. Papiamentu is the most widely spoken local language and consists of a combination between Dutch, Spanish, English and Portuguese.

Currencies: Curaçao and St. Maarten share one Central Bank, established in 1828. We also share one currency: the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). The Netherlands Antillean guilder is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of ANG 1.79 per 1 US dollar.

Weather: The temperature is hot all year-round in Curaçao, as we have warm tropical weather. The highest temperatures occur during July, August and September, with clear blue skies, a burning sun, little to no rain and a dry climate. From October through December, it usually rains more than during other months of the year. January has been known to be the coolest month.

Where to stay in Curaçao

Looking for a great place to stay in Curaçao? There are various accommodation options with room capacity for every budget: from small boutique hotels to huge popular hotel chains. 

A small list of some well-known accommodations on the island are Avila Beach Hotel, Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel, Dreams Curaçao Resort, Papagayo Beach Hotel, Lions Dive Beach Resort, Kontiki Resort, BijBlauw Boutique Hotel, Blue Bay, Kura Hulanda, Bed & Bike Curaçao, Renaissance Curaçao Resort, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, Sandals Royal Curaçao, Corendon Curaçao, Freedom Hotel and Baoase Luxury Resort.

Beaches

You can find a large number of crystal-clear blue beaches with white sand in Curaçao. Most of the best beaches are located on the south side of Curaçao. Beaches that are popular in Curaçao are Avila, Blue Bay, Kontiki, Madero, Mambo Beach, Jan Thiel, Playa Kenepa Grandi, Playa Kenepa Chiki, and Renaissance Beach.

Great local spots to swim are Caracasbaai, Playa Forti, Playa Lagun, Playa Piskadó, Playa Jeremi, Playa Kalki, Cas Abou or Daaibooi. Other options are Playa Porto Mari, Playa Santa Cruz, Baya, Boca Sami and Playa Kanoa. Want to go to the ultimate beach? Take a boat trip to Klein Curaçao and experience the true beach experience!
Klein Curaçao, Small Curaçao, is located about 2 hours away by boat. On Klein Curaçao, you can find white sandy beaches, a dilapidated lighthouse, breathtakingly amazing sea life, and an abandoned shipwreck.

Activities

The diversity of the island makes Curaçao the perfect destination for a Group Program or any type of traveler. Explore the Island’s unique culture& history in the city center of Punda and Otrabanda, and discover our beautiful nature and rugged trails with our off-road tours. Surrounded by breathtaking crystal-clear beaches, a half day snorkeling boat trip or sun-set trip with a catamaran or luxurious yacht is a fun group activity. Did you also know we have over 40 dive sites and various watersport activities to entertain all ages?  Will you be traveling to Curaçao with a group and want to have the best experience on the island? Let our local experts help you and we will make your time well-spent and memorable.

Would you like to know more about group activities? Click here.

Or click here for an overview of our activities.

Nightlife

The activities and fun do not stop once the sun goes down. There are numerous dining options, bars, and nightclubs. Some of the local favorites include a happy hour at Cabana Beach, Zanzi Bar, or at one of the many bars at Madero Boulevard.

Other options are Hemingway Beach Bar, La Casa den Habano, La Vitola, Diamond Beach Casino, Princess Casino, Iguana Café, Netto Bar, Omundo, Sopranos, Tap Maar In, The Greenhouse, The Secret, The Movies Curaçao, Wet & Wild Beach Club and Bar P. You can also have a good time at Ochenta Cocktail Bar, BlackJack Curaçao, Blend Beach Bar, and Club X.

With the help of our highly specialized partners, we can make any event a success!