Curaçao is a hidden gem and fairly probably all the things 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 — all the things from multi acre nationwide parks like Christoffel, recognized for its putting pure magnificence, to a few of the most unimaginable seashores within the Caribbean like Playa Lagun. There’s even an ostrich farm the place guests can do excursions that embrace spending time with child ostriches, and getting a safari experience!
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How one 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 contains durations 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 individuals.
So, with out additional ado, listed here are our prime picks of the 18 issues Curaçao is thought for:
Beautiful seashores
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Curaçao has greater than 30 seashores all of which provide a special expertise. Kenepa Beach, Playa PortoMari and Mambo Seashore are three of the preferred, which signifies that they’re continuously crowded. Playa Kalki is cozy and nice for water sports activities like snorkelling. Cas Abao alternatively is a scuba diving hotspot and a favourite amongst vacationers and locals alike, with a small entrance price required. The latter contains restrooms, showers and parking.
A number of the world’s finest scuba diving spots
Curaçao has a few of the finest dive websites on the earth. Many of those websites are appropriate for each novices taking their first dive and consultants who’re used to navigating the undersea. Newcomers can begin off with Booby Entice within the south (don’t let the title scare you!). This sloping reef has a variety of corals and all kinds of sponges. Booby Entice is positioned simply exterior of Fuik Baai and might solely be accessed by boat. Porto Mari is one other web site that provides quick access by way of the seaside. It’s appropriate for novices and superior divers. At Porto Mari, divers can count on to see plenty of fishes, turtles and a ray or two on a fortunate day.
Insider tip: PADI® licensed company of the Sandals all-inclusive resort in Curaçao dive totally free (max. two tanks a day), this contains skilled tools. Not licensed but? Get PADI® certified on the resort at further value and dive the remainder of your trip totally free. Over 100,000 company acquired licensed at Sandals: the skilled scuba employees will provide help to get comfy and able to go!
A various tradition and heritage
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Numerous 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 dwell in Curaçao. Britain additionally joined within the struggle however in the end the Dutch reigned supreme in a ruling, which enormously remodeled the island. To today, this ruling has influenced the lifestyle of the individuals.
The historic city of Willemstad
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Curaçao’s capital Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Website marked by its wonderful structure, waterways, tropical surroundings and road cafes. Guests love this vibrant metropolis middle and excursions by Willemstad are extraordinarily widespread. 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. For those who get there in time, you’ll get to see this “Swinging Previous Girl” open her gates to permit ships to return by and exit. There are additionally water taxis to take you forwards and backwards throughout the waters, as you want. The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge is kind of a stunning sight at nighttime, significantly for those who’re watching it in motion from close by. Strive 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 fashion buildings. Handelskade is a serious vacationer attraction and is liked for its outside cafes. From this vantage, there’s a cool view of the ships going by the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. On a sunny day, a stroll alongside this pier is ideal for getting some contemporary air and taking a selfie or two in opposition to the picturesque Curaçao metropolis backdrop. Handelskade can be actually stunning at evening 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 could find plenty of distributors promoting fruits and plenty 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 known as “Golden Orange of Curaçao.” The peels are blended with herbs and spices to create this signature drink. It’s bought in styles of orange, inexperienced, blue and white. It’ll be value your whereas to deliver a bit little bit of Curaçao again house 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 will 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 big 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 known as Boka Tabla. Guests typically stare in awe as nature exhibits off its abilities with waves crashing rhythmically in opposition to the caves. This spectacular present of energy is just 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 will likely be rewarded with the sight of the numerous iguanas residing at this park or any of the three species of turtles that recurrently nest there.
Road artwork
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The city of Willemstad in Curaçao isn’t simply recognized for its cool structure; its road artwork is fairly improbable too. Take a stroll by 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 retailers 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, for those who’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 this park to witness its pure magnificence.
Ostrich farm
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For those who’d like to provide the seashores a break and take a look at 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 affords guided excursions to guests. At this farm, you’ll get to see these birds at each stage of their improvement — from nearly a day previous to maturity. Chances are you’ll get to carry certainly one of these infants in your hand and even stand on an ostrich egg for those who’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 bought in numerous sizes. You’ll be capable of acknowledge them by their vivid, 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 facility in Willemstad, Curaçao.
Professional tip: Chichi dolls are the proper 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 definitely a novel creation, native artists and craftsmen produce many different helpful objects that may make for nice souvenirs. These artists typically acquire bottles and different strange, on a regular basis objects and mould 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 will be seen promoting their handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets produced from leather-based, shells and stones. Be certain to have a look; chances are you’ll 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. For those who’ve by no means seen the plant, then whereas in Curaçao you merely should ask an area to see it, and maybe even take house a number of aloe vera merchandise. Product sourcing shouldn’t be too onerous 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 house some Dutch cheese? Given its historical past, Curaçao is without doubt one of the finest locations to pattern and buy genuine Dutch cheese within the Caribbean.
Delft Blue souvenirs are pottery items which are hand-painted in blue. They’re an necessary 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 it’s best to know this: Curaçao is stuffed with proficient artists. Earlier than you allow, check out a few of the work of the island’s photographers, sculptors and painters. They’ll be completely satisfied 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 baggage.
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 in all probability thought nightlife there was non-existent. In truth, the alternative is true, as Curaçao normally has a vigorous evening of actions prepared for you, starting from dwell bands, jazz bars and salsa events.
There’s a lot to do, it’s as much as you to resolve — will it’s sax music on Thursdays or Soul music on Saturdays? For those who’d like, you may even be 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 wish to get together each evening you’re there, or simply on one particular evening, you’ll be capable of discover simply the fitting vibe at dance zones like Mambo Seashore and The Moist and Wild Seashore Membership.
The listing of issues Curaçao is thought for now contains Sandals!
Image: The Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow with a personal pool.
Curaçao is thought for a lot of issues, together with a beautiful Sandals all-inclusive resort. Curaçao is a kind of locations that guarantees an expertise with a distinction, and delivers. This mesmerizing island will sweep you off your ft and discover its solution to your coronary heart.
