Curaçao: facets of an island dream
What this vibrant place in the Caribbean has to offer
With more than 35 beaches, the heritage of 55 cultures and almost 365 days of sunshine
Curaçao is a versatile tropical retreat.
A beach vacation in the Caribbean is wonderful - but just lying on the beach isn't enough? The vibrant island of Curaçao with its hospitable inhabitants is attracting more and more experience-oriented visitors looking for a unique mix of relaxation, culture and culinary discoveries. The island's natural beauty alternates between romantic bays, cactus-lined hiking trails, limestone caves and offshore islands. Fantastic beaches invite you to swim - such as the famous Playa Kenepa Grandi with its fantastic panoramic views of the cliffs. Curaçao also offers over 70 beautiful diving spots, which are known for their lively coral reefs. If you want, you can also try out the Seabob, an underwater scooter that lets you glide just below the water's surface and offers a playful and surprisingly meditative experience. But this dream destination is not just good for swimming. The popular Hòfi Mango nature reserve in the interior of the island attracts visitors with ancient mango trees, views of Mount Christoffel and a new butterfly aviary. In the calm waters of Spanish Lager Lagos, you can explore the landscape on a SUP, and a boat trip to Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited island with the longest white sandy beach in the region, a ruined lighthouse and a shipwreck, will make you feel like Robinson Crusoe. You can start the day with a yoga session on the beach at Jan Thiel or Blue Bay. Or book a treatment at the Santai Spa in the Avila Beach Hotel or the wellness center at Zoëtry Curaçao. If you want more action, explore Curaçao's rugged western terrain on a UTV off-road adventure.
Culture vultures will enjoy the art-filled alleyways of Punda and the Landhuis Bloemhof, a cultural center with changing exhibitions, sculpture gardens and the preserved studio of May Henriquez, one of Curaçao's most influential artists. The Kaya Kaya street festival in Otrobanda impresses with live music, hip DJs, delicious local food and large-scale works of art in public spaces. And on a guided art walk through Willemstad's revitalized district, you can admire works by local artists who have transformed once silent buildings into open-air galleries. Francis Sling, whose colorful murals can already be found all over the island, will in turn open his own store in the Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort in 2025.
Don't miss the island's culinary highlights: absolute recommendations include the Lemon Tree Beach Club, where a barefoot feeling meets upscale coastal cuisine, dinner at Fort Nassau, which towers over the harbor in a restored 18th century fortress, and the Plasa Bieu (Old Market) in the heart of Willemstad. Here, traditional recipes are passed on in the kitchens run by women and stews, rice dishes and Caribbean home cooking are served. And if you're feeling peckish, the best place to satisfy your hunger is at the local Truki Pan food trucks, which are known for their typical island variations of grilled meat and rich side dishes. Afterwards, you can relax a little on the beach - before moving on to the next unique experience.
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