Photo Courtesy of Sandals Resorts
History
Curacao was first settled by the Arawaks people who were from the mainland of South America. The oldest evidence of humans on the island of Curacao date back to about 2900 and 2300 BCE. The Spanish were the first Europeans to settle in Curacao in 1527. They brought horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle tot he island. The Spanish tried to introduce agriculture however it was not nearly as successful and the Spaniards called the island “a useless island”.
In 1581, The Netherlands separated from Spain and the Dutch West India Company (WIC) was chartered in 1621. In 1633, WIC lost it’s base settlement on Sint Maarten when the Spanish destroyed it. The WIC took interest in Curacao for trade, privateering, natural harbors, salt production and blackwood. The WIC successfully took over Curacao in 1634. The town of Willemstad grew out of Fort Amsterdam.
On the island of Curacao, you can find influences of all cultures. Willemstad feels and looks a lot like a European city. They even have European outlets.
Photo Courtesy of Cassidy Robinson Travel
Location
Curacao is located in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, off the northern coast of South America. It is the “C” in the “ABC Islands”. Aruba and Bonaire are the other two islands. The ABC islands are located outside of the hurricane belt and bad weather is extremely rare for them. The capital city is called Willemstad.
Due to its location, Curacao is a lot less windy than Aruba. Personally, I preferred Curacao over Aruba. Curacao had more culture, more things to do and it wasn’t as windy – Curacao still has a good breeze on the island.
Photo Courtesy of Diventure
Downtown Willemstad
Willemstad is where the cruise ships port. When a cruise ship is at the port, the city can get a little crowded however there is a lot to do and see in Curacao. The shops are usually closed on Sundays if a cruise ship is not at the port. If a cruise ship is at the port, the shops close early (earlier than 4pm).
There are several places to take those Instagram worthy photos: the Curacao Letters, the Colonial Dutch Buildings, the Queen Emma Floating Swinging Bridge, the Punda Love Hearts and so much more!
Willemstad feels and looks like a European city. The streets have cobblestone, the buildings have a European design to them and the cafes feel like you are in the Netherlands. Curacao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands so there is a lot of Dutch influence. Don’t forget your adapter – the plugs at the resorts are EU plugs!
Photos Courtesy of Cassidy Robinson Travel
Festivals
There’s almost always something being celebrated in Curacao! All year round you can find Full Moon Parties, Flag Day, Golf Classics, Street Festivals, Carnivals, concerts, religious festivals, King’s Day Celebrations, farmers markets, culinary experiences and more!
Photo Courtesy of Curacao Tourism
Beaches
I highly recommend either renting a car or doing an excursion with a guide so that you can visit all the beauty that Curacao has to offer! The beaches where the hotels are located are not the most beautiful and have more of a man made feel however the beautiful natural beaches are a short drive away! The water is the most clear, blue, turquoise water I have ever seen; it is breath taking!
Photo Courtesy of Cassidy Robinson Travel
Animals
For being a desert climate, there are several species on the island. There are iguanas everywhere, you can swim with turtles, see flamingos, go to a beach that has wild pigs (extra fee and not always guaranteed to be on the beach) and snorkel to find all sorts of wildlife!
Photo courtesy of Curacao Tourism
Food/Drink
There are several options for food in Curacao. I highly suggest you try the local cuisine. It has a lot of flavor – not necessarily spice which I’m thankful for. Are you feeling adventurous? Try iguana! You also can’t miss the Distillery of Curacao Liquor. Take a tour of the distillery, have a tasting and bring some home with you!
Photo Courtesy of Cassidy Robinson Travel
The People
When I visit a new place, I love getting to know the locals and hearing their stories. We met so many locals and students from the Netherlands. Many students in the Netherlands come to Curacao for an internship, the summer or a foreign exchange program. The people are extremely nice, very helpful and some of the happiest people I have met. The people really do make or break a trip, thank you Curacao for welcoming us into your home.
Photo Courtesy of Cassidy Robinson Travel
Hotels
There are a mix of all-inclusive and not all-inclusive resorts on the island. There are adult-only options, kid friendly options, modern options and more traditional options. There is a hotel zone where the cruise ships doc which is walking distance or a short car ride to the city centre of Willemstad. Most of the resorts use the European plugs so Americans or non Europeans will need to bring adapters. Here is an adapter that I love: Travel Adapter.
I stayed at the Mangrove Beach Cordon Hotel and it was a great time! They have the largest water park on the island plus they are located at the end of the cruise port – giving you a great view even when cruise ships are docked.
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Photo Courtesy of Mangrove Beach Cordon Hotel
Klein Curacao – “Little Curaçao”
Don’t skip out on the deserted island of Klein Curacao! Klein Curacao is about a 2 hour boat ride, each way, from Curacao. It is a great place to snorkel, have drinks on the beach, take a walk to the shipwrecks and check out the pink lighthouse! Click here to learn more about Klein Curacao!
Photo Courtesy of Cassidy Robinson Travel
Let’s start planning your next vacation to Curaçao! Message me to schedule a free consultation!
