Packed with exciting adventures to be experienced, idyllic places waiting to be explored, and a shoreline that the word “paradisiacal” only describes it very insufficiently, Curacao is a dreamy Caribbean haven with a great, laid-back atmosphere, and a delightful mix of Dutch, European, and Latin American vibes. With such an incredible array of places jostling for your attention, choosing which ones to include on your list of the must-visit Curacao locations and landmarks can be a challenge. Below is an illustrative list with anything from hidden snorkel spots and natural wonderlands to hiking opportunities and places offering unusual and utterly soul-pleasing ventures.
Christoffel National Park
Nature is captivating throughout the island. However, the northern side of Curacao is cut for exquisite outdoor adventures featuring untamed beauty. One of the most alluring spots there is the Christoffel National Park which enables you to travel through heart-stopping coral and volcanic formations, desert plains, and panoramic views of the island’s distinct flora and fauna, the exotic warawara bird included! Along the way, also worth a stop is the Boka Ascension, a charming isolated bay where you can spot turtles from the beach, as well as the pristine Suplado Blowhole that will captivate you with its special appeal.
Kura Hulanda Museum
This is probably the best place in Curacao to learn many details about the brutal history of slavery on the island and the slave trade when Curacao was a Dutch colony and was massively exploited by slavers. The museum is hosted in 19th-century former slave quarters and merchant residences and gives a more in-depth perspective of an era the remains of which can still be traced throughout Curacao, considering that most of the population now living on the island are descended from slaves. The museum also features an art show, while displaying a fantastic collection of West African artifacts.
Shete Boka National Park
Located in the far north end of the island, Shete Boka National Park is an off-the-beaten-track destination and expanse where the Dutch influence is very evident. This amazing wonderland opens activities that will give you an insight into the island’s volcanic origins as you explore the coral and rock-dotted coastline. While here, you should definitely check out the semi-submerged Boka Tabla cave and admire how Mother Nature demonstrates its might as the waves crash to the cave in the most dramatic way! And, before you leave, do keep an eye for Boka Pistol for even more mind-blowing coral rock walls and waves.
Tugboat Dive Site
Those who prefer adventurous water-related activities, like snorkelling, adore this particular dive site primarily for the wreck of a 1957 tugboat (hence, the name), namely the MV Superior Producer (aka “the tugboat”) that sank in these waters. However, although you may think that this is just another shipwreck dive site, wait until you find out that the sunken vessel submerged vertically and that it is now turned into a reef thriving with marine life! How did this extraordinary occurrence take place? It is believed that somebody forgot to close the portholes of the whiskey and Christmas cargo-filled ship.
Little Curacao or Klein Curacao
Expect a charming, small, uninhabited island of no more than 1.7 square kilometres (420 acres or 0.66 square miles) located just off the southeast Curacao shores. Surrounded by beautiful reefs, the island is a 2-hour boat trip from Curacao and rewards you with stunning nature and a sense that time has stopped here, allowing you to live your day in ultimate relaxation mode. Once a place where sick slaves were sent to quarantine themselves from the healthy population and a former burial site, Klein Curacao is a popular tourist attraction with marine life that will make your jaw drop. Besides checking out the old structures, you may also hike and go on a snorkelling tour.
Salt Lake Willibrordus
Salt Lake Willibrordus is a playground for the adorable, pink-feathered creatures that are often seen in the Caribbean islands. Home to flamingos, the appealing park in the Jan Kok area is a great place to visit in Curacao for bird-watching as several different kinds of bird species congregate in the salt lakes of the park. Besides getting glimpses of flamingos having their bath and playing with one another, you may also head to the east side of Salt Lake Willibrordus (you may access it via an old fort), which is a superb snorkelling spot. You will find the site open around the clock and there are lots of free parking spaces to park your car.
Pietermaai Neighbourhood
Walking through this scenic region in Curacao will fill your soul with lots of colourful sights that remind you of the Curacao colonial days. Oozing grandeur and history, the local attraction greets visitors with cool buildings featuring beautiful pastel hues. Once a bustling place in Curacao, it fell into despair last century. Fortunately, it is beginning to find its old glory through revival works that take place in the overall Willemstad region that repaint many facades with help from renowned artists, while the area is reinvigorated with a project that restores the imposing mansions.
Landhuis Bloemhof Plantation
A 1735 plantation now serves as a cultural centre, natural park, an oasis of nature featuring tropical plants and botanical gardens. As for the yellow house itself, it now hosts lectures and exhibitions, while there is also a library that has turned the beautiful old mansion into an artistic hub for individuals loving creative arts.
Jewish History Landmarks
Curacao has an exciting Jewish history and was once the place that the largest Jewish population in the Americas called home. Despite the fear of prosecution, Judaism was practised in Curacao from 1651 secretly, and openly from 1732 and onward. This is when the island had its first synagogue, which was one of the oldest ones with a sand floor and one of the very few in continuous use in the Americas. Such landmarks with Jewish connections are the Beth Haim cemetery, Rooi Catootje plantation house, and the Wedding Cake House which were built in 1659, 1820, and 1916, respectively.
Tip: As with all other places to visit in Curacao, you may want to consider a guided tour for utmost gratification.
Packed with exciting adventures to be experienced, idyllic places waiting to be explored, and a shoreline that the word “paradisiacal” only describes it very insufficiently, Curacao is a dreamy Caribbean haven with a great, laid-back atmosphere, and a delightful mix of Dutch, European, and Latin American vibes. With such an incredible array of places jostling for your attention, choosing which ones to include on your list of the must-visit Curacao locations and landmarks can be a challenge. Below is an illustrative list with anything from hidden snorkel spots and natural wonderlands to hiking opportunities and places offering unusual and utterly soul-pleasing ventures.
Christoffel National Park
Nature is captivating throughout the island. However, the northern side of Curacao is cut for exquisite outdoor adventures featuring untamed beauty. One of the most alluring spots there is the Christoffel National Park which enables you to travel through heart-stopping coral and volcanic formations, desert plains, and panoramic views of the island’s distinct flora and fauna, the exotic warawara bird included! Along the way, also worth a stop is the Boka Ascension, a charming isolated bay where you can spot turtles from the beach, as well as the pristine Suplado Blowhole that will captivate you with its special appeal.
Kura Hulanda Museum
This is probably the best place in Curacao to learn many details about the brutal history of slavery on the island and the slave trade when Curacao was a Dutch colony and was massively exploited by slavers. The museum is hosted in 19th-century former slave quarters and merchant residences and gives a more in-depth perspective of an era the remains of which can still be traced throughout Curacao, considering that most of the population now living on the island are descended from slaves. The museum also features an art show, while displaying a fantastic collection of West African artifacts.
Shete Boka National Park
Located in the far north end of the island, Shete Boka National Park is an off-the-beaten-track destination and expanse where the Dutch influence is very evident. This amazing wonderland opens activities that will give you an insight into the island’s volcanic origins as you explore the coral and rock-dotted coastline. While here, you should definitely check out the semi-submerged Boka Tabla cave and admire how Mother Nature demonstrates its might as the waves crash to the cave in the most dramatic way! And, before you leave, do keep an eye for Boka Pistol for even more mind-blowing coral rock walls and waves.
Tugboat Dive Site
Those who prefer adventurous water-related activities, like snorkelling, adore this particular dive site primarily for the wreck of a 1957 tugboat (hence, the name), namely the MV Superior Producer (aka “the tugboat”) that sank in these waters. However, although you may think that this is just another shipwreck dive site, wait until you find out that the sunken vessel submerged vertically and that it is now turned into a reef thriving with marine life! How did this extraordinary occurrence take place? It is believed that somebody forgot to close the portholes of the whiskey and Christmas cargo-filled ship.
Little Curacao or Klein Curacao
Expect a charming, small, uninhabited island of no more than 1.7 square kilometres (420 acres or 0.66 square miles) located just off the southeast Curacao shores. Surrounded by beautiful reefs, the island is a 2-hour boat trip from Curacao and rewards you with stunning nature and a sense that time has stopped here, allowing you to live your day in ultimate relaxation mode. Once a place where sick slaves were sent to quarantine themselves from the healthy population and a former burial site, Klein Curacao is a popular tourist attraction with marine life that will make your jaw drop. Besides checking out the old structures, you may also hike and go on a snorkelling tour.
Salt Lake Willibrordus
Salt Lake Willibrordus is a playground for the adorable, pink-feathered creatures that are often seen in the Caribbean islands. Home to flamingos, the appealing park in the Jan Kok area is a great place to visit in Curacao for bird-watching as several different kinds of bird species congregate in the salt lakes of the park. Besides getting glimpses of flamingos having their bath and playing with one another, you may also head to the east side of Salt Lake Willibrordus (you may access it via an old fort), which is a superb snorkelling spot. You will find the site open around the clock and there are lots of free parking spaces to park your car.
Pietermaai Neighbourhood
Walking through this scenic region in Curacao will fill your soul with lots of colourful sights that remind you of the Curacao colonial days. Oozing grandeur and history, the local attraction greets visitors with cool buildings featuring beautiful pastel hues. Once a bustling place in Curacao, it fell into despair last century. Fortunately, it is beginning to find its old glory through revival works that take place in the overall Willemstad region that repaint many facades with help from renowned artists, while the area is reinvigorated with a project that restores the imposing mansions.
Landhuis Bloemhof Plantation
A 1735 plantation now serves as a cultural centre, natural park, an oasis of nature featuring tropical plants and botanical gardens. As for the yellow house itself, it now hosts lectures and exhibitions, while there is also a library that has turned the beautiful old mansion into an artistic hub for individuals loving creative arts.
Jewish History Landmarks
Curacao has an exciting Jewish history and was once the place that the largest Jewish population in the Americas called home. Despite the fear of prosecution, Judaism was practised in Curacao from 1651 secretly, and openly from 1732 and onward. This is when the island had its first synagogue, which was one of the oldest ones with a sand floor and one of the very few in continuous use in the Americas. Such landmarks with Jewish connections are the Beth Haim cemetery, Rooi Catootje plantation house, and the Wedding Cake House which were built in 1659, 1820, and 1916, respectively.
Tip: As with all other places to visit in Curacao, you may want to consider a guided tour for utmost gratification.