Curacao is an Island off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean, the capital is Willemstad. Things to do in Curacao;
- Central Willemstad
- Cruise Ship Welcome
- Fort Amsterdam
- Queen Juliana Bridge
- Curacao Beaches
- Christoffel National Park
- Little Curacao and Klein Lighthouse
In Willemstad you’ll find tours to see the things to do in Curacao. Alternatively, you can hire a car to explore the Island.
Central Willemstad
Curaçao is a Caribbean Island, which was formally part of the Netherlands Antilles. The main town, Willemstad, is very lively and colorful. As a result, you’ll really feel like you’re in the Caribbean. This small town used to be the capital city of the Netherlands Antilles up until 2010 when, along with Sint Maarten, Curacao became an independent country. The Netherlands Antilles were several Caribbean Islands including:
- The Windwards Islands – Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten
- Leeward Islands – Bonaire and Curacao
A visit to Curaçao is a visit to another country and of course, another country to tick off your list. Notice that Aruba is not on the list because Aruba separated from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986.
D-Tour X – Cruise Ship Welcome
D-Tour X were playing live in the cruise port, welcoming the cruise ship passengers to the Island. They are a great local percussion band, who mix several genres including Samba, Merengue and Salsa with the local sound of Tumba. If you are interested, you can go to Curacao or you could have a listen to them on YouTube!
Fort Amsterdam
Other than beaches, Curacao offers quite a lot of history. In 1636 Fort Amsterdam was built by Dutch soldiers and Angolan Slaves. Originally all inhabitants of Willemstad lived in the fort, but over the years the town has grown and spread out around it. Additionally, the historic center of Willemstad is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Queen Juliana Bridge
Be sure to check out the Queen Juliana Bridge as this is the tallest bridge in the Caribbean. If you’ve arrived by cruise ship it’s likely you’re parked right next to this iconic bridge.
Curacao Sign
Whilst exploring the colorful Willemstad, keep your eye open for the Curacao sign. A photo with the sign is necessary to let your friends back home know you’re in Curacao.
Curacao Beaches
Of course Curacao is an island in the Caribbean therefore there are several beaches. The beaches on the Island are less built up than those of Aruba because they don’t have the huge resorts here. Well, they do have resorts, but not on the huge scale of Aruba. In Curacao you’ll find more natural beaches. By natural beaches, I mean beaches without a road and promenade behind them, but with palm trees and forest. Finally, it’s possible to organise a tour to a beautiful beach resort from Willemstad.
Christoffel National Park
Christoffel National Park is the place to go hiking in Curacao. The highest peak is 378 meters and from there you have wonderful views over the island as well as the Caribbean. For this reason, Christoffel National Park is one of the top Curacao Instagram spots. Lastly, it’s possible to visit Christoffel National Park on a jeep tour.
Little Curacao and Klein Lighthouse
Little Curacao is also known as Klein Curacao. As you would imagine it’s a small island off Curacao. It features quiet beaches which are like a paradise. Furthermore, the centerpiece of the island is the Instagram worthy Klein Lighthouse. You can visit Little Curacao on a private tour from the main island.
How to get from Curacao to Panama City
Pullmantur Cruise Ship
The next and final stop on this Pullmantur cruise is Colon, Panama, the cruise port of Panama City. I could stay on the ship and go back to Cartagena, Colombia. However, I need to carry on the journey from the other side of the Darien Gap. I am now officially leaving South America and entering the small countries of Central America.
These colorful buildings look spectacular. Thanks for sharing!
I had no idea the buildings in Curaçao were so colourful. I can’t wait to get to the Caribbean some day.
Oh my gosh! I’m obsessed with the colourful buildings, this place looks so pretty.
Oh my goodness!!!! This is the cutest island I have ever seen!! Your photos are incredible and capture the city’s heart. I have never seen such a colorful country before besides the island of Burano in Venice, Italy. As much as I love Italy I find this island of color more beautiful. Great post and great exposure for this country as we are adding it to our list because of you!
I’ve heard nothing but great things about Curaçao, and this post just made me want to visit even more! Can’t go wrong with a local percussion band either 🙂
I’ve never really thought too much of Curaçao, it’s not a place that crops up too often but it looks amazing, The colours of those building are absolutely to die for and your pictures really make them pop. Thanks for sharing!
Though it’s in the Caribbean, Curacao looks very familiar to the Netherlands. We just came back from Amsterdam and you can see the trademark architecture, like your photo of Willemstad. Interesting to see the remnants of colonization still preserved.
Curaçao looks adorable!! I love the brightly colored buildings! I think I would prefer Curaçaos less developed beaches, compared to Aruba. I had’t realized how close both of those islands are to South America too.
So many beautiful buildings. I love how colorful they are. Hopefully we’ll get to see this ourselves one day soon
So colorful! Curaçao is picturesque and breathtaking!