Curaçao, the island of snow-white beaches, clear blue water, colourful houses and delicious food! This island absolutely surprised us and is the perfect place to unwind. Explore the lively capital or go snorkelling among tropical fish - Curaçao has something for everyone. So... what to do on Curaçao? We share our top 10 tips to get the most out of your trip to Curaçao!
Do you also want to get the most out of your visit to Curaçao? Then we really recommend renting a car. We hesitated at first, but without a rental car we certainly wouldn't have been able to do everything. We almost always opt for Sunnycars.co.uk, because it is by far the most reliable option. With their clear conditions and all-inclusive service, you are always well insured, with no hidden costs. Want to know more about renting a car in Curacao? Read our blog about Rent a car on Curaçao!
General information on Curaçao
Are you planning your trip to Curaçao? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and climate. You will find all information about Curaçao here.
The best things to do on Curaçao
As we said, there is an awful lot to do in Curaçao. You can enjoy the various beaches, the colourful capital and the delicious food. Whether you go for one, two or even three weeks, with these tips you won't get bored easily!
1. Discover colourful Willemstad
Willemstad, Curaçao's colourful capital, takes up about a quarter of the entire island. Despite its size, the city feels cosy, snug and has a relaxed atmosphere. We found it a lovely place to end or start our day. The colourful streets, the impressive Kura Hulanda Museum, the bay and the cheerful people made it a city not soon to forget for us.
In addition, it is the ideal place to enjoy good food and see cool sights. Stroll through neighbourhoods such as Otrobanda and Pietermaai and admire the famous Handelskade, the iconic pontjesbrug and other cool spots! Want to know what's on offer? Check out our tips for Willemstad!
2. Climb Mount Christoffel
We understand that not everyone is waiting for a hefty hike during a holiday. But this sporty activity is ideal to combine with relaxing beach days. At 372 metres, Christoffelberg is Curaçao's highest point and from the top you have a beautiful view of the entire island. Despite the fact that the height may not seem like much, the climb is certainly not to be underestimated. Let's just say; you definitely deserve that beer on the beach afterwards! Are you going to make the climb? Then read our tips for climbing Mount Christoffel.
3. Visit the most beautiful beaches of Curacao
Anyone going to Curaçao will undoubtedly spend a lot of time at the beach. After all, the island has no fewer than 37 different beaches, allowing you to do some great beach hopping. Whether you like quiet, almost deserted places or lively beaches where you can order a delicious cocktail from your beach chair, Curaçao has it all! Want to know more about the different beaches including information on entrance fees, available facilities and exact location? Then read our tips for Curaçao's most beautiful beaches.
4. Go snorkelling or diving with tropical fish and sea turtles
One of the most fun activities on Curaçao is snorkelling or diving. The crystal-clear water gives you the chance to spot the most colourful fish or even turtles. Although you won't see as much of the colourful coral with snorkelling as with diving, it is definitely worthwhile. So make sure you bring your own snorkelset with you or rent one locally! Our favourite spots were Tugboat, where a shipwreck lies just a few metres deep, and Playa Lagun, a beautiful bay with shallow reef.
Read also: Supermarket Curaçao - Convenient overview of supermarkets on the island
Read also: 13x handy tips for your holiday to Curaçao
5. Visit the Shete Boka National Park
Located on the north coast of Curaçao, Shete Boka National Park is known for its spectacular coves and powerful waves. In the park, you have several hiking and car routes that take you to several spots. The most popular spots are Boka Pistol, Boka Table and Boka Wandomi but there is much more to explore. Want to know more? Then read our tips for the Shete Boka National Park.
6. Take a day trip to Klein Curaçao
Klein Curaçao is an island with a pearly white beach surrounded by clear blue waters and impressive diving and snorkelling spots. Located about an hour and a half by boat from Curaçao, this unique island is ideal for an unforgettable day trip. Don't forget to explore the abandoned lighthouse and shipwrecks while you're there. Find more tips and information in our blog on Little Curaçao.
7. Spot flamingos at Saint Willibrordus
Okay, fair is fair, we've only seen them from afar, but you can spot flamingos on Curaçao. There are some spots where you are most likely to see these beautiful animals namely:
- This location at Saint Willibrordus
- This location at St Michael's Bay
- This location at the salt plans of Jan Thiel. We had found a rather unusual route to this location online, which we do not directly recommend. It's best to just take your car here park and then follow the path to the salt flats.
8. Enjoy the view at Santa Martha Bay
Sometimes a place says enough without much explanation. The viewpoint at Santa Martha Bay is the perfect place to end your day, with spectacular views over the bay that are impressive both during the day and at sunset.
9. Chilling out at the cosy beach bars
Want a day of real relaxation? Then head to one of the island's beach bars. Mambo beach offers the most choice, with well-known beach bars such as Chill Beach Bar and Grill and Cabana. Other fun beach clubs are Koko's or Zanzibar at Jan Thiel. These bars are also lively in the evening and
Then check out this website for all the Happy Hours on Curacao!
10. Our favourite restaurants!
You make us very happy with a good plate of food! Luckily, Curaçao has a wide range of restaurants and bars. From local seafood at De Visserij to cocktails at Mundo Bizarro, there is something for everyone. Be sure to book in time though, as popular venues fill up fast. Here are our favourite spots:
- Fisheries: One of our favourite places. The food is delicious and you have a choice of fish. Also be sure to check out their second location Villa Vis!
- Sal the Kitchen: A small but nice restaurant with delicious dishes.
- Seravina: Italian cuisine with familiar dish but also with its own twist.
- Mosa Caña: Delicious food and fine service!
- Caleo: Cosy restaurant with a nice atmosphere where you can eat delicious food!
- Mundo Bizarro: a Cuban bar with good food and live music on Saturday nights.
- Plasa Bieu: Perfect for a hearty lunch! We recommend you try a stoba (stew of meat and/or vegetables) at Sister Or an Arepa pampuna (sweet pancake with pumpkin).
- Tiki loco: A cosy restaurant with nice decor where we ate delicious fish.
Map of Curaçao
To make your trip as easy as possible, we have collected all the locations from this blog and other Curaçao blogs on a handy Google Maps map. From beaches and snorkelling spots to restaurants and places of interest, everything is laid out for you. So you can easily make your own daily schedule and make the most of your time on Curaçao.
What to do on Curaçao? Plenty! We hope these tips will help you plan your trip. Still have questions? You can always send us a message at Instagram.
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