Things to do in  Curacao

Curacao’s Shete Boka National Park offers rocky coastal views and wind-lashed landscapes bordering Christoffel National Park. There are beaches tucked away on the limestone coast, where three species of sea turtles lay their eggs. Scenic hiking trails wind across the cliff tops, offering sweeping coastal views. Boka means inlet in Papiamento, with Shete Boka standing for “seven inlets.”

Peaceful Scharloo started life as one of the many plantations in Curacao, but today, the region is home to villas and vibrant street art. Wander the quiet streets and admire the elaborate, baroque-style mansions that have earned the neighborhood a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Powdery white sand, clear water, and plentiful sea life make Cas Abao one of Curacao’s most stunning beaches. Located on the western side of the island, this small beach offers opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and lounging in the shade of a palm tree. Make sure to wander over to the restaurant for a cold beer or a basket of fries.

The island nation of Curacao has become synonymous with the liqueur it produces—as blue as the surrounding Caribbean waters. The distillery is equally colorful. Housed in a 19th-century mansion named Landhuis Chobolobo, its yellow walls and cheerful white trim stand out against the clear blue sky, making it a perfect spot to spend an afternoon.

Escape the bustle of Willemstad and head to one of Curacao’s prettiest stretches of coastline—with clear water, sandy shores, and a vibrant reef, it's the perfect place to while away the day. Kenepa Beach is composed of two beaches separated by a mile of rocky headland, which offers a great lookout spot. You can hop between the beaches or simply pick your favorite and settle down in the sun.

Curacao’s limestone Hato Caves were used by indigenous Arawaks for shelter and by runaway slaves as a hideaway during colonial times. Today long-nose fruit bats call the cave home, while dramatic lighting illuminates its cave paintings, waterfalls, pools, Madonna statue, and formations with names such as the Pirate's Head and the Sea Tortoise.

Soaring over the mouth of St. Anna Bay, Curacao’s Queen Juliana Bridge offers unparalleled views of the colorful capital city of Willemstad and the blue Caribbean Sea. Opened in 1974, the bridge is known for its panoramic views of Willemstad’s historic neighborhoods and is a landmark of the island nation. You’ll see ships from around the world passing under the bridge.

The white walls of Landhuis Jan Kok stand starkly against the vibrant blue of the Curacao sky. The house’s past reflects the contrast as the residence of infamously cruel slave owner Jan Kok and its current usage as a gallery space for local artist Nena Sanchez. The 18th-century house is one of the oldest Landhuizen (plantation houses) on the island.

As you explore Willemstad, you’ll cross the Queen Emma Bridge, which connects the colorful neighborhoods of Punda and Otrobanda. It offers views of the candy-colored buildings lining the waterfront, where you can find quaint cafes with outdoor seating. Don’t forget to strike a pose—this pedestrian-only swing bridge is the perfect spot to capture memories.

Perched on Curacao's Caribbean coast, Fort Beekenburg looks like it could have come from a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Its weathered stone ramparts are speckled with moss and lichen, and the area is surrounded by scrubby bushes, which lend it a slightly desolate feel. A visit to this 18th-century Dutch fort offers insight into Curacao's eventful history.

Colorful Punda is in downtown Willemstad, where narrow colonial houses are painted in sweet candy shades. The historic district is an ideal spot to wander and see the sights and sounds of the island. From the street food vendors of the Old Market to the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue (the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas), the neighborhood is full of culture.

Otrobanda is full of vibrant colors and is the perfect blend of busyness and laid-back island vibes. In the historic quarter of Curacao’s Willemstad, the neighborhood overlooks the mouth of St. Anna Bay. Here, colonial-era buildings are decked out in tropical shades, and locals and visitors relax on the waterfront and enjoy the ocean view.

Found at the northern tip of Curacao, the beach of Playa Kalki is known for its mushroom-shaped coral formations. The reef is nicknamed "Alice in Wonderland" for its underwater charm. With clear turquoise water and a sandy beach bordered by craggy cliffs, Playa Kalki is an amazing spot for sunbathers and snorkelers.

Located off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao is a tiny island nestled in crystal-blue waters and Curacao (Willemstad) Cruise Port serves as its gateway. Once the center of Caribbean commerce, Curacao retains influences from its of French, Dutch, and Portuguese colonial past, by way of its food, architecture, and culture.

A protected beach within a deep cove and flanked on both sides by sheer cliffs, Playa Lagun is near the northern end of the island, far enough from Willemstad to avoid the cruise crowds. This off-the-beaten-path strand is known as one of the best spots for diving and snorkeling from the Curacao shore.