A guide to Curacao

Bon Bini!!! Continuing with my adventures around the Caribbean islands today I want to share a quick guide to Curaçao.

During the months of March to July I was in the Caribbean exploring different islands and after visiting all the ABC islands, Curaçao was my favorite island of the three since it offers the best of all of them.

About Curacao

It is an island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea and the Dutch Caribbean region, located about 65 km north of the Venezuelan coast. It is a constituent country of the Netherlands as it is Bonaire and Sint Marteen.

Its name comes from the Portuguese word meaning “heart”, since the island was the center of commerce in the seventeenth century.

This island is famous for its incredible beaches and traditional Dutch architecture with bright and pastel colors that will make you fall in love.

What you need to know?

• Its capital is Willemstad
• The language they speak is Dutch and Papiamentu. But you will listen a lot to Portuguese, Spanish and English
• The local currency is the florin known as the ANG too. However, they accept a lot of American dollars and credit cards
• It has the highest bridge in the Caribbean: Queen Juliana
• You can drive the entire length of the island and return in just two hours!
• The weather is summer throughout the year, for the reasons that cactus and iguanas are all around the island. There may be a slight forecast rainfall but it rarely happens
• People drive on the right side
• Tap water is super safe to drink

How to get there?

Curaçao is a super accessible island. In my case I travel with Aruba Airlines that has direct flights from Aruba and Bonaire. If you travel from Panama or Latin America you will surely find flights with Copa Airlines

What to do?

• Find the pigs on the beach: if you thought you could only see pigs in the Bahamas let me tell you that this is not true because in Curaçao you can also find them in Porto Mari beach. This has an entrance fee of $ 3 per person since it is a private property but it has a very nice beach and one of the best restaurants on the island.

• Swim with the turtles in Playa Piskado: this is a famous place because it is where all the fishermen are with their boats selling their catch of the day. However, this is where all the sea turtles are, where you can swim side by side with them. Undoubtedly one of the best experiences I could live in Curacao. The great thing about this that is free because is a public area. Just make sure to bring your snorkel equipment.

• Visit the floating pedestrian bridge Queen Emma Ponto: this is the bridge that connects the two halves of Willemstad, Punda and Otrobanda.

• Visit Handelskade: it is the Punda side of Willemstad where the picturesque section of the pier is located that you have probably seen on all the postcards of Curaçao. The Dutch colonial buildings painted in bright colors line the waters of Santa Ana Bay. There are many nice shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy the view

• Visit Cas Abao Beach: one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with white sand that is surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, and shaded by large parasols of palm trees.

• Cliff jumping at Playa Forti: it was my first time cliff jumping and despite the fact that it was a mega fail from my end (watch the video on my stories highlights under the Curacao album) lol it’s so funny! This cliff is located in a restaurant Playa Forti on a hill at a height of 40 feet and it was definitely one of the best experiences of pure adrenaline I did in Curacao.
• Visit Kenapa Beach: one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island that you should not miss. The water and the view is simply amazing.

• Eat Iguana soup: it is a specialty on the island and you should not stop trying it. It tastes like chicken soup!
• Visit the Pietermaai district: this is one of the most beautiful and colorful neighborhoods. If you get to lose yourself it would not be bad thing because you will find a variety of nice places like restaurants, shops and cafes. One of my favorite restaurant was Saint Tropez.

Where to Stay?

Curaçao offers a wide variety of lodging options. I stayed around a week in 3 different areas:

1. Baoase Luxury Resort: Definitely a tropical paradise hidden in this beautiful island. This elegant complex is located on the south side of the island, between the capital Willemstad on the UNESCO world heritage list and the popular Curaçao marine aquarium: Mambo Beach. Baoase offers a unique vacation experience with style, combining the comfort and privacy of your own villa or suite complemented by the services of a five-star resort.

2. Renaissance Curacao : located in the heart of historic Willemstad. This Marriott hotel offers everything you need for a spectacular getaway. It has a beautiful private beach, just minutes from popular attractions in the area, such as the Christoffel National Park, the Curaçao Marine Aquarium and the Curaçao Museum. It also has spectacular views of the pier where the huge cruises arrive.

3. Scuba Lodge: located directly near the ocean in the vibrant district of Pietermaai. The charming neighborhood known for its renovated buildings and beautiful architecture. This photogenic boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms with ocean views.

I hope you enjoyed this post and have inspired to visit this beautiful island.

Many thanks to the Curacao Tourism board for making our first time in the island so memorable!

Hope this is not the first or last time visiting Curacao.

Love

Marcy

My looks:

White One piece Swimsuit: La Reveche

Pink Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Maxi dress: Show me your mumu

Wooden Bag: Cult Gaia

Little black dress: CMEO Collective

White sandals: Steve Madden

Black long mesh dress: Forever 21

Black One piece Swimsui: Jets Swimwear

Little light blue dress: CMEO Collective

Red skirt: Finders Keepers The Label

White off shoulders top: Finders Keepers The Label

Black metallic belt: Blow the belt

Red earings: Zara

Hair scarf: Forever 21

Watch: Filippo Loreti

Tags: #ABCislands, #baoase, #caribbean, #caribe, #cliffjumping, #curacao, #curazao, #kenapabeach, #pigs, #renaissance, #scubalodge, #seaturtles, #willemstad

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