Curacao Tips and Facts

The island of Curacao in the Caribbean is a unique vacation destination with spectacular dive sites, cultural diversity and Caribbean rhythms.

With about 444 square kilometers and approximately 170.000 inhabitants, Curacao is the largest of the ABC islands. 50 different nationalities live on Curacao, which gives the traveler a comfortable feeling of not being recognized as a typical tourist. The Caribbean cheerfulness is omnipresent here. Already on the drive over the big highway bridge of the St. Annabaai, the beautifully restored, candy-colored Antillean houses of the historic colonial town of Willemstad from the 16th century glow. Century. In 1997, Willemstad was designated a World Heritage Site. Together with the warm Caribbean flair, the historic center is the best preserved example of a colonial trading and government town. In addition, there are pronounced traces of Spanish, Portuguese, English and French influences. Curacao also offers a unique ecosystem, both under and above water. Numerous natural areas open up wonderful southern Caribbean landscapes. Flamingos, pelicans, sea eagles and iguanas have found their ideal habitat here.

After the DSDS on Curacao one of your seasons abdrehte, probably many people now know Curacao.
Curacao, the blue liqueur… and what else: mega white sandy beaches, gorgeous turquoise sea, pleasant temperatures and European Dutch charm make Curacao one of the best destinations in the Caribbean.

Far away from the beaten tracks in the usually travelled Caribbean, Curacao is far away from mass tourism . With the three ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – Curacao is considered the Gehimtipp of the Caribbean .

There are no tourist traps on Curacao, just like on Bonaire. Vacationers and travelers in the Caribbean mingle easily with the locals and the many different nations. No one is interested in finding you as a tourist with over fifty different nationalities. The relaxed life attitude of the islanders on Curacao is simply infectious, and who is there becomes part of this philosophy. Bon Bini" (Welcome) or "Kon ta bai?" (How are you) will often be heard by you and is part of the island language Papiamentu.

The vast uninhabited areas are characterized by oversized cactus forests, hilly landscapes in the north of the island and the table mountain at Caracas Bay in the south. Beach lovers are attracted by the white sandy beaches with sun loungers, beach clubs, bars and parties as well as the secluded palm-fringed beach bays with their turquoise waters.

General tips and facts about Curacao and your dream vacation in the Dutch Caribbean

Find here top offers for a wonderful vacation on Curacao

• Geographical location: Curacao is located in the southern Caribbean, 60 kilometers from the coast of Venezuela. Together with Aruba and Bonaire it forms the so-called islands under the wind or also gladly ABC islands called. Curacao is the largest of these Dutch Lesser Antilles and ca. 444 square kilometers large.

• Currency: The US dollar is accepted as a means of payment throughout Curacao. Euros can only be exchanged at the bank. The Antillean guilder is pegged to the US dollar. 1 USD = 1,80 ANG. In stores and restaurants, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 1.75 ANG for easy calculation. You usually get your change in guilders.

• What is the weather like on Curacao? Thanks to the tropical location on the 12. Northern latitude, the climate on Curacao is warm and sunny all year round. The average temperature is 27 degrees; at noon the temperature usually rises above 30 degrees. The trade winds blowing constantly from the east will always be a pleasant cooling for you., just like the sea water. The water temperatures are between a warm 25°C and 28°C all year round.

• Head of state and affiliation: Curacao belongs to the Dutch Kingdom, but is an autonomous country and does not belong to the European Union. Curacao's head of state is King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander, represented by Governor Lucille George-Wout.

• How does the landscape look like on Curacao? On Curacao you will find mostly dreamlike bays, adorned with small, white sandy beaches and calm, crystal clear, turquoise sea water. The northeastern coastal region is characterized by rocks and effervescent seawater. In the interior, the sparse, green landscape is good for hiking, with a height of 375m, the highest elevation, the Sint-Christoffelsberg offers a great view over the green desert of Curacao.

• Capital: The capital of Curacao is Willemstad, which is not only the center of the island, but also consists of many historical buildings, which were built in the style of Dutch colonial architecture.

Five of the most beautiful sights on Curacao for unique insights in your vacation

1. The Queen Emma Bridge
2. Little Curacao
3. Punda district
4. Kura Hulanda Museum
5. Sea aquarium

• The Queen Emma Bridge or also called Pontjesbrug is probably the number 1 sight on Curacao. It is unmistakable and the landmark, the capital Willemstad.

• Klein Curacao is again a small uninhabited island southeast of Curacao. It is an idyllic quiet place with a small lighthouse, a beautiful beach and a few shipwrecks. In addition, one can dive here wonderfully, since around the island many underwater caves and coral reefs are located.

• The district of Punda, which is located in Willemstad, is characterized by the Dutch colonial period and therefore it houses many historic buildings built in the Dutch style. An impressive place to admire and marvel at, delicious food and drink are part of everyday life here.

• The Kura Hulanda Museum in Willemstad provides a wealth of information about Curacao's past and creates gripping impressions of the time of slavery.

• The Sea Aquarium, which is also located in Willemstad, delivers great live shows with dolphins and sea lions. It is also an impressive marine museum and encounters with sharks and rays are possible.

More interesting tips and facts for your unique vacation on Curacao

Here you will find versatile possibilities for your wonderful and individual vacation in the Caribbean

• How is the drinking water on Curacao? On Curacao, drinking water is obtained from the sea by evaporating seawater and condensing the steam. How to get clean drinking water that meets the highest bacteriological standards and all hygiene regulations. Curacao has the largest desalination plant of its kind. Visitors are always surprised by the clear and fresh drinking water.

• Nature protection on Curacao: More than 20 years ago Curacao has put the underwater world of the island under nature protection. Numerous reef projects build up the underwater world of Curacao, or serve the preservation of this unique Caribbean aquaculture. The early nature protection of Curacao and its neighboring islands made the ABC islands world-wide admits, and offers in contrast to many other dipping goals in the Karibik most extensive intact underwater worlds. But also on land, the animal and nature conservation on Curacao is spreading and is increasingly dedicated to the needy animals. Have a look at the report about the animal welfare organizationRescue Paws Curacao.

• Where to find WLAN on Curacao? Free WLAN is available in many places. In the capital there are also many restaurants that offer WLAN.

• Curacao's cuisine: Curacao's cuisine is influenced by many other cuisines of the world. Especially from the South American and the Mexican cuisine. Tacos, small portions of cheese or ham, tequenos, which are deep-fried sticks of cheese dough, or tortillas, which are already known from Mexico, are often eaten as appetizers. Callalou soup is cooked in the ABC islands from pork tails and prepared with callaloo leaves, a spinach-like vegetable. Erwten Soep came by the Dutch immigrants on the inse, which is a pea soup. Another typical dish on Curacao is Carco, Concho or Caracolist the meat of the trumpet snail, which is used to make soup and goulash. These were just a few of the many delicious dishes you can eat in Curacao.

• WhichSports are represented on Curacao? Among the sports you can do on Curacao are: Deep sea fishing, swimming, sailing, diving, water skiing, snorkeling jet skiing, parasailing, golfing, tennis, horseback riding, beach tennis, mountain biking and much more.

• Local time on Curacao: CET -5. No summertime/wintertime changeover on Aruba. The difference to Central European time is -5 hours in winter and -6 hours in summer.

Five of the most beautiful shore excursions for breathtaking moments on Curacao

Curacao is more than a beach island in the Caribbean Sea. Numerous water sports such as swimming with dolphins, the largest ostrich farm outside Africa, secrets of local herbal remedies, aloe vera production or diving in a small submarine to a depth of more than 300 meters – and all this is just a tiny part of the activities on Curacao.

In Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, there are over a hundred restaurants and bars, museums, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town with picturesque colorful architecture of the Dutch colonial period, many shopping opportunities, and of course the legendary schnapps and liqueur distilleries.

The west of Curacao is quiet and original. Bars along the road, an old cave system (Caves of Hato) with a long history, "Landhuizen" (plantation houses) partly restored in the old architectural style, the Christoffels National Park with the Sint Christoffelsberg (can be climbed), the Shete Boka National Park with views over the rugged coastline, the Jaanchie Restaurant with take-away food and local dishes, the Playa Piskado where fishermen and turtles are united in perfect harmony, the Playa Forti where young people meet for cliff jumping, and much more… Keep an eye on our report about the first three mentioned unique and beautiful shore excursions on Curacao.