CURAÇAO
destination guide
CURAÇAO TRAVEL GUIDE
Curaçao is a great choice when you want a Caribbean beach vacation with plenty of character. Colourful waterfront buildings, clear turquoise water and beaches tucked into rocky coves give the island a distinctive look and feel.
You can spend your week relaxing at a resort, exploring Willemstad, trying local restaurants or discovering a different beach each day.
It’s particularly well suited to couples, friends and travellers who enjoy getting out to explore. Snorkelling and diving are also a big part of the appeal.
When I help plan a Curaçao vacation, location is one of the first things we discuss. Staying near restaurants and city attractions offers a different experience from choosing a resort where you’ll spend most of your time by the pool.
why visit CURAÇAO?
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE
Curaçao offers a lovely balance of beach time, culture and exploring. Willemstad is worth making time for. The colourful waterfront, historic neighbourhoods and local shops make it an enjoyable place to wander, stop for lunch and see another side of the island.
Pietermaai is another area to consider for restaurants, drinks and an evening out. If trying different places to eat is part of your ideal vacation, I’d leave room for a few meals beyond your resort.
The beaches are a major draw, too. Many are smaller coves rather than long stretches of sand, with beautiful water and opportunities for snorkelling. Beaches such as Playa Kenepa Grandi and Playa Porto Mari are worth considering for a day of exploring the west coast.
You can also visit Landhuis Chobolobo, home of the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery, to learn about the history and production of the island’s famous liqueur.
There’s plenty to fill a week here. The key is choosing a few experiences you’re excited about and giving yourself enough time to enjoy them.
IS curacao RIGHT FOR YOU?
I especially recommend Curaçao if:
- You want a beach vacation with interesting towns and neighbourhoods to explore
- You enjoy snorkelling, diving or spending time in clear Caribbean water
- You like trying local restaurants and heading out for dinner
- You’re travelling as a couple or with friends
- You want an all-inclusive stay but still plan to experience the island
- You enjoy discovering smaller beaches and scenic coves
If a long beach for daily walks is your biggest priority, I’d look carefully at the property and compare Curaçao with other destinations. Many of the island’s beaches are compact, and the setting varies considerably from one resort to another.
THE PERFECT WEEK
HOW I’D SPEND 7 DAYS IN CURAÇAO
The perfect Jamaica itinerary depends on where you’re staying.
My ideal Curaçao itinerary combines relaxed resort days with time in Willemstad and a day exploring the beaches.
You don’t need to rent a car for your entire stay to enjoy the island. Depending on your plans, we can look at a rental for part of the week, a driver or organized excursions.
DAY 1 — ARRIVE + SETTLE IN
Check in, unpack and explore your resort. Keep the evening easy with dinner and a drink while you settle into vacation.
DAY 2 — RESORT + BEACH DAY
Spend your first full day enjoying where you’re staying. Swim, relax and leave plenty of time for a leisurely lunch.
DAY 3 — EXPLORE WILLEMSTAD
Head into Willemstad to see the colourful waterfront and explore the Punda and Otrobanda neighbourhoods. Browse the shops, enjoy the architecture and stop somewhere for lunch.
DAY 4 — WEST COAST BEACH DAY
Plan a day around one or two beaches, such as Playa Kenepa Grandi or Playa Porto Mari. Arrange your transport ahead of time and give yourself time to swim, relax and enjoy the scenery.
DAY 5 — RESORT DAY
Keep the schedule open. Pool, spa, beach or a long afternoon with a book — enjoy the resort you’ve chosen.
DAY 6 — CURAÇAO LIQUEUR + PIETERMAAI
Visit Landhuis Chobolobo to learn about Curaçao liqueur, then return to your resort for a break. Later, head to Pietermaai for dinner and an evening out.
DAY 7 — ONE LAST SWIM
Leave your final full day mostly open. Enjoy the water, revisit your favourite lunch spot and make the most of a few more hours on island time.
JEN’S TIP
Plan how you’ll get around before filling your itinerary. Willemstad, the west coast beaches and your resort may be quite spread out. A rental car for a day or two, or a driver for a beach outing, can make exploring much more convenient.
LET’S FIND YOUR CURAÇAO
When I recommend a Curaçao vacation, I look at the resort atmosphere, beach setting, room category, location and budget together.
I also want to know how you plan to spend your time. If you’re excited about restaurants and sightseeing, that should help guide where you stay. If your priority is a relaxing all-inclusive escape, we’ll focus on the resort experience while leaving room for a few outings.