Travel to Curaçao completely without tourist traps! Here you will find a list of the top 10 sights of Curaçao! What are the highlights and attractions you can't miss when vacationing on Curaçao?
Curaçao is, along with Aruba and Bonaire, the largest island of the "ABC Islands" in the north of Venezuela. Without danger of hurricanes it can be traveled all year round. Fine sandy beaches and perfect diving grounds make the trip to Curaçao a dream vacation.
In Curaçao's two national parks, vacationers walk in the footsteps of Dutch colonization amid Caribbean nature and among the picturesque houses of the colorful capital.
Table of contents
Beaches on Curaçao
What would a Caribbean island be without its beaches? The fine sandy coastline is of course the number one attraction on Curaçao. On Curaçao's more than 30 beaches , beach bars with live music delight night owls, and small pristine coves with countless corals and shells in the sand are frequented by couples and families in love. The crystal clear water reveals the dazzling underwater world of the Caribbean, as coral reefs are often right at hand on the beach.
Article: The 10 most beautiful beaches on Curaçao
Photo gallery: Beaches on Curaçao
Historic Centre of Willemstad
Curaçao's capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cannot deny its Dutch heritage. The candy-colored houses in the old town tell of the colonial era, two historic forts guard the entrance to the massive harbor, and lively markets sell every imaginable commodity, from fruits and vegetables to colorful souvenirs and witchcraft and woodoo supplies.
Article: Top 10 places to visit in Willemstad
Photo gallery: Historical center of Willemstad
Scottsgat and Fort Nassau
Willemstad was built around the Sint Annabaai, and the two districts of Punda and Otrabanda are connected by the swinging Queen Emma Bridge. At the same time it represents - guarded by Riffort and Fort Amsterdam - the entrance to the Schottegat. Willemstad's city harbor is the seventh largest natural harbor in the world.
Its imposing size is best overlooked from the hill of Fort Nassau, where you can also dine exquisitely. If you hadn't visited it, you wouldn't have been on Curaçao, they say.
Article: Scotchgat in Willemstad
Article: Fort Nassau near Willemstad
Little Curaçao
The small island of Klein Curaçao is undeveloped except for a restaurant and a dilapidated lighthouse, and yet - or perhaps because of this - it is the epitome of a Caribbean paradise. Just an hour's sail from Spanish Water, Klein Curaçao boasts powder-fine sand and crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles.
Article: Little Curaçao
Photo gallery: Little Curaçao
National Park Christoffelpark
Christoffel Park is the largest national park on Curaçao. Its unspoiled tropical nature, secluded beaches and historic ruins can be explored by car or on hiking trails on three marked car routes. Warawaras stroll and iridescent lizards rustle in the undergrowth covered with thousands and thousands of bromeliads. A climb to the top of the 372m high Christoffelberg offers a fantastic panoramic view over the surprisingly green northwest of Curaçao.
Article: Christoffelpark
Photo gallery: Christoffelpark
Photo gallery: Hiking on the Christoffelberg
Shete Boka National Park
Shete Boka National Park is located right next to Christoffel Park and lives up to its name. In contrast to the exotic flora and fauna, the "seven bays" are the main attraction here. On the rugged north coast, the surf thunders incessantly against the rocks with spectacular force, piling up the Caribbean Sea into meter-high waves.
Article: Shete Boka National Park
Photo gallery: Shete Boka National Park
Country houses on Curaçao
Those who visit the numerous country houses of Curaçao discover the history of the colonial masters on Curaçao. The mostly colorful mansions are architecturally similar, yet never the same, and some of them are open to the public.
While only ruins remain of some, some of the historic plantation houses still serve a purpose on private beaches, as museums or administrative centers for Christoffel Park. And one in particular stands out as Curaçao's main attraction....
Article: Country houses on Curaçao
Photo gallery: Country houses on Curaçao
Curaçao distillery in Willemstad
Chobolobo is the most visited of the country houses of Curaçao, because here is the production site of the world famous Curaçao liqueur. Especially the Blue Curaçao is well known as an indispensable ingredient of cocktails, but in the store the Curaçao liqueur is available in all colors up to black and gold. The tour of the production hall and the subsequent tasting are completely free of charge.
Article: Curaçao distillery in Chobolobo country house
Photo gallery: Curaçao Distillery in Chobolobo Country House
Sea Aquarium
The Aquarium of Curaçao brings vacationers closer to the marine life of the Caribbean - incredibly close! Because here flamingos and sharks can be fed, rays can be stroked and sea lions can be kissed. And of course, the obligatory dolphin show is not to be missed! However, the species-appropriate keeping of the marine animals in the small tanks is unfortunately quite questionable. Around the aquarium, more tropical fish, sea turtles and a huge shark are circling.
Article: Sea Aquarium
Photo gallery: Sea Aquarium
Ostrich farm
From the Caribbean directly to the Black Continent goes in the southeast of the island. Here lies the largest ostrich farm outside of Africa. In the usual safari style, jeeps and pick-ups take you through the extensive enclosures, where crocodiles, parrots, tapirs, turkeys, pigs and peacocks live alongside the majestic ostrich. The extensive store with African handicrafts has almost museum character.
