Curaçao holidays: Willemstad, the beaches and the diving
Colourful Dutch colonial houses along the harbour, small coves of crystal-clear water and some of the Caribbean's best shore diving. Curaçao is the liveliest of the ABC islands.
Willemstad
Photo: Cole Marshall / Unsplash
Curaçao at a glance
The pontoon bridge in Willemstad swings aside for a ship, and you look across to the Handelskade, a row of yellow, blue and pink colonial houses on the water. Curaçao is the largest of the ABC islands off Venezuela and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island lies outside the usual hurricane belt. The currency is the Caribbean guilder, and US dollars are used everywhere. For more islands, see our Caribbean guide and Aruba.
What to see
Willemstad: Punda and Otrobanda
Two districts on either side of the harbour entrance, joined by the Queen Emma Bridge. The Scharloo district, with its restored merchant houses, is close by.
The west coast beaches
Small coves with white sand and turquoise water: Playa Kenepa (Grote Knip), Cas Abao and Playa Lagun. Hire a car and visit several in a day.
Diving and snorkelling
The reef begins just off the beach in many places. The Tugboat wreck and Playa Piskado, where turtles swim among the fishing boats, are the classics.
Christoffel National Park
The north-west of the island has the national park, with the highest point and cactus landscapes.
Curaçao
Photo: Karl Moore / Unsplash
When to go
December to April: high season, dry and around 28 degrees.
May to November: warm, still little rain and lower prices.
Good to know
From the UK, the usual routes are via Amsterdam.
A hire car is almost essential for reaching the beaches.
All visitors must complete a digital immigration form before arrival.
Where to stay
Baoase Luxury Resort on the east side is the island's most exclusive hotel, and Kura Hulanda sits in a restored village in Otrobanda. A dedicated ABC islands hotel guide is on the way.
Frequently asked questions about Curaçao
When is the best time to visit Curaçao?
Curaçao works all year. December to April is high season, May to November brings lower prices.
What is the difference between Aruba and Curaçao?
Aruba has long, wide beaches and big hotels. Curaçao has small coves, better diving and a livelier city.
What currency is used in Curaçao?
The Caribbean guilder, but US dollars are accepted everywhere.
Does Curaçao get hurricanes?
The island lies outside the usual hurricane belt and is rarely hit.