Curaçao is more than just a beach destination. It's proud of its culture, too. (2024)

Zach WichterUSA TODAY

  • Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela.
  • The island is home to the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Curaçao has plenty of options for adrenaline junkies as well.

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If you’re looking to take a beach vacation, the Caribbean has plenty of options with sandy beaches, warm water and loads of activities to have fun in the sun. But what if you want more?

If you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway that’s just as big on culture as it is on frozen cocktails, consider a visit to Curaçao.

Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. Along with its neighbors Aruba and Bonaire, it remains part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

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According to Expedia, Curaçao is a top travel destination for 2024. It's also a dupe destination for St. Martin, and travelers who like to visit the Dutch side of the island will likely enjoy Curaçao’s Caribbean-European fusion culture.

I visited Curaçao in May for USA TODAY as a guest of Expedia and the Curaçao Tourist Board and saw firsthand how the island’s residents infuse their multifaceted history into life and leisure there.

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Beaches and adventure

For all its history and culture, Curaçao is still a Caribbean island, which means there are beaches and adventures around every turn.

What sets Curaçao’s beaches apart, however, is they’re not the huge white, sandy expanses of many of its island neighbors. Many of the beaches on the island are set in coves among sheer volcanic cliffs, leading to a more intimate but no less relaxing beach experience.

Because of their geography, many of the beaches contain great protected spots for snorkeling right as you step into the water, and you won’t have to worry about getting overwhelmed by powerful surf on most of the island when you go for a dip.

Curaçao has plenty of options for adrenaline junkies as well. Whether you want to beach hop by jetski or go diving in the clear blue waters, all the typical warm-weather vacation activities are at your disposal.

Honoring their history

Almost as soon as a visitor lands in Curaçao, they can begin to see the island’s unique culture. Papiamento, a Portuguese-creole language with strong Dutch and Spanish influences, is the main language spoken at home there, and it’s used on signs across the island along with a mix of English and Dutch.

Damaris Sambo, an ambassador from the tourist board, said that the island is proud of its history, even the difficult parts.

Curaçao was first colonized by the Spanish in 1499, who committed genocide against many of the aboriginal Arawak and Caquetio, Sambo said.

Dutch colonizers took control of the island in 1634, and Curaçao became a major depot and trading post on the Atlantic slave trade.

Sambo said Curaçaoans recognize the horrors of slavery in their past but are not ashamed of it because they use that history to make the world a better place today.

Curaçao, she said, is “thankful for the lessons slavery taught, that its horrors can’t be repeated.”

The Kura Hulanda Museum, which memorializes the island’s role in the slave trade, is a centerpiece of its capital.

Today, Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, contains nods to the island’s past and bright beacons of hope for its future. Among colorful Dutch colonial architecture, much of which is protected as a Unesco World Heritage site, there are murals by local artists that depict important touchstones of the island’s contemporary culture. Many of them feature women, who Sambo said are the backbone of society in Curaçao.

Willemstad’s Otrobanda neighborhood also hosts the Kaya Kaya festival every year in late August or early September. The festival features street art and music, local foods and cocktails, and in my cases, residents open their homes to visitors, making it a great way for visitors to get an authentic taste of Curaçao’s local culture.

The island is also home to the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The first synagogue on the island was founded in 1651 by families from Amsterdam who had fled persecution in Spain and Portugal, and the congregation of Mikvé Israel-Emanuel currently holds its services in a building that was consecrated in 1732.

Hugo Clarinda, deputy director of the Curaçao Tourist Board said Curaçao plans to continue growing its tourism sector, but it has no plans to try to compete with its neighbor Aruba or more established destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas. He said part of what makes Curaçao special is its smaller-scale industry, which allows visitors to be more immersed in the culture of the island.

Sambo said many international brands that come to the island adapt their offerings to fit the location more than they do in other places. For example, she said, the Marriott in Willemstad uses a color palette for its branding and decor that is unique to that location.

Where to eat

Throughout Willemstad and other parts of the island, food is a central point of interaction for vacationers and locals and a way for them to get to know each other better.

In Willemstad, restaurants like MosaCaña Bar & Kitchen, Caleo Crudos & Parilla and Sal the Kitchen blend local flavors and international favorites.

Plasa Bieu, a stall in a downtown food market and Blue View near the island’s popular west side beaches offer more local flare, including dishes like iguana stew with polenta.

Sunset cocktail spots like the bar at Saint Tropez Ocean Club and late-night haunts like BKLYN in Willemstad will have visitors feeling like they’re on the French Riviera or a Continental downtown night spot.

How to get there

From the U.S., these are your flight options:

  • American Airlines, nonstop year-round from Charlotte and Miami
  • Delta Air Lines, nonstop year-round from Atlanta
  • JetBlue, nonstop year-round from New York-JFK
  • United, seasonal nonstop from Newark

Connections to those nonstop flights are, of course, available from other markets.

Where to stay

Curaçao has lodging options at price points suitable for almost any traveler and plenty of choice when it comes to location.

Visitors can opt to stay at the all-inclusive Sandals resort, which offers packages with off-property dining as well.

There are many other beachfront hotels as well as more urban options in Willemstad, and a robust vacation rental market across the island.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

Curaçao is more than just a beach destination. It's proud of its culture, too. (2024)

FAQs

What is the culture of Curaçao? ›

The culture of Curaçao lends itself to many backgrounds, with the island home to a majority of Afro-Caribbean, along with Dutch, French, Latin American, and Asian folk. There is also a significant Jewish input. Though English is widely spoken, the native tongue is Creole of Portuguese descent.

Why do people love Curaçao? ›

The island has a unique cultural heritage

Curacao's rich cultural heritage is unlike any other Caribbean island. Due to its diverse history associated with Dutch, African, and Spanish influences, you'll find vibrant colors and architecture throughout the capital, Willemstad.

What is interesting about Curaçao? ›

Curaçao is the home of the oldest continuously inhabited Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere, originally formed by Sephardic Jews who emigrated from Portugal in the 1500s. Colourful houses of Punda, Willemstad, Curaçao.

What is the slogan of Curaçao? ›

However, I also did much more. Each of the three ABC islands has a motto, and Curaçao's slogan is Feel It For Yourself. And after two weeks on the island, I cannot agree more.

Is Curaçao a rich or Poor country? ›

The economy of Curaçao is a high income economy, as defined by the World Bank.

Is Curaçao a beautiful island? ›

Curaçao is a beautiful and colorful paradise that is often overlooked compared to its Caribbean neighbors.

What are the downsides of Curaçao? ›

Petty theft and street crime are a concern. There are violent crimes related to the illegal drugs world, but the main tourist areas are generally safe. Take precautions such as: avoiding isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.

What is crime like in Curaçao? ›

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs in Curaçao. Residential break-ins and theft from vehicles, hotel rooms and rental units also take place. Crime typically increases during annual celebrations such as Carnival, which takes place from January to March.

Is Curaçao as nice as Aruba? ›

Given Aruba's beautiful beaches, it has little need of extra attractions. The much larger Curaçao has more things to do generally, with the capital of Willemstad being the center for many.

Is it OK to drink the water in Curaçao? ›

Drinking water safety is a crucial consideration for any traveler. For those visiting Curaçao, the good news is that the tap water is generally safe to drink.

What drink is Curaçao known for? ›

Blue curacao is a vibrant and flavorful liqueur that adds a splash of color to cocktails. This bright blue citrus liqueur is a versatile ingredient used in various drinks ranging from classic favorites like the Blue Hawaiian and the Blue Margarita to creative concoctions like the Lake Water and the Blue Lagoon.

Why is Curaçao unique? ›

Curaçao has a rich cultural heritage that is as beautiful as its landscapes. With centuries of history and influences, Curaçao's unique tapestry weaves together a rich mosaic of traditions, languages, and architectural wonder.

What are Curaçao citizens called? ›

Curaçaoans in the Netherlands (Dutch: Curaçaoënaars in Nederland} are migrants from Curaçao to the Netherlands and their descendants. Until 2010, Curaçao and the other Dutch islands in the Caribbean were called the Netherlands Antilles.

What is the nickname of Curaçao? ›

The country of Curaçao even has a nickname: Dushi Korsou.

What language is mostly spoken in Curaçao? ›

Papiamento - The most widely spoken language is Papiamentu, a Portuguese creole with African, Dutch and Spanish influences, spoken in all levels of society. It is the first language of 81.2% of the population. Dutch - Dutch is the sole language for all administration and legal matters.

Are people from Curaçao Hispanic? ›

The Bahamas, Curaçao, and Dominica are also places that are occasionally lumped into Latin America but are not Latino or Hispanic.

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