Imagine yourself eating fresh fruit on the beach while overlooking bright blue waters. That’s what you’ll find in the beautiful island destination of Curacao. I have been to most of the Caribbean islands and this was definitely my favorite so far! There are so many reasons to visit Curacao.
Tons of Americans visit the Caribbean every year to enjoy sunny skies, calm waters, and relaxing vibes. However, before my boyfriend’s parents suggested we go to Curacao, I had never even heard of it. But after visiting, I am glad we found this slice of Paradise in the Caribbean. We had the best week exploring this beautiful island. Find out why you have to visit Curacao a wonderful, luxurious destination!
Reasons to Visit Curacao
#1 Rich Cultural Towns
Due to its proximity to South America and its central location, Curacao has been settled by various other countries over its long history. It’s got a mixture of Latin American, African, Dutch, and Spanish influences. This island was colonized first by the Spaniards and later by the Dutch who wanted to use it as a stopping point for the Dutch West India Company.
Curacao is still a Dutch entity today and there is plenty of culture to explore in the capital city of Willemstad. Here you can find the colorful historic area, the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, and beautiful bridges.
#2 360 Degree Island View Hikes
There’s nothing better than a mountain view over the lush coastline. The west side of the island called Westpunt has tons of land that has been put aside for preservation, which means ample opportunities to see gorgeous scenery.
Christoffel National Park has 8 different hiking trails that range from peaceful walks to mountain treks. We hiked up to Mount Christoffel and it was one of the prettiest places I’ve seen. We had views of the luscious forest, the gorgeous beaches, and the shimmering ocean beyond. I highly recommend this trail for any landscape lovers.
#3 Spectacular Diving & Snorkeling
The west side of the island not only has amazing natural sights on land, but also at sea. The beaches in the west are a fantastic place to see marine life. There are tons of protected coral reefs where you can see colorful fish, sea turtles, and bright coral. You can rent snorkels on most beaches for only a few dollars, so why not go in?
#4 Fresh Island Cuisine
One of the best parts of Curacao is how you can enjoy both the hearty Dutch cuisine and the fresh tropical foods at the same time. At nights we would go to amazing restaurants with chefs featuring the best Dutch foods, while utilizing the plentiful local ingredients. During the day, we would buy fresh fruits at the beach and stop at local smoothie shops on the side of the road. My taste buds were delighted all week long.
#5 Quick Flights from the US
Although there are no direct flights to Curacao from the US, it’s still fairly easy to get to this island. All you need to do is take a flight to the Caribbean island of Aruba before taking a short skipper flight to Curacao. The flights are quick, the planes are small, and the views out the window are astounding. It’s a fun journey to take.
#6 Low Costs
Once you’ve paid for the flight, you’ll find when you visit Curacao it’s a relatively inexpensive destination, especially when compared to other Caribbean locations. Of course if you stay in the huge branded hotels, then you will pay a bit more, but there are so many great options elsewhere.
We stayed in a VRBO house that had its own swimming pool and a fantastic view of the ocean. Hanging on the West side of the island also meant that we could find food for cheap even when it was sold on the beach.
#7 Hidden Gem
Most people have never heard of Curacao, so it’s a very quiet beach destination. We traveled over the New Year holiday and we found that we were able to get tons of peace and solitude on the island. We would often find ourselves alone while exploring parts of the island.
When we went to the beaches, it was easy to find a spot for our group of 7. You can find tons of parts of the island that are still virtually untouched where nature flourishes. You’ve gotta go before others have found out about this idyllic destination.
#8 Lively Night Life
Despite having less tourists than other Caribbean nations, people know how to have a good party there. Head to a beach club for great music and dancing or head to a quieter spot to see how the locals let loose. There are tons of festivals to enjoy including Carnival and King’s Day, where the locals hold huge celebrations. You can always find fun on the island.
#9 Paradise on Earth
I mean if I haven’t convinced you to visit already, then all you need to know is it’s paradise. From stunning beaches to decadent food what else do you need? Travel to Curacao for an amazing week in paradise.
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