Author: cas-flores

Curacao is known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear blue water and white sand. Here are 10 of the best beaches you can find on the island:

1. Playa Kenepa (Knip)
   • This beach is known for its breathtaking turquoise water and is popular among both tourists and locals. It also features stunning cliffs on either side of the beach.
2. Playa Porto Mari
   • Another favorite beach among visitors, Playa Porto Mari, offers picturesque views and excellent snorkeling opportunities. It also features amenities such as a restaurant and beach chairs.
3. Cas Abou Beach
   • This beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Curaçao due to its crystal-clear water and pristine white sand. It's perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
4. Mambo Beach
   • Mambo Beach is not only a beautiful beach but also a popular hangout spot with bars, restaurants, shops, and water sports activities. It's a vibrant destination for both daytime and evening.
5. Playa Kalki (Alice in Wonderland)
   • This beach, also known as 'Alice in Wonderland,' is ideal for diving and snorkeling due to its colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life.
6. Jan Thiel Beach
   • Jan Thiel Beach is a trendy beach with plenty of amenities, including bars, restaurants, shops, and even a spa. It's a great spot for water sports and relaxation.
7. Playa Lagun
   • Surrounded by cliffs and lined with palm trees, Playa Lagun is a tranquil beach that's ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the natural beauty of Curaçao.
8. Blue Bay Beach
   • This beach, located at the Blue Bay Resort, offers a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. It also features amenities such as lounge chairs, restaurants, and water sports rentals.
9. Playa Forti
   • Playa Forti is known for its picturesque location at the bottom of a cliff, offering spectacular views of the ocean. It's a great spot for snorkeling and enjoying the sunset.
10. Klein Curaçao
    • Although it is not on the mainland of Curaçao, a visit to Klein Curaçao is definitely worth it. This tiny island offers secluded beaches, crystal clear waters and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

Curaçao is a diver's paradise, with an abundance of colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life and interesting underwater landscapes. Here are five of the best diving spots on the island:

1. Mushroom Forest
   • This dive site is known for its unique coral formations that resemble mushrooms, hence the name. You'll also find a variety of marine life here, including trumpet fish, parrotfish and turtles.
2. Superior Producer
   • The Superior Producer is a sunken cargo ship that is now a popular diving site due to the abundance of marine life it attracts. The wreck is located at approximately 30 meters depth and offers an exciting diving experience.
3. Blue Room
   • The Blue Room is an underwater cave accessible to divers. It is known for its beautiful blue light that shines through the openings in the cave, giving it a magical atmosphere. It is a great place to explore and enjoy the unique underwater environment.
4. Playa Kalki (Alice in Wonderland)
   • In addition to its reputation as one of the best beaches in Curaçao, Playa Kalki also offers excellent diving opportunities. Divers can enjoy colorful coral reefs, an abundance of marine life and even an old tugboat converted into an artificial reef.
5. Klein Curaçao
   • Hoewel het technisch gezien geen deel uitmaakt van het hoofdeiland, biedt Klein Curaçao enkele van de beste duiklocaties van Curaçao. De wateren rondom dit kleine eiland zijn helder en vol met zeeleven, waaronder schildpadden, roggen en rifhaaien. Er zijn ook verschillende interessante duikplekken, waaronder scheepswrakken en kleurrijke koraalriffen.

Curaçao has a rich history and offers numerous historical sites for visitors to explore. Here are ten of the most prominent historical sites on the island:

1. Kura Hulanda Museum
   • Located in Willemstad, this museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Curaçao and the broader African diaspora. It offers an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the island's slavery period, local culture, and trading history.
2. Historic District of Willemstad
   • The historic center of Willemstad is on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its unique architecture and historical value. Visitors can enjoy the colorful Dutch colonial buildings along Handelskade, the famous Pontjes Bridge and Fort Amsterdam.
3. Fort Nassau
   • This 18th-century fortress offers panoramic views over the city of Willemstad and the surrounding area. The fort was built by the Dutch to defend the island and now houses a restaurant where guests can enjoy a meal with beautiful views.
4. Country house Chobolobo
   • This historic country house, located just outside Willemstad, is home to the Senior & Co. liqueur factory, where the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur is produced. Visitors can take a tour of the factory and learn more about the history and production of this local liquor.
5. Country house Knip
   • Landhuis Knip, also known as Landhuis Kenepa, is a restored 18th-century country house that serves as a museum. It provides insight into the history of Curaçao's plantation economy and the role of slavery on the island.
6. Hato Caves
   • Located in the north of the island, these limestone caves offer a fascinating glimpse into Curacao's geological and historical past. Visitors can admire stalactites, stalagmites and Native American petroglyphs, as well as learn about the caves' role in the island's history.
7. Christoffel Park and Savonet Country House
   • Christoffel Park, located in the west of Curaçao, is the largest national park on the island and is home to the historic Savonet Country House. This mansion now serves as a visitor center and museum, where visitors can learn more about the nature, history and culture of Curaçao.
8. Kura di Hulanda
   • This restored 19th-century mansion in Otrobanda, Willemstad, offers insight into plantation life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can admire authentic furniture, utensils and artefacts from that period.
9. Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagoge
   • Built in 1732, the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue in Willemstad is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. The interior is beautifully decorated and contains an impressive collection of historical objects and documents.
10. Maritime Museum
    • Located in Willemstad, this museum highlights Curaçao's maritime history, with exhibits on shipping, shipwrecks, lighthouses and more. The museum is housed in a historic building on the harbor and offers a fascinating look at Curaçao's relationship with the sea.

Although Curaçao is mainly known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture, the island also has some beautiful natural parks that are worth exploring. Here are five of the best nature parks in Curaçao:

1. Christoffel National Park
   • Christoffel National Park is the largest national park in Curaçao and offers a diverse landscape of hills, mountains, and native flora and fauna. The highlight of the park is Mount Christoffel, the island's highest peak, which can be climbed for panoramic views of the island.
2. Shete Boka National Park
   • Located on the rugged north coast of Curaçao, this park is known for its spectacular cliffs, caves and natural coves where the waves crash powerfully against the coast. Visitors can walk along the coastline and enjoy the impressive scenery.
3. Washington Slagbaai National Park
   • This park covers the northwestern tip of the island and offers a diverse landscape of desert, beaches, hills and coastal areas. The park is home to a variety of plants and animals, including sea turtles, iguanas and flamingos. There are several hiking and off-road trails that visitors can explore.
4. Christoffelberg Nature Reserve
   • This reserve covers the area around Mount Christoffel and offers beautiful scenery of rocky hills and dry forests. It is a popular place for hiking and birdwatching, with opportunities to see animals such as the Curaçao deer and the yellow-winged amazon.
5. Rif Sint Marie
   • Rif Sint Marie is a marine park that extends along the southwest coast of Curaçao. The park protects an extensive coral reef rich in biodiversity, including colorful fish, sponges and corals. It is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, with numerous dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Curaçao's cuisine is a tasty mix of different cultures, including Dutch, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. Here are 10 culinary dishes from Curaçao's cuisine that you must try:

1. Keshi Yena
   • Keshi Yena is a traditional Curaçao dish that consists of a hollowed-out cheese filled with a savory mix of meat (often chicken or beef), vegetables, herbs, and sometimes raisins and olives. It is usually fried and served as a main course.
2. Stoba
   • Stoba is a stew that is popular in Caribbean cuisine and is also widely eaten in Curaçao. It is made with different types of meat, such as beef, goat, or chicken, along with vegetables such as okra, pumpkin, and potatoes, seasoned with local herbs and spices.
3. Funchi
   • Funchi is a type of cornmeal cookie that is often served as a side dish to main dishes. It has a firm texture and is often used in sauces and stews.
4. Bolo di Cashupete
   • Bolo di Cashupete is a traditional Curaçao dessert that resembles a cheesecake, but is made from cashew nuts instead of cream cheese. It has a rich and creamy taste and is often served on special occasions.
5. Pastechi
   • Pastechi are savory pastries filled with different types of filling, such as meat, cheese, fish or vegetables. They are similar to empanadas and are often eaten as a snack or for breakfast.
6. Sopi di Pisca
   • Sopi di Pisca is a traditional Curaçao fish soup made with a mix of local fish, vegetables, and herbs. It's hearty and flavorful, often served with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice.
7. Yuana Stoba
   • Yuana Stoba is a stew made from iguana, a locally eaten reptile. The meat is slowly stewed with vegetables and herbs until it is tender and flavorful.
8. Sòpi di Funchi
   • Sòpi di Funchi is a soup made from funchi (cornmeal biscuits) that are cooked in a rich broth of meat, vegetables and herbs. It is a heart-warming and nutritious soup that is often served as a main course.
9. Pan Bati
   • Pan Bati is a type of cornbread that is popular in Curaçao. It is made from cornmeal, water, sugar and baking powder and fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
10. Arepa di Pampuna
    • Arepa di Pampuna is a sweet pastry made from pumpkin, flour, sugar and spices. It is often served as a dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee.