Curaçao is an island in the Caribbean (along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is one of the ABC islands). But how many of us have ever heard of it, never mind knowing where it is?

Where is Curaçao?

Curaçao is an island located in the southern Caribbean, off the northwestern coast of Venezuela. On a clear day, you can actually see the Venezuelan mainland! Curaçao is an independent country within the Netherlands kingdom, and its capital city is Willemstad, a colourful landmark spot set on the southern coast of the island.

The Culture:

The pace of life in Curaçao is delightfully slower than the traditional tourist destination. The island hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating its diverse culture. These festivals include local music, dance, and traditional cuisine, and are always infectiously joyful occasions.

Curaçao’s culinary scene is influenced by our various cultural backgrounds. You can find a mix of Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin American dishes. Local specialties include stobá (a stew), keshi yena (stuffed cheese), and, of course, fresh seafood.

The island's natural beauty encourages outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, hiking, and exploring its unique landscapes, including limestone caves and beautiful beaches.

The Languages:

The official language of Curaçao is Dutch. However, Papiamento is the most widely spoken language and is considered the national language of Curaçao. Papiamento is a creole language made up of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, African and Arawakan languages. Many people in Curaçao are bilingual or even trilingual!

The Architecture:

One of the most interesting features of architecture in Curaçao is the use of bright colours to paint the facades of buildings. This tradition is said to have started when the former governor of Curaçao, Albert Kikkert, in an effort to stop his headaches, ordered that buildings be painted in colours other than white to reduce glare from the sun.

The Art:

Art plays a big part of Curaçao’s culture. Walking tours are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local art world. These tours take you through various neighbourhoods, art districts, and galleries, offering insights into the island's artistic heritage. Art walking tours are usually led by local guides or artists themselves. They provide commentary, historical context, and anecdotes about the artworks you will encounter along the way.

The Climate:

The climate in Curaçao is postcard perfect, with warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and a relatively dry climate. It is appealing all year round for beach lovers and water enthusiasts.

Ok, I’m in! How can I get to Curaçao?

Curaçao receives flights from various international destinations, but some of the most popular places to fly into Curaçao are:

Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), for travellers from the United States. Toronto Pearson International Airport also offers seasonal flights to Curaçao.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol provides direct flights to Curaçao, and is a major carrier for European travellers.