Holidays to Curaçao

Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island, is a vibrant holiday destination known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. The island’s capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with brightly colored Dutch colonial architecture, museums, and unique shops that make for pleasant strolling.

The island's multicultural history is reflected in a diverse culinary scene, blending Caribbean, Dutch, and Indonesian influences. It is also a paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, boasting stunning coral reefs filled with marine life. If diving and snorkelling is something you plan to do make sure you have good travel insurance in place, Tripinsurer.com can provide a range of insurance options including their Multi Trip Travel Insurance with 62 days continuous cover per trip.

Curaçao has a tropical climate that provides warm, sunny weather throughout the year, making it an ideal escape for those seeking sun and relaxation. Moreover, its location outside the hurricane belt means it's a safe bet for travel even during hurricane season. Add to this the warm, welcoming local population, and you have all the elements for a fantastic holiday destination.

Curaçao offers a wealth of attractions and activities to cater to a variety of interests. Here are some of the highlights:

• Beaches: With over 35 beaches, there's no shortage of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy water sports. Some of the most popular include Kenepa Beach, Cas Abao Beach, and Mambo Beach.
• Snorkeling and Diving: Curaçao is one of the best diving destinations in the world, with its clear waters, abundant marine life, and well-preserved coral reefs. The Tugboat Wreck and Mushroom Forest are among the standout dive sites. Snorkeling is also fantastic here.
• Willemstad: This capital city, with its colorful, Dutch colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the floating Queen Emma Bridge and the vibrant Punda district. Don't miss the Curacao Museum and Kura Hulanda Museum to learn about the island's history and culture.
• Christoffel National Park: This large nature reserve offers hiking trails with various difficulty levels. You can hike up to Mount Christoffel for stunning panoramic views. The park is also home to local wildlife like iguanas and rare bird species.
• Sea Aquarium & Dolphin Academy: At the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, you can see a wide variety of Caribbean sea creatures. At the Dolphin Academy, you can swim with dolphins—a great option for families.
• Flamingo Watching at Williwood: Head to Williwood, in Sint Willibrordus, to spot flocks of flamingos in their natural habitat. This small town also offers a great insight into local life.
• Explore Local Cuisine: Savor local dishes like 'Keshi Yena' (a large ball of cheese stuffed with spiced meat) and 'Stoba' (a stew made with various meats), and sip on 'Blue Curaçao', the island's signature liqueur.
• Visit a Curaçao Liqueur Distillery: Learn about the production process of the world-famous Blue Curaçao liqueur, and of course, sample it too!
• Jan Kok Salt Pans: This nature reserve is another spot to see flamingos. The contrast of the white salt pans and pink flamingos against the blue Caribbean

Curaçao is a tropical island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, near the Venezuelan coast. It enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, making it a perfect holiday destination at any time of the year.

The average temperature ranges between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F) throughout the year. The warmest months are typically September and October, while the slightly cooler (but still warm) months tend to be January and February.

Curaçao's rainy season is from October to February, but rainfall tends to be irregular and short-lived, often occurring overnight. Even during this season, you can still expect plenty of sunny days. The island is also located outside the hurricane belt, which makes it less prone to tropical storms and hurricanes than many other Caribbean islands.

Given the consistently warm temperatures, it's recommended to bring light, breathable clothing, swimwear, and plenty of sunscreen. It's also advisable to carry a light jacket or wrap for cooler evenings or for air-conditioned indoor spaces. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun during the day. If you plan on hiking or exploring nature reserves, sturdy shoes are also a good idea.

Please note that weather can vary from year to year, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast close to your travel dates for the most accurate information.

Curaçao offers a unique blend of cuisines reflecting its rich cultural history. The island's culinary scene is influenced by Dutch, African, Latin American, and Asian cuisines, among others, resulting in a gastronomic melting pot. Here are some traditional dishes and foods you should try:

Here are some traditional dishes you might encounter:

Keshi Yena: This is a traditional dish made of a large round of Gouda or Edam cheese, hollowed out and stuffed with spiced meat (often chicken), pickles, capers, and onions. The cheese is then baked until it melts around the filling.

Stoba: A hearty stew made with various meats (beef, goat, or chicken), but also available with vegetables like pumpkin. The stew is flavored with local herbs and spices.

Kabritu: A traditional dish made of stewed goat meat. It's commonly served with funchi, a cornmeal polenta-like side dish, and fried plantain.

Funchi and Tutu: Funchi is a cornmeal mash that is similar to polenta and often served as a side dish. Tutu is a sweet version of funchi, with the addition of black-eyed peas and sugar.

Seafood: Due to its location, Curaçao offers a variety of fresh seafood. Be sure to try the local fish dishes and other seafood options like shrimp, conch, and lobster.

Pastechi: A popular snack on the island, pastechi are pastry pockets filled with cheese, meat, or tuna.

Local Sweets: Try out the local sweets like cashew cake (bolo di cashupete), coconut sweets (kokada), and peanut cookies (letter di peanut).

Drinks: Don't leave the island without trying the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur, which is made from the dried peels of the laraha citrus fruit. Also, enjoy fresh fruit smoothies, often sold by street vendors.

You'll find a range of eateries from upscale restaurants to street food stalls (called 'truk di pan') serving these local delights, ensuring you can enjoy the tastes of Curaçao regardless of your budget.

Local markets are also a great place to sample local cheeses, olives, and other produce if you're looking to have a picnic or prepare your own meals.