What is the Dutch Caribbean island in question? It’s Curacao of course! This multicolored island in the shining Caribbean is 64 kilometers long and 1.3 miles wide.

Perhaps more interesting, is that this isle is an eclectic blend of culture, design, and history that is rich with beautiful beaches, green and blue spirits, tropical wildlife, and inexplicably brightly-painted old school European buildings. It’s also a comparatively well-kept secret. Without further ado, we now present to you this candy-colored Dutch Caribbean island.

Curacao: A Unique Dutch Caribbean island

This isn’t a typical Caribbean island

Curaçao might be a part of South America’s continental shelf, but in fact, it is a Dutch country. You will find it 60 kilometers north of Venezuela’s coast. In 2010 it was given autonomy by the official dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.

It is part of the ABC Islands

“ABC” is Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Aruba is found to the west and Bonaire is located to the east. The colorful country of Curaçao is all too often overlooked by average travelers despite its beauty and brilliance. Nevertheless, Curaçao was once an important trade hub for a number of merchants who were part of the historic Dutch West India Company.

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No one’s certain about the country’s name

There are several theories as to how the country got its name. The most well-known theory is that the name was derived from the Portuguese term for “heart,” because the isle was a trade center during the 1600s. The popular languages here are Dutch, English, Papiamento, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Curaçao is a protected melting pot

The capital of the country is the pastel-painted city named Willemstad. For more than 20 years this place has been an official UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, you will find a number of people of different origins here. 

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There are plenty of beaches here

Yes, indeed, this island features a total of 37 stunning strips of sand that rims the coastline. Veteran visitors can confirm that Grote Knip, on the west side of the island, is a favorite. Those who wish to stay away from the tourist hubs, however, heartily recommend the numerous north beaches.  

Snorkeling and scuba diving

There are several different shipwrecks in this area. Thus, snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the most popular activities when people are in Curaçao. There are other things to see under the sea here as well. You could also very well see sea turtles, eels, lionfish, eagle rays, and some specific species of fish that are unique to Curacao, such as the yellow-spotted sand goby.

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The perfect place for everyone

There are activities for everyone in Curacao. Adventurers, beach bums, couples, families, and groups will all enjoy vacationing here. There is an assortment of accommodations here as well, from affordable hostels to fantastic five-star resorts.

Flamingo oasis

Be sure to see the fun flamingo sanctuary situated in Sint Willibrordus to see these pink birds gather amidst the peaceful surroundings of calm water and verdant hills. But be careful not to get too close because they generally scare easily.

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Assorted architectural styles

There are five bridges that join three areas of the capital city: Otrobanda, Punda, and Scharloo. The bridges are all named after various Dutch royalty. You can see colonial architecture from the 1600s in Punda. Otrobanda features architecture from the 1700s, and Scharloo includes architecture from the 1800s.  

The only floating bridge in the world

The Queen Emma Bridge is nicknamed “Swinging Old Lady.” It was erected in 1888. It is the only floating bridge in the world and therefore is reported to be the island’s “star attraction.” It is simply a must-see if you visit here.

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This island is made for walking

The city of Willemstad is actually quite easy to explore on foot. Stroll the cobbled alleys and lanes lined with art galleries, eateries, shops, and pretty gabled homes which were once all painted plain, bright white.  

Local legend says that…

Travel back through the mists of time to the year 1817. It was then that the governor of the isle found himself suffering from migraines from the sun shining off all of the white-painted homes. He decided he would solve his problem by ordering the residents to paint all their homes bright colors that would combat the all-too-constant glare.

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The decision was both convenient and questionable

Ah, but there’s more to the story! It turns out that the governor also owned a paint factory located on this island. Some sources claim that might have slightly influenced his decision.

Regardless, it stuck

Painting the buildings in various colors continued. It actually became a tradition. It went on for centuries and continues to this very day. Some travel pundits pose that the painting presents a visual representation of the island’s vibrant culture.

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Famous Handelskade Street

This is reported to be one of Willemstad’s most famous streets. The row houses that line this particular street will undoubtedly make you think of the city of Amsterdam, except they are as bright and colorful as candy.

Popular Los Barquitos Floating Market

Approximately every other week, sailors from Venezuela travel to this island to create an actual “floating market” along the well-known Waaigat Harbor in Willemstad. This is a tradition that is over a century old. The boats dock at numerous mainland stalls that are shade by multi-colored tarps. Here they sell fresh seafood and fruit.

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The hip and trendy Pietermaai District

This happening district is often called “the ‘SoHo’ of Curaçao.” This is the part of the island nation that is overflowing with cool shops, cozy cafes, hip bars, top-rated restaurants, and other elements of nightlife, all neatly nestled in colored buildings.

Dine on local delicacies

The island offers a mouthwatering mix of Caribbean and Dutch delicacies. Try the pastechi di karni (crunchy meat-filled pastries), keshi yena (spiced balls of baked cheese and meat), and such traditional Dutch pastries as the tasty stroopwafels and poffertjes (miniature stuffed pancakes).

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Picturesque and postcard-perfect

Travelers who vacation on islands might often take beaches for granted. (How many times has your rovin’ writer used the phrase “beautiful beach,”?) Nevertheless, this particular Caribbean island is said to “puts others to shame.” One fine example is the popular Cas Abao which comes complete with bright blue water and powdery soft sand.

A family-friendly place

Don’t get the wrong idea though, readers. While this island does offer travelers great nightlife options, it can also be the perfect place for the “perfect family getaway.” Indeed, beautiful Blue Bay’s surprisingly shallow seafloor is exceptionally safe for young swimmers. There are also seemingly endless assorted activities to entertain everyone.

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An artistic culture 

If you’re a culture vulture, you will want to be sure to attend the popular Punda Vibes Thursday event. This cultural festival fills the island with live theatre, live music, dancing, and craft markets. It ends with a fun fireworks display over the harbor.

The oldest operating synagogue

The Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is an architectural jewel and approximately 300 years old. Perhaps most interesting is its sand floor. It’s a subtle tribute to the original Jewish settlers who used sand to muffle their footsteps during the infamous Spanish Inquisition.

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The historic Rif Fort

Today the structure features bars, restaurants, shops, and a memorable view, back when it was built–in 1828– it was meant to keep the capital safe from perilous pirates and other assorted enemies. It would also go on to be a brothel, a prison, and a police station.

Off-island excursions

Take the two-hour catamaran tour to tropical Klein Curaçao, or even Little Curaçao, a coral atoll with beaches and an abandoned pink lighthouse built in the 1850s.

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No hurricane season here!

Curaçao is below the hurricane belt. Additionally, the wet season here is between two and three months long so even rain is rare.

Get green rum at the old Netto Bar

Netto Bar is located in Otrobanda. It’s the oldest bar in Curaçao. For over 60 years it’s been serving shots of green rum (Ròm Bèrdè), which is served with anise, and orange peels.

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Famous Blue Curaçao

This is one of the world’s most famous liqueurs. It’s distilled in a mansion built in the 1800s on a small island named Landhuis Chobolobo. The special ingredient is dried peels from Laraha oranges grown only on this small island. It’s bottled by Senior’s Curaçao Liqueur, which has been in business since 1896.

Pristine and progressive

Curaçao boasts a pristine and progressive nature. It includes 65 diving sites, 36 beaches, and cheerful residents from more than 50 cultures.

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It’s easy to exit this island

The island’s airport runs direct flights both daily and weekly out of North American hubs such as Toronto, and New York City, and Toronto. There are also flights running to and from the city of Amsterdam too.

Make another stop on your trip

Stop and see Saba too, if you have the time. Veteran visitors say this distinct Dutch Caribbean island is also worth a visit and has a total population of only 2,000 people.  

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