“What’s the best place you traveled to recently?” people often ask. Well, this year, one spot leapt into my heart and smooched it so sweetly that it’s the clear winner: Curaçao.
The reason this tiny island in the Caribbean thrilled me boils down to… RAINBOWS. Curaçao is an aria of colors in every sense of the concept. Let’s explore what that means!
1. Out-of-this-world rainbow architecture.
You know the lovely Dutch buildings of Amsterdam? Add exuberant Caribbean paint colors, Spanish and African influences, plus a bay to reflect it all, and you’ve got the visual glory of Willemstad, Curaçao!
“Hey, it’s like a Day-Glo Amsterdam,” joked one reader when I posted this photo.
If you’re saying, “Huh? Why architecture like the Netherlands?” then remember the history: the Dutch have been on Curaçao since 1634, despite brief incursions by the British and French in the 18th and 19th centuries. Quite recently (the pleasing date of 10/10/10, in fact), the island switched away from being part of the Netherlands Antilles, and is now its own country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Historically, however, in addition to the Dutch, Curaçao has also been inhabited or influenced by: the native Arawaks, the Spanish and Portuguese, Africans, Sephardic Jews, people from the Caribbean, South Americans, and (because of its history as a vibrant trading port) countless others.
Meanwhile, geographically, Curaçao sits just 50 miles north of Venezuela and a 3 hour flight from Miami, Florida. All this means that the island holds visual goodies from ALL of these cultures, swirled together in bright happiness.
Don’t forget, though, that these delightful buildings don’t just maintain themselves. I have immense respect for the work it takes for Curaçao to keep its paint bright, walls fortified, and streets clean. I also love the new decorative choices they’ve made, such as installing rotating rainbow lights on the famous Queen Emma floating bridge (displayed in my first photo here).
In fact, the entire city center and harbor of Willemstad was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, with the proclamation that the town “illustrates the organic growth of a multicultural community over three centuries. It also represents a remarkable historic port […] with significant town planning and architectural qualities.”
If by, “significant architectural qualities” UNESCO means, “Willemstad is freaking gorgeous,” then I heartily agree!
2. A rainbow of human diversity and connection.
Curaçao embraces the ethnic diversity of humanity better than any other place I’ve been — truly. Though I wasn’t on the island for long, and thus cannot speak as a learned professor, I can report that the connection and respect I observed between the many races, ethnicities, and linguistic groups on the island awed me, and gave me great hope for the future of human harmony.
Just how diverse is Curaçao? The people who call the island home represent the full rainbow of skin tones, drawn from 42 ethnic groups. For example, Alex David Rosaria, a former member of Curaçao’s Parliament, recently published an article about how a DNA test revealed that he is: 35% African, 26% European Jewish, 12% West Asian, and 7% Middle Eastern.
This is representative of the glorious diversity that so many people in Curaçao personify — not to mention the fact that most speak three to five languages. For example, the baseball player, Didi Gregorius, is from the island and speaks: Dutch, Papiamentu, and English (the 3 official languages of the island) — plus Spanish!
Papiamentu itself demonstrates the delicious mixing of cultures in Curaçao. The language is a creole of Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese. As a Spanish-speaker, I could understand parts of the language, and loved its lilt.
Why should we care about the diversity of Curaçao, and the way in which the island embraces it? As a public school teacher in one of the most ethnically diverse schools in the U.S., I see on a daily basis the wonderful things that come from people of different backgrounds mixing in a true and open way, and have been excited to read the recent studies showing the effectiveness of diverse groups in creating higher quality work than homogenous ones.
In fact, the connectedness and respect I observed in Curaçao was so profound that it made me realize, ashamed, how used to casual racism I’ve become in my own country. Subtle but powerful parts of communication such as eye contact and tone of voice hold messages, and everywhere I looked in Curaçao, those messages were of honor and respect across ethnicities.
Again, I was only on the island for a short time, so I am very curious to hear your take on this topic, if you have experience!
3. Ocean beach rainbows.
Turning from the land to the sea, let us sing praise for Curaçao’s beaches! Unlike the miles-long, straight beaches of other parts of the Caribbean, Curaçao’s salty delight derives from nook beaches, curved like loving arms.
This means that you can tour seven different beaches in half a day, each hidden down a different road and with a distinct character, each feeling intimate and welcoming because of its curves, and each more beautiful than the last.
I will never forget the moment I stepped out of the car and onto Kenepa Grandi beach: bright azure water as far as the eye could see, undulating with Curaçao’s happy rainbow of humanity.
I burst into tears.
“THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!” I hollered. Gazing at these photos, think you might feel the same?
4. A rainbow of activities and eats.
As a busy gal, I’m always on the lookout for “Easy Win Destinations” — places that have a LOT to offer in a small, easily navigable radius. Further, as a travel-writer, I love learning of spots I can confidently recommend to readers. Curaçao fits the bill for both! The island is AWESOME.
First, there’s the walkability, positive energy, and beauty of Willemstad. From my ideally-situated hotel, the Renaissance Curaçao (note: that affiliate link supports this site at no cost to you) I could wander easily to countless restaurants and shops of all types and price ranges, and sit by the stupendous bridge and waterfront of the town, drinking in the sights.
In particular, I loved how the city has a life of its own. It is not a hollow playground for tourists like some towns have become, but rather, locals mix fluidly with visitors, and the culture of Curaçao is vibrant. One solo night-time stroll I took along the waterfront, I passed a soccer match that was playing on a large screen. The city had set up bleachers in front, and on them, a rainbow of humanity was picnicking and cheering together!
Outside of the bustle of Willemstad, Curaçao offers a cornucopia of vibes — from farm countryside, to beach resorts, to cliffs and cacti landscapes — in its wee 171 square miles. The Curacao Tourist Board has a great activity planning site for you to easily find and sort attractions to match with what makes you happiest. Teaser: One activity includes ostriches, and one features trees painted like octopi.
In conclusion…
Before this trip, Curaçao wasn’t on my mental map. Silly me, I had no idea how much the island had to offer. Now it’s clear!
Over the next few months, I will be publishing many more Curaçao articles, because there’s so much to say… and I’ve got 1,500 photos to prove it.
So what about you? Have you been to Curaçao? What did you do, and what were your thoughts? If you haven’t been yet, does it interest you? Do share!
Want more? Check out my #1 travel destination from 2015, and 2011’s list of best cities of world travel!
I was a guest of the charming and kind Curacao Tourist Board, but all rainbow obsessions and opinions are my own.
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Ossandra Lewis Nieuw says
April 26, 2019 at 7:35 amHi dear people.
Thank you all For your honest weitings. Love you all.
I was Born in and live in Curacao. I love it every day. I love it every time more when I come home from trips to Europe, the Caribbean, USA or South America. I allways enjoy it when I travel abroad. I am allways happy to come back home. I have lived my first 40 years on earth on Otrobanda. That is the west part of Willemstad, our town, which is divided in Punda and Otrobanda because of St Anna bay. The swinging bridge and free ferry’s connect the town parts. My forner Otrobanda home is now on Airbnb. Our guests from all over the world love our Apartments and the prime location. They also enjoy staying in this as a monument. Otrobanda has 60% of the Monumental of Curacao. Which as you mentioned is on the UNESCO world Heritage list. I am every day in my shop Curacao Creations in Otrobanda. Because I love Otrobanda so much. Come and enjoy Curacao!
Ossandra Lewis Nieuw
Lillie Marshall says
April 29, 2019 at 7:53 amThanks so much for your lovely comment, Ossandra!
Christy says
March 5, 2019 at 3:45 pmLovely photos! I’d never even heard of this island until a week ago when my husband suggested a carribean getaway and I started doing some research. Can you please help me with the correct pronunciation of Curacao??
Lillie Marshall says
March 5, 2019 at 9:32 pmThanks, Cristy, and glad you found this! Curaçao is pronounced: Cure-ah-souw. Good luck with your trip planning!
Lisa says
January 3, 2019 at 2:42 pmI’m heading to Curacao in February, staying at the Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort which is about a 15 minute drive from the main town. I can’t find much about how much cabs cost. Any recollection?
Lillie Marshall says
January 6, 2019 at 5:24 pmSo exciting that you’re going! Unfortunately, I don’t remember about cab costs, but maybe other readers have insights. Alternately, perhaps email the resort? Usually they have free or low-cost shuttles to town. Have a great trip, and let us know tips you have after you go!
Andy says
February 8, 2019 at 7:35 amCabs are about $25 or $30 US and it is a flat rate on the island, no matter how far you are going. Been two years since I have been there so it may have gone up. However most of the hotels have daily shuttle runs in to Willemstad for free, you just have to be at the pickup spot at a specific time.
Lillie Marshall says
February 8, 2019 at 7:40 amThanks so much for the information, Andy! Very helpful.
Barbara DePoy Farb says
March 3, 2019 at 2:52 pmBe aware that traffic is extremely congested in and out of the city center of Willemstad at morning and afternoon times as there is only one main road. I’d double the estimates of the travel time, if you have any reservations for an attraction, triple at peak times. Taxis are available but aren’t always prompt when called or scheduled.
Lillie Marshall says
March 3, 2019 at 2:55 pmThanks for this tip! Very good to keep in mind.
Barbara DePoy Farb says
March 3, 2019 at 3:55 pmAndy’s reply about cabs being a flat rate is not what we have heard from friends. A fifty dollar cab fare from Willemstad to Jan Thiel is not unheard of at peak times. We usually rent a car for the week at about $300 as we go out to beaches and restaurants so often.
Lillie Marshall says
March 3, 2019 at 4:00 pmGot it! The freedom of renting a car can be invaluable!
Hannah says
July 28, 2018 at 8:20 pmThese photos are stunning! How is the island for families with young kids?
Lillie says
July 28, 2018 at 10:37 pmThank you! It’s such a beautiful place. I traveled Curaçao alone, but have two young kids of my own, so my judgement is that it would be an excellent place for a family vacation due to its friendliness, diversity of activities, and beauty. Keep us posted, if you end up going, on how it is with your kids. Wishing you a wonderful trip, wherever you go!
Lynn Foy says
July 19, 2018 at 2:04 amWow beautiful images you shared!! This is completely new for me but now I am so excited to visit this place. Most probably my next vacation will be there.
Yana says
March 18, 2018 at 6:50 pmHi, love your pictures!!!!
I’ve been trying to get my husband to go here for over a year now
I was wondering, how are the food prices there? I know you said there’s something for every budget, are there more “expensive” nice restaurants or more low key places? How much would you say is a typical lunch or dinner in USD?
Thanks for all your help, just trying to see how much money we will spend there
Lillie says
March 18, 2018 at 9:05 pmAh, glad the photos are helping encourage your dream vacation! There is absolutely a range of prices for food, as well as accommodations. (Google around and you’ll find lots of reviews and specifics.) In my experience, the biggest expense can be the plane flight to the island, but one tip is that there are often very affordable flights to Aruba, and you can separately purchase one of the inexpensive hourly inter-island flights to Curaçao from there. Have a wonderful trip if you get to go, and report back!
Ethlyn Wolstenholme says
May 4, 2019 at 9:12 amHi, thank you for your objective analysis of Curaçao. In response to the question on food/meal prices on the island, it can vary like the diversity of skin tones that you mentioned in your article depending on the where you buy it. It can be a “sneks” pronounced as snacks where you can buy croquettes and sandwiches for a couple of guilders to high end restaurants like BijBlouw, Boase, various ones in Pietermaai where you can get international cuisine including Vegan and Vegetarian options. You can also find local cuisine at the open market in Punda.
Lillie Marshall says
May 6, 2019 at 4:59 pmGreat response, Ethlyn! Thanks for taking the time to respond!
Christl says
February 25, 2018 at 8:03 pmLilie, I’m so happy to hear you had a wondeful time on my” Dushi” Island.
Curacao as you mentioned is very diverse. It has always been a refuge for other countries and island when their economies were suffering. In the last 40 years we had Colombians, Surinamies, Guyanese, Hatians, Dominicans and lately Venezualans as part of the continues growing diversity and history of our “Dushi Korsow” or Sweet Curacao. All the above mentioned imigrants of those Countries were given Emnasty to register and become legal productive members of our community. I can only hope that the Gov. of Curacao, can offer this same compassionate solution to our brothers of Venezuela soon.
For future Curacao visitors, don’t be surprised to run into these newcomers on the island. Especially when they don’t dominate the 4 languages ( Papiamentu, Dutch, English & Spanish) as most of the locals do. The four languages are also official to Curacao.
Thank you for your wonderful article.
My Kindest regards,
Christl Hart
Part Jewish- Arowak-African- Dutch
100% “Yu di Korsow” or 100% Child of Curacao
Lillie says
February 25, 2018 at 9:03 pmChristl,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely comment, and thank you for all your island does!
Maggie May says
February 8, 2018 at 9:56 amHi there!
Doing some research on where I can find some respite after this cold Canadian winter, can you recommended Curacao for a solo female traveller? I can’t drive manual transmission, would I be able to rent an automatic car? Would I need a car for the entire trip duration (1 week). I’m trying to make this cheap as possible. Any recommendations for a cheap place to stay? Cheap eats? Or, at least try to make this as budget as possible. I’d really just like to sit on a beach and eat haha. Thanks for any info!!
Lillie says
February 8, 2018 at 10:04 amHi Maggie,
Sounds like you’re planning an awesome trip! I traveled to Curacao alone (yay for solo female travel!) and felt great walking alone, even at night, though one must always use caution in any part of the world. I stayed here — https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/2017/12/09/curacao-hotel/ which often has really affordable deals, and is right in the center of Willemstad, so it was great for being on my own. There were plenty of places to eat for all budgets in town. Regarding a car, I wonder if you could hire a taxi, person, or shared vehicle to take you on day excursions, perhaps even though the hotel? I just published a round up of my 3 favorite beaches of the island — https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/2018/02/07/curacao-beaches/ — and they are all within an hour’s drive of Willemstad. Keep us posted on what you choose and how it goes, but I do highly recommend Curacao!!!
Maggie May says
February 8, 2018 at 12:49 pmHi, I booked my flight. I couldn’t resist especially after looking at your photos!
Unfortunately the hotel you stayed in is out of my budget. How did you manage to get them to sponsor your stay? Haha. I would like to give it a try :P
Also looking into the car rental for a portion of the stay so I can check out the beaches. Do you recommend I stay out by the beaches for a couple days to get an urban + nature experience of the island?
Thanks again!
Lillie says
February 8, 2018 at 1:13 pmEeeii! I sincerely hope the island lives up to the photos! I think it will and can’t wait to hear about your trip.
Sorry my hotel recommendation wasn’t a fit. I looked recently and they were having a big promotion, but maybe it’s getting into high season. Regarding your question about press trips, I have a long answer, but the short one is that I’ve been blogging for nine years straight now, and have built enough of a readership to offer value to partners, so it’s a long road, but an enjoyable one.
As for staying by the beaches, that could be a good option. I spent the whole time in Willemstad (which I think is worth at least two nights), but I bet you could find some affordable, tranquil places to stay in the northwest beaches. Just make sure to clarify transport if the accommodations are a drive from a beach.
Have a WONDERFUL trip, and please do be in touch with updated recommendations for travelers from your point of view!
RENAISSANCE CURACAO RESORT & CASINO says
February 8, 2018 at 12:58 pmHi Maggie,
We are happy you are considering Curacao as an option and know that we are ideal for solo travelers, as Lillie mentioned in her response.
Renaissance Curaçao Resort and Casino boasts a Caribbean resort experience unlike any other. One that masterfully blends authentic island ambiance with modern style and sophistication. Day and night, under the personal guidance of Renaissance R Navigators, guests are inspired to Sip, Savor, See and Shop the best of everything that Curaçao has to offer.
From the property’s storied past – the resort is built in and around the historic Rif Fort, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to its new shopping, dining and entertainment options – including Renaissance Mall and the 15,000 sq. ft. Carnival Casino – you will be immersed in a vibrant and colorful dreamland filled with discovery.
We have in house car rental and tour services which can assist with which ever choice you make and are happy to give you recommendations on Island activities.
Feel free to send us an email with your dates and room requirements at: marketing@curacaorenaissance.com and will be happy to assist in helping you book that “Get Away From the Cold” vacation.
In the meantime, we invite you to visit our social media pages to get to know the Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino:
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenaissanceCuracao
and
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rencuracao
Look forward to hear from you and welcome you soon to the Renaissance Curacao.
Regards
Zascha says
August 23, 2017 at 1:10 pmCuraçao looks like an amazing destination, the photos are gorgeous and if the culture is vibrant then, it most definitely be on my bucket-list the places to visit.
Izy Berry says
August 20, 2017 at 3:50 pmWOOOW!! Is that place even real? Everything is so bright and colorful! I love how you perfectly describe Curaçao as being vibrant because it absolutely is. Would love to see more posts about this beautiful island.
Lillie says
August 20, 2017 at 5:25 pmThank you! They’re coming soon!
Glenda Ottenheim Vinck says
August 17, 2017 at 11:39 pmThank you all for all these nice comments. Although not born here, i’ve been living here for about 65 years. And I can tell you: it’s an every day vacation lifestyle.
Lillie says
August 18, 2017 at 1:27 pmSo good to hear!
Heidi Siefkas says
August 16, 2017 at 5:39 pmWow! Curaçao wasn’t on my list yet, but now it is. My adventure list still keeps growing, but I keep going back to Cuba. I fell in love five years ago. Like your post, it has amazing color contrasts, wonderful arts, ommmazing Caribbean waters, and so much more than just the convertible cars.
Dave M. says
August 13, 2017 at 3:56 pmThanks for teaching me about Curação’s interesting history! One of my favorite baseball players growing up (Andruw Jones) grew up there. And vibrant pics as always!
Lillie says
August 13, 2017 at 3:57 pmOh my gosh — Andruw Jones is from Curaçao?! Ahhh!
Jenna says
August 13, 2017 at 12:15 pmI’ve been curious about Curacao for a while but now it’s definitely on my wish list. Looks amazing, and that water is gorgeous!
Lisa Walthers says
August 11, 2017 at 1:32 pmMy family and I visited Curacao for the first this year (we’re from Canada) and we loved it just as much!
One thing that stood out even more than the amazing beaches were the people and how kind and helpful they were! We too stayed at the Renaissance and thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Looking forward to going back again soon!
@mediagirlottawa
Lillie says
August 11, 2017 at 10:33 pmYES, people in Curaçao are SO NICE!!!
Monique Hagen-Veeris says
August 11, 2017 at 11:08 amLovely article about my beautiful island. Thank you so much Lillie. We are a unique island in the Caribbean and still undiscovered by many. So I’m sure that your article will open the way for travelers looking for a special destination to come and experience Curaçao. My only remark is that the art on the picture is not local art. The people selling this ‘art’ are usually not local people either…. You did discover a nice authentic piece of street art in Punda. For your next visit, hook up with Avantia Damberg. She does art walk tours in Punda and Scharloo. Looking forward to your future articles.
Lillie says
August 11, 2017 at 11:49 amThanks for this feedback! I have switched out the photo for the heart one. I strive for accuracy, and appreciate your help! Great tip on the art walk, too.
Benny Plaisier says
August 11, 2017 at 6:10 amThank you for the great comments about my island; you must have visited a lot of other countries as well and maybe gotten a little mixed up, as the ‘colorful art’ picture definitely is NOT from Curacao… Wish we had snowy mountains sometimes, as living here all year on my beautiful tropical island sometimes the heat will get to you!
Lillie says
August 11, 2017 at 8:06 amHi Benny,
Thanks for your comment, but I promise I took each and every photo in Curaçao! I was trying to figure out what your comment was talking about, and then realized: the blue roof of the stall with the sun shining on it looks like mountains on some screens, even though it’s just a sheet of plastic! You are absolutely correct that there are no snowy mountains in Curaçao, but there sure are blue tarps! :) Hope this clears up any confusion. I’m always open to edits and revisions for accuracy and clarity.
Lillie says
August 11, 2017 at 11:50 amHi Benny,
After getting several other reader questions about that photo, I have switched it out for the heart photo. Thanks for weighing in!
Glenda Ottenheim-Vinck says
August 11, 2017 at 2:51 amThis is the island I’ve been living in now for more than 6o years and I can guarantee you that I love Curacao each day more than the day before. Thank you for this positive way of enjoying Curacao.
Lillie says
August 11, 2017 at 11:52 amYay!