Curaçao: The Gem of the ABC Islands

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Shelley Malloy
Curated By

Shelley Malloy

  • Curaçao

  • All-Inclusive Travel

  • Boutique Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • Beaches

  • Arts & Culture

  • Solo Travel

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Coastal

The image reveals a rugged coastline with cliffs against a vibrant blue ocean and a partly cloudy sky.
Curator’s statement

Curaçao is just off the coast of Venezuela and is the largest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). It is similar to Aruba but without too much westernization and still has a very local feel. I enjoy this island for its stunning water, friendly people and great food scene. It’s great for a romantic getaway or as a solo or girls' trip if you want to unwind and relax. It's also a great location for diving. Curaçao is below the hurricane belt and doesn’t get direct hits from hurricanes. The weather is usually warm with a frequent breeze from the tradewinds.

The Fora Difference

Book with Shelley to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

[object Object]
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

[object Object]
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

[object Object]
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Curaçao

Avila Beach Hotel Curacao

Island Curaçao style meets contemporary chic at this three-wing, beachfront hotel.

Sandals Royal Curaçao

Experience the ultimate Caribbean escape at Sandals Royal Curaçao, where luxury, romance and natural beauty intertwine in perfect harmony.

Baoase Luxury Resort

Luxury resort tucked into the lush nature of Curaçao featuring private villas and suites as well as bespoke service offerings, local exploration and adventure.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Unlock perks by contacting Shelley to book your trip.

Things to do in Curaçao

A picture of people having fun by the beach during the daytime.

Curaçao has some breathtaking beaches however it's important to note that the more populated side of the island has a rocky coastline and beaches on this side of the island are man-made. Mambo Beach and Jan Theil Beach are the larger public man-made beaches that also have a party scene on the weekends.

If you travel to the other side of the island, you will find natural beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water.

  • Playa Kenepa/Grote Knip

  • Cas Abao Beach

  • Porto Marie Beach

  • Playa Lagun

Curacao is home to the Kura Hulanda Museum. This museum is full of artifacts and history of the slave trade and Diaspora. It can be heavy but worth a visit. The museum is located in a small merchant village where you can find art boutiques, clothing and accessories shops as well as food, snacks and drink.

Also check out the Curacao factory where the original blue Curaçao liqueur is made, the aquarium, Children’s Museum, Jewish Heritage Museum and the Maritime Museum.

Places to eat & drink in Curaçao

The image presents an elegantly outdoor restaurant setting a dining table with rustic decorations.

If you want a taste of local cuisine but don’t want to leave the city center, visit Marsche Bieuw. This food hall is full of food stalls where you can purchase a plate from the local food vendors

Bklyn is my favorite restaurant in Curacao, it is an entire vibe from the calming interior to the music playing (old school hip hop and R&B). The owner and staff are very friendly, and the food and craft cocktails are delish!!

Kome is another great restaurant. The menu is very eclectic, and the food was amazing. Make sure you save room for dessert; they make their own ice cream!

Need to know

Getting Around
Willemstad is walkable for the most part but you will need to take a taxi from the airport. Leaving the airport there is always a queue of taxis waiting. Although there is no Uber or Lyft in Curacao, they do have a taxi app. If you download the 24-7 Taxi Curacao app you can order and schedule taxis. By using the app you can choose if you want a driver that accepts credit cards. Taxi’s are expensive for everyday use in Curacao, if you plan on doing a lot of exploring, you should consider renting a car. Often times the cost per day for a car can be the same as one trip in a taxi.

Currency
The official currency of Curacao is the Antillean Guilder. The US Dollar is accepted just about everywhere but if you want to pay in local currency, you would most likely need to withdraw the money from an ATM once you arrive as US Banks typically don’t carry the Guilder.

Language
The official language of Curacao is Papamientu. However formally the language is Dutch, and most people speak English, Spanish and Portuguese on the island.

Advisor - Shelley Malloy

Travel Advisor

Shelley Malloy

Get in touch with Shelley

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Shelley within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Curaçao. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Wendy Ritter's guide, Curaçao: A Sun Soaked Culinary Paradise.