Curacao trip | Car trip Curacao at its best

Curaçao is an island in the Caribbean which, together with Aruba and Bonaire, forms part of the ‘ABC’ island group. Whilst most travellers visit Curaçao during a short stopover on a Caribbean cruise, those who dig a little deeper will discover a vibrant cultural melting pot, complete with Dutch colonial architecture and delicious Creole cuisine.
On the eastern side of the island lies the bustling capital, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Willemstad, adorned with pastel-coloured houses and cobbled squares full of wonderful shops, fascinating museums and charming little cafés. Travellers seeking less hustle and bustle and more tranquillity can head to the west side, with its beautiful hills, picturesque houses, secluded bays and charming old fishing villages. Whether you’re looking for idyllic secluded beaches, a vibrant cultural scene or one of the best scuba diving spots in the world, you’re sure to find everything you could possibly wish for on this colourful Caribbean island paradise.

Situated on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, Willemstad serves as the capital and largest city of the Netherlands Antilles. This historic city is renowned for its colourful Dutch colonial architecture and its historic old town, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santa Anna Bay divides the city into two distinct areas: Punda and Otrobanda.
Must-see attractions include: the floating market from Venezuela, the Chobolobo Country House, which outlines the production process of Curaçao liqueur, Plasa Bieu for an authentic Curaçaoan lunch, and the Kura Hulanda Museum. At the Kura Hulanda Museum, you’ll gain an impressive insight into the Transatlantic slave trade in its entirety, from the capture of slaves in Africa, through their shipment, to their resettlement in the New World. You will also see how Africans, together with their cultural heritage, have influenced Curaçao and societies across the Caribbean right up to the present day.

Westpunt is a small town on the westernmost point of Curaçao. Close to the beach of the same name, the town is known for its excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. Visitors can swim among brightly coloured fish, turtles and dolphins; explore lush tropical areas; and sun under palm trees on powdery white sand. The nearby Shete Boka park offers a natural wonderland to explore with its limestone cliffs, spectacular vistas and incredible caves.

Located on the south-west coast of Curaçao, between Punda and Nieu Nederland, Pietermaai is a vibrant, fun district known for its thriving culinary scene and rich heritage. Live music venues, first-class restaurants and boutique hotels make it the obvious choice for visitors with a penchant for entertainment, and the area is known for being easy to walk around. With its roots in the early 18th century, the city is dotted with heritage architecture, with many buildings transformed into trendy lounges and art galleries. Pietermaai is also a phenomenal centre for street art, with most buildings covered in brightly coloured murals, providing a funky and inspiring destination for artists, graffiti enthusiasts and photographers. Picturesque Waaigat Bay also offers a perfect spot for waterfront postcards, boat rides and photographs.

The village of Lagun is situated in the north-west of Curaçao, along the west coast of this picturesque Caribbean island. It is home to an incredibly beautiful beach in a narrow bay fringed by rocks and overlooking the local bungalows. Visitors can look forward to excellent snorkelling opportunities where they can spot a variety of marine life, including green sea turtles. Other highlights include: sampling the local cuisine at a seaside restaurant, scuba diving in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and exploring the collection of picturesque coves in the nearby Shete Boka National Park. Don’t miss the chance to explore the spectacular west coast, dotted with picturesque beaches such as Kleine Knip, Playa Jeremi and Playa Santa Cruz.