Think of any Caribbean island. The beach is probably the first thought that comes to mind.

But the island of Curacao — a member of the ABC islands along with Aruba and Bonaire — is different. Yes, there are plenty of beaches on the island, and Curacao is known for its scuba diving. But, there is so much more history and heritage to be explored.

Located off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao was a part of the Netherlands Antilles until 2010. The island is today a country within the Kingdom of Netherlands.

View Curacao in a larger map

Attractions

• Downtown Willemstad/Handelskade
• Floating Market
• Serena Art Gallery
• Nena Sanchez Art Gallery
• Curasub at Substation Curaçao
• Aloe Vera Farm
• Dinah Veeris Herb Garden (Den Paradera)
• HATO caves
• Christoffel Park
• Shette Boka
• Boka Tabla
• Blue Cave
• Ostrich Farm
• Blue Curaçao Liqueur Factory (Chobolobo Liqueur Factory)
• Museum Kura Hulanda
• Dolphin Academy and Sea Aquarium
• Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
• Queen Emma Bridge
• Saint Anna Bay
• Queen Juliana Bridge
• Numismatic Museum
• Fort Church Museum
• Maritime Museum
• Postal Museum

Commentary

• Oh, the banana soup, March 8, 2012
• Good Eats: The Old Market, Oct. 2, 2011
• When in Curacao, make time for a museum, June 11, 2011

Island News

• Magazine selects Curaçao as a ‘Honeymoon Hot Spot, Feb. 8, 2012
• Five tips for a successful trip to Curacao, Oct. 8, 2011
• Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival lineup announced, May 16, 2011
• Airline launching new Charlotte-Curaçao service, May 12, 2011
• Curacao has history and culture, not just beaches, March 24, 2011