Willemstad

A walk to the vibrant Punda quarter is a great way to begin your journey in Curaçao. Crossing the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge already guarantees stunning views, and there is more to take in once you reach the waterfront, which is a UNESCO heritage site. Allegedly, he parade of colours is due to a former governor, who was convinced that the glaring white buildings were triggering his headaches, so he had them repainted. An iconic example is the yellow Baroque building of Penha, which today houses duty-free stores.

Featuring an ample selection of artefacts and African artwork, the Kura Hulanda Museum presents the centuries-long history of transatlantic slave trade, and shows how it shaped society and culture in the Caribbean. Situated in the eponymous district adorned with colonial buildings — now hosting an array of hotels and eateries — it provides a profound cultural immersion.

If it's a holiday by the sea you have planned for Curaçao, nearby and well-equipped Mambo Beach must be on your list. Its famous Mambo Beach Boulevard has an excellent selection of shops and restaurants for a little break in the shade. Nearby, you'll find the Sea Aquarium, which makes for a great family programme, and the adjacent public beach, Marie Pampoen Beach, is a great place to end the day with a quiet stroll.

A landmark of historical value, where you can learn about the many flavours and production of the world-famous Genuine Curaçao Liqueur. In operation since the 19th century, the distillery today has a cocktail bar and gift shop, and offers tasting events and various guided tours. The orange-flavoured blue variety is a must when you're visiting Curaçao, but this place is proof that there is a lot more to explore.

With cliffs sculpted by the sea and dotted by inlets (known as boka), Shete Boka National Park covers 10 kilometres of coastline at the northern tip of the island and is a perfect destination for lover of the great outdoors. There are several trails for hikers, but the park is also accessible by car. Highlights include the sea turtle nesting sites and an underground cavern.

A paradise for street art enthusiasts, Curaçao dazzles with its colourful stairs and three-dimensional murals. The island's lush nature and diverse history provide an endless source of inspiration for brightening Willemstad's already vibrant cityscape. The alleyways of Otrabanda are a hotspot for these murals, but the streets of the Pietermaai, Punda, and Scharloo quarters also offer plenty of artistic treasures.

A short drive east of Willemstad, Curaçao Ostrich Farm offers informative guided tours to explore the wildlife of Africa. There's a restaurant with signature African dishes, a playground, a souvenir shop and exciting evening activities on Fridays. It's also worth stopping at nearby Serena's Art Factory, where you can buy some of the famous Chichi dolls or even craft your own.

The name translates as little Curaçao and refers to a small, uninhabited island around 25 km from Curaçao. Discovered in the late 19th century and exploited by Europeans for its rich phosphate resources, the island today is sought after for its secluded beaches washed by the clear azure sea. Several tour operators are available to organise your boat trip and complement it with a variety of services.