THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CURACAO

The sparkling clear waters of Curacao, just like the more famous nearby Aruba, are an excellent place to scuba dive, snorkel and swim. Along with Bonaire, they make up the Dutch-owned ABC islands and enjoy balmy temperatures outside of the hurricane belt.

Along with idyllic, secluded beaches and luxurious hotels, Curacao is also home to many different must-see attractions that give it a distinctly European flair underneath the Caribbean sun.

Here are the best things to explore on Curacao:

Tour Willemstad Historic Buildings

Curacao’s capital city, Willemstad, is full of Dutch colonial architecture and fascinating buildings, including The Fortchurch. This beautiful sunny yellow structure is the oldest church on the island and dates back to 1769. Look inside to see the original pulpit and Governors bench, made from solid mahogany, and take the opportunity to tour the small collection of exhibits from life on the island in the 1600s and beyond. The Fortchurch living monument is just a short minute walk from the uber-trendy Bijblauw Boutique Hotel, restaurant and concept store.

Cross the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge

All of Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why among the candy-colored buildings lining the water where Queen Emma floating pontoon bridge swings open and closed each day.

Don’t worry if you miss a crossing just wait a little while and “the old lady,” as she is known, will soon swing back into place allowing pedestrians to cross the water.

Built-in 1888, the bridge connects the neighborhoods of Punda and Otrobanda. From here you are just a short drive from The Avila Beach Hotel, a beautiful oceanfront property.

See the Colorful Handelskade

This waterfront strip of colorful buildings in Punda is one of the most photographed places in Curacao and speaks to the Dutch heritage of the island.

See it in the daylight to capture all those pretty pastels and then come back for another look at nighttime when the cafes and restaurants are illuminated by the twinkling lights on the Queen Emma pontoon bridge.

Then head to the beach by jumping in a taxi for a short drive to the... click here for the rest of this article