The “C” in the ABC islands, Curaçao features historic settlements, rugged landscapes and plenty of fun in the sun. Curaçao’s main port city, Willemstad, is what an Old World European city would look like if someone dropped it in the Caribbean. The brightly painted Dutch colonial buildings reflect pinks, yellows and blues into the cerulean St. Anna Bay. Once you leave the city, the landscape shifts to a desert scene, with spiny aloe and mesquite sprouting from atop weathered limestone cliffs.
But Curaçao’s real draw is the beach. Picture-perfect bays and coves flank the island, their turquoise waters lapping gently against powdery white sand. Curaçao’s reefs teem with marine life, providing excellent underwater playgrounds for scuba divers and snorkelers. Best of all, the semi-arid island is sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic’s hurricane season. Gentle trade winds keep temperatures in the mid-80s, so you can enjoy the outdoors year-round.
The best time to visit Curaçao is from May to November, during the off-peak season. During these months, you’ll find the lowest airfares and hotel rates, with rooms often priced up to 50 percent lower than they are in the high season. Plus, you won’t be vying for beach chairs with throngs of other vacationers. What’s more, Curaçao doesn’t suffer the wrath of hurricane season. Curaçao’s weather tends to be sunny even throughout the months that other Caribbean islands experience torrential rains. Only 12 degrees north of the equator, Curaçao’s average temperature rests in the mid-80s all year. Most vacationers head to Curaçao between December and April, causing hotel rates and airfare to skyrocket.
The best way to get around Curaçao is by car. Some of Curaçao’s hotels offer area shuttles, and the public buses cover the majority island, but service is infrequent. If you want to explore the island on your own time, then you’ll want your own set of wheels. Taxis are available from Curaçao’s major airport, Hato International Airport (CUR), about 8 miles northwest of Willemstad. However, cabs can be expensive, especially if you are planning on using them frequently.
