Curaçao: colorful island & tropical beaches

5-7 minuten

Do you also long for the warmth of the sun during the cold winter months? Well … Curacao is only one flight away. Think of cheerful colors and lively streets full of cool street art in Willemstad, the relaxed vibes at the trendy beach clubs of Jan Thiel, chilling at Mambo Beach and the rugged, untouched nature of Westpunt. And of course the super clear Spanish Water on the east side cannot be missed: a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. In this blog I will take you along the coolest hotspots and share the best insider tips of the island.

Willemstad: Colorful, creative and full of flavor

When you arrive in Willemstad, you are immediately hit by an explosion of colors. You walk up the iconic Handelskade and BAM … brightly colored houses that perfectly reflect in the water. Take a picture (or ten), because you want to relive this view over and over again. But Willemstad is so much more than just the Handelskade. Wander around Punda and Otrobanda and you will truly discover the charm of the city.

Punda – Colorful and vibrant

Punda is lively, busy, and a little chaotic in the best way: Wander through the narrow streets, past stalls with fresh fruit and cozy shops full of handmade souvenirs. The Breedestraat is the place to go shopping, where locals and tourists happily mingle. And if you like street art? Pietermaai District is your playground. This historic neighborhood, just outside the center of Punda, is full of colorful murals, trendy boutiques, and cozy restaurants. Perfect for an afternoon of getting lost and discovering. Hungry? Then be sure to stop by Plasa Bieu. This indoor food court is a feast for your taste buds. Stobá, funchi, freshly caught fish … Here you can taste the real flavors of Curaçao. Not fancy, but pure and delicious.

Otrobanda – Raw and creative

Cross the famous Pontoon Bridge to Otrobanda. Otrobanda has a rawer, yet oh so creative side. Here you will find impressive street art on almost every wall and hidden squares where locals sit and chat as if they have all the time in the world. Be sure to check out Rif Fort Village. This old fort is now a collection of shops, restaurants and bars, all with a view of the sea. Perfect for a sunset drink. In the mood for a really good coffee? Number Ten in Scharloo is a super cozy coffee shop with a beautiful garden.

Beach hopping at Jan Thiel and Mambo Beach

Fancy some sun, sea and cocktails? Then you should head to Jan Thiel Beach and Mambo Beach. Both beaches are super popular and for good reason. At Jan Thiel you will find luxury beach clubs, swimming pools and endless opportunities to snorkel or just chill on a beach bed. For example, go to Papagayo Beach Club or Zanzibar for a relaxed atmosphere with good music and delicious cocktails. Mambo Beach Boulevard is a bit more vibrant. Think of trendy beach bars, nice shops and restaurants where you can hang out all evening. Plop down at Cabana Beach or Wet & Wild Beach Club for a tropical vibe that continues until late at night.

Undiscovered beauty at Westpunt

If you prefer peace and rough nature, you should definitely go to the northwest of the island: Westpunt. Here you will find the most beautiful, quiet beaches and a completely different atmosphere.

Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi): A great white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise water. Perfect for a snorkeling session.
Kleine Knip: A smaller, cozy bay where the locals like to come. Super chill and ideal for a quiet afternoon.
Playa Piskado: Here you are guaranteed to spot turtles swimming around the fishing boats. Put on your snorkeling mask and go!
Cas Abou: A bit more furnished, nice beach bars and such, but it remains super beautiful.
Blue Bay: Has a relaxed atmosphere, good snorkeling opportunities and there is even a golf course nearby. Very versatile, ideal if you like variety.
Playa Lagun: Small but nice. This bay is surrounded by cliffs and the water is full of colorful fish.

Westpunt feels like a completely different world – rugged, pure and incredibly beautiful.

The Spanish Water & the East Side: Water Sports Paradise

On the east side of Curacao lies the Spanish Water, such a mega lagoon where you as a water sports fan will be completely happy. Whether you go sailing, kayaking, supping or just swimming, it is all possible here. You also have super cool views over the coastline and those cool villas. Really chill to sail around there with a boat. And on the way you of course stop at one of those small islands to snorkel, guaranteed enjoyment!

Day trip to Klein Curacao

If you really want to experience a tropical paradise, you need to go to Klein Curacao. This uninhabited island is about a two-hour boat ride from Curacao and is an absolute must-see. While you brave the waves, with a bit of luck, dolphins will playfully jump alongside the boat. Once you arrive, a bounty beach awaits you with snow-white sand, clear blue water and an old lighthouse that is perfect for a few cool selfies. Most people come here for a day trip, including a barbecue lunch on the beach and the chance to snorkel with turtles.

Truk’i Pan’s & Late-Night snacks: The taste of Curaçao

And it really gets good when the evening falls. Because that’s when the Truk’i Pan’s come to life! These food trucks are the places to snack in the evening and deep into the night.

Plasa Hariri (near Punda/Otrobanda): Try BBQ Express for juicy meat dishes or Arepita’s Caracas for delicious arepas.
Salina: Full of trukipans serving chicken sandwiches, fries and more. Popular with locals and tourists.
Scharloo: A bit quieter, but just as tasty. Ask for a Lomito sandwich or enjoy a sweet Arepa di Pampuna.

Truk’i Pan’s are affordable, tasty and the perfect ending to a long day of adventure.

Curaçao is alive

Climbing, scrambling, sweating: the Christoffelberg calls you to reach the top and enjoy an amazing view. Then quickly on to Willibrordus, where the pink flamingos stand relaxed on one leg as if they are posing especially for you. Then on to the lively Salina! Here you will find trendy eateries, colorful shops and those cozy evening vibes that you immediately want to join in. Curaçao is buzzing, itchy and sparkling. And you? You are of course part of that. So, when are you going to experience that adventure on Curaçao?