{"id":4676,"date":"2019-03-18T23:59:30","date_gmt":"2019-03-18T22:59:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casaborita.com\/?p=4676"},"modified":"2020-08-26T17:30:23","modified_gmt":"2020-08-26T15:30:23","slug":"a-guide-to-discover-the-candy-colored-island-of-curacao","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casaborita.com\/en\/travel\/a-guide-to-discover-the-candy-colored-island-of-curacao\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to discover the candy-colored island of Cura\u00e7ao"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Imagine a place where the sun shines almost every day of the year. A place surrounded by pristine blue waters, dozens of white sandy beaches and where the buildings are painted in every color of the rainbow. Where the days end with the most gorgeous sunsets and the nights start with an ice cold drink during happy hour. Well, you don\u2019t have to imagine because this place really exists and it is called Cura\u00e7ao.<\/p>\r\n

Good to know about Cura\u00e7ao<\/h3>\r\n

Location<\/h4>\r\n

Cura\u00e7ao is an island in the Caribbean, and forms an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Cura\u00e7ao is located in the south of the Caribbean Sea, just above Venezuela.<\/p>\r\n

The island is easily accessible, with several international flights. I have visited Cura\u00e7ao from both Europe and the United States, with direct flights from Amsterdam and Miami.<\/p>\r\n

History<\/h4>\r\n

Cura\u00e7ao has been inhabitated since more or less 2500 years BC, and the first people to live here were called Arawaks. The Spanish conquered Cura\u00e7ao in 1499 and brought new animals and plant species to the island. They lost interest soon though as the land had very little natural resources, and left.<\/p>\r\n

The Dutch however, did take an interest in Cura\u00e7ao because of the natural port formed in the channel of the Saint Anna Bay. The Dutch claimed Cura\u00e7ao as theirs in 1636, and turned it into the Caribbeans largest trading post for slaves.<\/p>\r\n

The United Kingdom invaded Cura\u00e7ao in 1800, and returned it to the Dutch in 1816, making it an official Dutch colony. The island was ruled by one governor, that also ruled five other Dutch Caribbean islands. These six islands would later form a nation together called Netherlands Antilles, with Willemstad as the capital.<\/p>\r\n

After several referendums on each island, it was decided that Netherlands Antilles would no longer exist as a nation after 10 October 2010. Cura\u00e7ao opted to continue as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands.<\/p>\r\n

\"Cura\u00e7ao<\/p>\r\n

Language<\/h4>\r\n

Due to its international history, today the Cura\u00e7aoan people are true polyglots. The official languages of Cura\u00e7ao are Dutch and Papiamentu, a local dialect which is a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English, French and some African influences.<\/p>\r\n

English and especially Spanish are very widely spoken as well, and many signs and menus are written in those two languages after Dutch. You almost can\u2019t go wrong with languages in Cura\u00e7ao!<\/p>\r\n

Currency<\/h4>\r\n

The local currency of Cura\u00e7ao is called Netherlands Antilles Guilder, often abbreviated to NAF in Dutch. However, the Netherlands Antilles Guilder is pegged to the American Dollar and almost every business accepts this currency as well.<\/p>\r\n

How to get around<\/h4>\r\n

Unless you are okay with just staying in your resort area, I would recommend renting a car. I always do that when I am in Cura\u00e7ao, and it\u2019s really the best because it enables you to explore the whole island.<\/p>\r\n

During my last visist, I rented with Autoverhuur Willemstad. The are not located at the airport unfortunately but they do bring the car to your location and their drop off service is amazing too. Very transparent about deposit as well, so I highly recommend Willemstad.<\/p>\r\n

If you do prefer to pick and drop off the car at the airport, then I’ve been told that Jansen Car Rental is a good one as well.<\/p>\r\n

\"Cura\u00e7ao<\/p>\r\n

Where to stay<\/h4>\r\n

In my opinion, the best locations to stay in Cura\u00e7ao are Willemstad, Seaquarium Beach and Jan Thiel Beach. The reason why I say this is because these areas all combine resorts, beaches, restaurants and nightlife.<\/p>\r\n

However, if you rent a car during your complete stay, then it honestly doesn\u2019t really matter where you are staying on the island because the driving distances are quite short.<\/p>\r\n

I don\u2019t have any personal hotel recommendations, but I have friends\/family that have good experiences with Avila, Hilton, Saint Tropez, Scuba Lodge, Papagayo and Lions Dive.<\/p>\r\n

Local tips and tricks<\/h4>\r\n