Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Curaçao
Overview
Curaçao (say “cure-a-sow”) is the larg-
IN THIS CHAPTER
A Brief History 211
Official Business 214
Unique Celebrations 214
Getting to Curaçao 217
Leaving Curaçao 218
Getting Around 219
Touring the Island 221
Adventures on Water 244
Adventures on Land
est and busiest of the island group and
a multi-cultural leader in the southern Ca-
ribbean. More than 150,000 residents from
50 nations call the long, narrow island
home. Its close proximity to the Venezue-
lan coast results in a mix of lusty Latin
flair, easy-going Caribbean charm, venera-
ble African heritage, and contemporary
European sophistication. The local dialect,
Papiamento, is a blend of languages, in-
cluding Dutch, Spanish, English, Portu-
guese and several African idioms.
The United Nations Educational, Scien-
tific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) honored the capital city,
Willemstad, by designating it a World Her-
itage Site because of its striking Dutch colonial architecture. Among the
most treasured buildings is the oldest continually operating synagogue in
the Western Hemisphere, a centuries-old Protestant church, and a half-
dozen early Dutch fortresses.
Upscale shops filled with fine European imports line pedestrian-only
streets in colorful Willemstad. Shoppers look for bargains at the open-air
markets, and discover great buys on locally made treasures in whimsical
galleries. After dark, visitors join locals at restaurants featuring cuisine
from a dozen countries, then try their luck at the elegant casinos or dance
to live music at one of the many nightclubs.
The countryside draws travelers with historic plantation houses, a rugged
national park, miles of picturesque beaches, and a new championship golf
course. Divers and snorkelers spend time exploring the sea creatures that
live on close-in underwater reefs and wrecks. Eco-tourists investigate
caves, ride horseback through nature reserves, and hike along the craggy
cliffs of the northwest coast.
254
Shopping
256
Where to Stay
257
Where to Eat
267
Nightlife
276
Island Facts
& Contacts
278
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