What to see in Curaçao: 10 must-sees

Cross the Bandabou road to Kenepa and descend over the rocks to its white sand. The cliffs frame turquoise waters so transparent that you can snorkel just a few meters from shore and see fish among the corals. From above, the lookout offers one of the most photographed views of Curaçao; below, the beach is usually quiet even in high season. Bring water and something to eat, as there are hardly any services, and stay until late: the afternoon light brings out the contrast between the limestone and the sea.

Explore Lagun Beach, a small cove northwest of Curaçao where the transparent water allows you to snorkel among corals and spot sea turtles near the rocks. Walk the pale-sand shore flanked by low cliffs, rent a kayak to paddle around the sheltered bay, and end the day with fresh fish at the oceanfront restaurants. Its gentle waves and the clarity of the seabed make it one of the favorite spots for swimming and photographing the sunset.

Visit Boka Tabla, on the Bandabou coast, where the swell pounds the cliffs and roars into the sea caves. Walk across the white sand, peer into the caverns carved by the ocean and dip under the crystal-clear water to snorkel among colorful fish. The appeal here isn't just swimming: it's hearing the thunder of waves against stone and watching water spout through the crevices. Bring water shoes, as the rocky ground is sharp, and stay into the afternoon, when golden light tints the cliffs. A must-stop inside Shete Boka National Park.

Visit Willemstad and cross the floating bridge that links its districts as you wander streets lined with houses painted in pastel shades, a legacy of 300 years of Dutch colonial history. Explore the Otrobanda district, the square, and the synagogue, one of the oldest Jewish temples in the Americas. This urban ensemble, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves that blend of European architecture and Caribbean colors that makes it unmistakable among the capitals of the Antilles.

Take in Curaçao from Christoffel Peak, the island's highest point at 372 meters, where the Caribbean Sea stretches out in every direction. Climb the trails among columnar cacti and iguanas basking on the rocks of Bandabou. Walk the park's paths at dawn, when birdwatching is most rewarding, and get close to the wild orchids and native flora of the national park. Bring water and sturdy footwear, as the final ascent calls for climbing up steep sections.

Delve into the Hato Caves, formed 200,000 years ago in the Bandabou area, west of Curaçao. Explore their underground chambers among limestone stalactites and stalagmites, watch the bat colonies that inhabit the dim light, and discover the petroglyphs attributed to the island's first Amerindian settlers. The guided tour ascends via stairs to the entrance, reveals inner lakes, and explains how water dissolved the coral limestone over millennia. On the way out, a short trail shows off the dry vegetation typical of the surroundings.

Tour the museum dedicated to the history of the slave trade, where artifacts, documents, and colonial architecture recount 400 years of history. Admire the African collection and the documents, and discover the history of Curaçao. Walk through the museum where artifacts, exhibitions, and history create a journey through time. Discover unique collections, learn about the local culture, and broaden your knowledge.

Wander the maze of alleys in Otrobanda, the Willemstad neighborhood across Santa Anna Bay, where Dutch colonial facades sport restored pastel shades. Cross the Queen Emma floating bridge from Punda and stroll Kura Hulanda street with its murals and courtyards. Dine on fresh fish at the restaurants by the ferry dock, try blue Curaçao liqueur at a bar in the Rif Fort and stay out late: live-music spots fill the nights with Caribbean rhythms.