Official Name: Curacao Capital: Willemstad Flag: Population: 140,796  Language: Dutch, Papiamento, English Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) Government Website: www.curacao-gov.an Chamber of Commerce: www.curacao-chamber.an Emergency Info:

The most “Dutch” of the Caribbean's Netherlands Antilles, Curacao is a typically beautiful Caribbean island - minus the crowd. Its laid back nature and natural harbor have gotten the attention of yachters for years, but much of the general tourist population has still not discovered the island. Since the island tends to be overlooked by many tourists, it remains a perfectly tranquil getaway with all the perks and amenities of a more populated island, less the off-putting masses. The locals on Curacao are notably friendly, and posses a healthy mixture of energy and the well established relaxed mannerisms of the islands.

The long slightly hilly island is perfect for outdoor activities like walking, biking, or horseback riding. Fine sand beaches and picturesque harbors line the islands coast, which is sprinkled with small bay and inlets on its south side, and larger bays on its east end. The north coast of the island is long, and a bit rough due to the constant trade winds. It’s less populated than the south coast, but visitors will find many of the island’s notable structures including plantation houses on the north side of the island. On the east end of the island it’s most flat with just a few winding roads.

The west end of the island is hilly, and most of it is part of Christoffel National Park. The National Park was formed from merging three former plantations in the 1970’s. The park includes significant architectural structure including that of Baroque architecture. In one of these old plantation houses is the Savonett Museum which holds unique displays of the islands cultural and geographical history. Visitors can explore the Park by car, choosing either the coastal or mountain route, or by using foot trails. For those planning to go on foot, a hike to the top of Mt. Christoffel is worthwhile, and on clear days exhibits a magnificent view of Bonaire. To get the best gain from a visit to Christoffel, park goers should consider making a day trip of their visit.

The gorgeous capital of the Netherlands Antilles, Willemstad, is located on the south side of the Curacao. Divided in two by St. Anna Bay, Willemstad is the only site in the Caribbean on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It’s also a city in which visitors can feel comfortable strolling about the streets which are lined with tight rows of rainbow-colored buildings, shops, and eateries. An unusual footbridge connecting the east and west sides of town affectionately named the Swinging Old Lady, regularly sways open making way for the passing boats beneath her.

The city’s centuries of history can be explored at the city’s world-class museum, the Kura Hulanda, which is located inside 19th-century slave quarters. With a focus on the exploration of the slave trade, the museum also has notable exhibits on contemporary and early Africa as well as fascinating exhibits on voodoo. Beside the museum sits the world renowned Kura Hulanda hotel, one of the most unique hotels in the world, and certainly well deserving of a look.

For a postcard perfect beach, stunning Playa Kalki is a secluded beach located on the northwest end of the island, about a forty-five minute from Willemstad. Its mild turquoise water and smooth white sand craft nothing less than the perfect beach. There is a Caribbean style shack serving drinks and snacks near the beach, as well as a pleasant resort that overlooks its beauty from the nearby cliffs. Bringing a camera along to this beach may as well be required!

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