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Willemstad, Curacao
Population: 140 000 (estimated)
Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder – USD is widely accepted
Language: Dutch, Spanish, English & Papiamento (a creole of Portuguese, Spanish, English, Dutch, Arawak & African languages).
After the snow storms that have been rampaging across the continent this winter, it would make sense if you are having Caribbean dreams like I do! A great place to soak up the sun and escape the winter blues is beautiful Willemstad on the southern Caribbean Dutch island of Curaçao. This island is less travelled by your flocks of sun-seekers than some of your more popular destinations like Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, however, it easily scores its own merit points for being a great vacation destination.
Accessible by cruise or by packaged vacation, Willemstad offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean. You can either arrange a shore excursion with your cruise line or visit one of the many dive shops in the area. You won’t want to miss the many locations and colourful scenes that lie beneath the blue sea.
There are two main districts in the city of Willemstad; Punda, the oldest area and main shopping district located on the east bank of the Sint Anna bay, and; Otrobanda which was built to cope with the ever-growing population and name translates to “other side” as it is located on the west bank of Sint Anna.
When walking through the streets of Willemstad, you’ll notice the Dutch influence in the architectural style of the buildings, stemming back to its colonial days. If the island’s history is of interest to you, you’ll find lots of museums and historic military forts like Fort Amsterdam in the Punda District of Willemstad.
If you want to shop like the locals shop or just experience something different, visit the floating market in the Punda district where Venezuelan fisherman tie their boats and sell fresh seafood and produce at a great price. Looking for souvenirs? Head to the Old Market (De Ruyterkade in Punda) where you’ll find lots of nearby shops to find unique gifts and great memorabilia.
To take in beautiful panoramic views, head over to the Queen Juliana Bridge that span high above the city. Perfect for some great pictures of your trip!
Take in a tour of the Senior Co. distillery to see how the famous Blue Caraçao liqueur is made and maybe indulge in a few exotic libations for *ahem* quality testing purposes.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, take a tour of the Hato Caves where you’ll discover 1500 year old petroglyphs (cave drawings) created by the native Arawaks. These caves were later used as a hiding place for slaves. Maybe do this tour before the distillery tour!
You may have noticed I didn’t mention beaches yet… don’t read into that at all! There are lots of beaches for you to enjoy and relax throughout the area and Curacao island. To swim and lunge where the locals do, go to Knip beach and little Knip beach. If you aren’t into the beach scene, enjoy spending time playing or watching Curaçao’s national sports pastime: baseball!
There’s no way you’ll be bored with your vacation to Willemstad but even if you were…isn’t a bored day in a Caribbean paradise better than a cold day at home? I’ll take that getaway to the Caribbean, hands down!
