Curaçao spans just 444 square kilometres in land area, according to Travel Lens. However, this Caribbean island country has much more to offer as a holiday destination than you might have assumed.
Here are some of the most exciting things you can do amidst the beautiful beaches, tropical forests, quaint villages and other pleasant sites waiting for you in Curaçao.
Stroll across Queen Emma Bridge
Queen Emma Bridge got its name — inspired by a Dutch queen — in 1888, and connects Punda and Otrobanda — two districts of Willemstad, the country’s capital city.
When ships are looking to enter the St Anna Bay, Queen Emma Bridge will swing open to let them through — and you might want to hang around to catch sight of this happening.
Visit Kurá Hulanda Museum to learn more about slavery
This museum is situated where a slave yard once stood — and AFAR reports that Kurá Hulanda Museum “boasts the largest collection of African artefacts in the Caribbean.”
Curaçao’s history is intertwined with that of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in the African Diaspora, as this took in the Americas and the Caribbean.
See the Tula Monument
This landmark honours a freedom fighter named Tula — a Black man who, in August 1795, spearheaded a rebellion of enslaved people on Curaçao.
The revolt lasted for more than a month and culminated in the liberation of thousands of enslaved people. However, Tula was later captured and, in October 1795, executed in Otrobanda — where the Tula Monument now stands.
Pick up a handmade ‘chichi’ sculpture to take home
In the Portuguese-based creole language of Papiamento, the word ‘chichi’ refers to an older sister.
At Serena’s Art Factory, you can get hold of a handmade chichi sculpture in your own size and pattern and hand painted by an artist. Alternatively, you could join a workshop where you would be able to design a chichi sculpture yourself.
Meet iguanas at Playa Lagun
There’s no shortage of these friendly reptiles at this beach location, where the sand is golden and the water is crystal clear. Another feature of the Playa Lagun landscape is an apartment complex situated on a limestone cliff itself extending right to the sea.
Playa Lagun also makes a good base from which to pursue a scuba diving adventure and see a wide array of marine creatures up close.
Take a dip at Mambo Beach
Eager though you could be to swim, you naturally want a swimming spot where you feel safe. Fortunately, opportunities for safe swimming are very much available when you book a Curaçao holiday.
For example, you can get the best P&O cruises where you would be able to swim in a pool on the ship itself. Meanwhile, Curaçao itself is home to Mambo Beach, where a lagoon features man-made wave breakers and, as a result, calm waters.
Buy some beach-themed gear
You can do this at Mambo Beach, where plentiful stalls offer swimming apparel, skincare products and beachside amenities. Imagine being able to take any of these items back home with you.
