Willemstad, Curacoa Cruises
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UNESCO-protected Willemstad on Curaçao has narrow-gabled, 18th century houses in cool pastel shades, juxtaposed with intense yellows and royal blues. It’s akin to a carbon copy of Amsterdam, but with the gorgeous Caribbean climate thrown in. [ReadMoreMob]
The town has a number of intriguing museums worth visiting: the Curaçao Museum, the Maritime Museum and Kura Hulanda, which tells the history of the local slave trade. At Scharlooweg 77 is the house known as the 'Wedding Cake', a near perfect example of Dutch colonial architecture.
Willemstad is actually divided into two sections, Otrobanda and Punda, and both boast a rich, cultural heritage. They are connected by the Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the Swinging Old Lady, a floating, pontoon bridge powered by diesel, which swings open daily to allow ships in and out of the harbour.
Situated not far from the waterfront, the crowded streets of Punda are packed with smart galleries and shops, while nearby Pietermaai is alive with cool restaurants, bars and clubs. The island’s fantastic beaches are a true delight, with Santa Barbara Beach probably the pick of them all.
Destination Highlights
Punda
Rich in culture and heritage, Punda is the oldest part of Willemstad and was built in the 17th century when the Dutch took over the island. It’s home to colonial buildings, charming streets and alleyways, as well as a range of shops.
Hato Caves
One of Curaçao’s most popular natural attractions, the caves are filled with stalagmites, stalactites and crystal-clear pools, centuries in the making. The caves have played a key role throughout history, with the Arawaks using them as shelter and runaway slaves using them as hiding places.
Curaçao
The island of Curaçao is famous for producing the liqueur of the same name, made from the dried peel of the Laraha orange. The small Landhuis Chobolobo Factory produces five different varieties.