11 Tips for Things to Do on Curacao Island in 2026

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11 Things to Do on Curacao

Planning a vacation to the ABC Islands in the Caribbean and wondering for Things to do on Curacao Island? In today’s article, I’ve put together 11 of our verified tips for excursions and places I recommend visiting. Curacao is a beautiful Caribbean island, so it’s no surprise that many of these tips are for beaches. However, I believe my selection will also please history buffs and those who enjoy city strolls.

Where to Stay on Curacao?

Coral Estate Luxury Resort

One of our accommodations, where I rented a private villa with a pool and a beautiful sea view
Within the secure resort, you can choose accommodation in private villas of various price categories, or in nice apartments close to the sea.
The resort features a restaurant and pools – accessible to resort guests.
Option to arrange diving directly at the resort

>> CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICE HERE

Blue Lagoon Apartments

Another of our accommodations on Curacao island with a magnificent view of the Blue Lagoon.
Opportunity for snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon directly below the apartment.
There are several accommodation options here. We had a private maisonette bungalow, but simple rooms – apartments in neighboring hotels – can also be booked.

>> CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICE HERE

Choose your accommodation on Curacao by map:

You might also be interested in the ABC Islands:

Things to Do on Curacao?

1. Willemstad

Willemstad is the colorful heart of the island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the Punda district with its pastel colonial architecture and cross the iconic pontoon bridge Queen Emma Bridge to the more authentic Otrobanda. The bridge swings open for passing ships, indicated by a light signal. It’s an experience even for families with children, who truly enjoy it here.

If you love history and culture, don’t miss the Kura Hulanda museum, which offers a deep insight into the island’s history, slavery, and Curacao’s cultural identity.

>> Accommodation in Willemstad

2. Floating Market

An authentic market in Willemstad. Venezuelan merchants arrive here by boat, selling fruits, vegetables, and fish. Payment is in cash, and in our experience, they like to bargain to sell you more. We bought fresh pineapples. An ideal place for a short stop, photos, and soaking up the local atmosphere.

3. Curaçao Liqueur Distillery / Things to Do on Curacao

Who hasn’t heard of drinks made with blue Curacao liqueur, right? Visit Landhuis Chobolobo, where the famous Blue Curaçao is made from laraha citrus. A tour and liqueur tasting make for a pleasant half-day trip. Ideal if you’re looking for something to do on Curacao on a cloudy day. You’ll learn about the liqueur’s history and its production. Not only blue liqueur is produced on site, but several other flavors are also available. Of course, we couldn’t resist and brought some liqueur home.

4. Hofi Mango / Things to Do on Curacao

When you want to swap beaches for greenery for a while, head inland to Hofi Mango. This tranquil park offers walking trails and a pleasant hike to a viewpoint. The local fauna will surely delight you, as it did us. And as the name suggests, you’ll discover dozens of old mango trees in the park, creating pleasant shade and an atmosphere of a true escape into nature.

The complex also includes the restaurant Kultura Kòrsou, which is one of the most interesting gastronomic stops on the island. It offers a modern and creative take on Creole cuisine, based on fresh local ingredients, especially mango. A visit to the restaurant alone is worth the trip. I rank Hofi Mango among the best things to do on Curacao island.

5. Christoffel National Park

The island’s largest national park. If you are physically fit and enjoy hiking even in exotic destinations, plan a trip to Mount Christoffel, the highest point on Curacao. Look forward to panoramic views. The park is rich in endemic flora and fauna. Plenty of fluids and quality hiking shoes are a must.

6. Playa Porto Mari / Things to Do on Curacao

This beach is, for us, one of the most beautiful on the island. Like most well-maintained beaches on Curacao, it’s paid and offers the option to rent sunbeds, umbrellas, or simply lie on the free part of the beach on the sand. You can look forward to great snorkeling, pleasant swimming, and a rich selection of food and drinks at the restaurant. Showers and toilets are also a given.

During our visit, there was also a family of Caribbean pigs that lay down wherever they pleased.

Parking was hassle-free and free of charge. Right by the parking lot is a wooden viewpoint, offering a beautiful view of the sea and the beach. My videos from this beach were taken from here.

7. Playa Lagun

Playa Lagun is a small, photogenic beach hidden in a cove between rocks, almost like a natural pool. Yes, this is the beach where we stayed in a bungalow above the bay. Thanks to its calm and clear water, it’s one of the best places for snorkeling. You’ll often see colorful fish and sea turtles right near the shore, especially in the morning and late afternoon. The beach is also ideal as a stop for a quick swim while exploring the western part of the island.

>> Accommodation near Playa Lagun

8. Playa Santa Cruz

One of our favorite spots. Playa Santa Cruz is free, including parking, and great for a picnic. There are free picnic tables with umbrellas and a pleasant lagoon for swimming. It also serves as a starting point for boat trips, kayaks, or jet ski rides along the dramatic western coast.

Playa Santa Cruz Curacao

My secret tip: A pleasant coastal trek starts from the beach to the beautiful Secret Paradise Beach, where we were alone in the afternoon. I recommend plenty of fluids, a head covering, and quality footwear that won’t be pierced by a cactus thorn. We had soft soles and had to remove thorns after arriving.

9. Directeursbaai

One of the lesser-known beaches, but great for snorkeling. Underwater snorkeling routes along the coast with a guide also start from here. Directeursbaai is an inconspicuous beach with a wilder character and authentic atmosphere. It offers a rocky bottom and rich underwater life, often without crowds of tourists. An interesting part of the island if you’re looking for a secret tip for things to do on Curacao.

10. Coral Estate – Karakter Beach Lounge

Our best accommodation on Curacao was within a luxury resort with its own beach and facilities. If Coral Estate also entices you to stay, the Karakter Beach Lounge itself, with its beach and pools, is also a great tip for things to do on Curacao without having to leave the resort.

>> Accommodation at Coral Estate Resort

Karakter Beach Lounge is a stylish beach establishment that combines a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere with quality gastronomy and open sea views. It is located directly on a rocky beach with water access ideal for snorkeling.

During the day, it attracts with light lunches and cocktails, and in the evening, with romantic dinners at sunset. For us, it’s one of the most beautiful places in western Curacao, without being overcrowded with tourists like other resorts.

11. Restaurant – Bistro De Visserij

This bistro, which we visited 3 times during our stay, must also be included among the tips for things to do on Curacao. A visit to this place is an experience in itself. At the counter, you choose what fresh seafood or fish you want prepared and how, you get a number, and you sit at a table where you wait for the food to be brought to you by the staff.

A simple yet excellent concept for a fish and seafood restaurant. Fish are portioned and prepared right in front of you at the bistro.

Heading to the Seychelles? My tips will come in handy:

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