Curacao - Vacation Packages

Curacao, the largest of five islands that make up the Netherlands Antilles, which include Bonaire, Saba, Saint Maarten and St. Eustatius, is a dry and hilly island completely surrounded with rich coral reefs - many within a stone’s throw of shore. Its coastline sparkles with beautiful sand beaches, secluded lagoons and snorkeling coves.

Willemstad, its capital, is delightfully Dutch, with open-air markets, narrow streets and rows of shops offering imports from all over the world. It is best known for its colorful Dutch-colonial architecture. According to legend, the first governor of Curacao suffered from migraine headaches due to glare from the white houses and ordered all residents to paint their homes pastel. The rows of pastel-colored town houses with gabled roofs, red tile and rococo-style facades in downtown Willemstad probably are the most photographed sights on the island.

St. Anna Bay, like an Amsterdam canal, divides the capital city in two parts - the Punda and the Otrabanda. A pontoon walking bridge, which opens several times a day to allow cruise ships to dock in town, connects the two sides of the city. A wide variety of activities, including deep sea fishing, horseback riding, hovercrafting, canoe safari and a visit to an ostrich and game farm are also available on this white sand paradise.

For more on Curacao, check out the Curacao Travel Guide on BootsnAll.