Welcome to Curaçao! This little-known island is fast becoming the top vacation destination of 2023. Just 70 miles southeast of Aruba, Curaçao is easy to reach from the United States, making it the perfect getaway.Often called “the Caribbean’s best kept secret,” this beautiful island is known for its colorful colonial-style buildings that line the canal in the capital Willemstad. Curaçao is full of charm and style, white-sand beaches, perfect weather (it only rains 22 inches a year on Curaçao) and some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.Whether you prefer a private, secluded location or a lively beachfront resort, Curaçao has many great accommodation options.
Not sure if Curaçao is the right place for your next vacation?We understand that planning a vacation is difficult when you haven’t visited the destination, so we have compiled for you a list of the BEST places to stay in Curaçao , as well as a local’s perspective on the best places for nightlife, beaches, snorkeling and more.
When booking your stay in Curaçao, it is important to decide whether you want to stay in the busiest tourist areas and rub shoulders with other vacationers, or in a slightly more remote location on an Airbnb in a quiet local neighborhood like Coral Estates.Rif St. Marie or Sint Michel .No matter which one you choose, you will definitely need a car to get around.the island is small but taxis are quite expensive and public transport is not very reliable.
If you are interested in where to stay in Curaçao , you may also be interested in where to stay in Aruba.
The best places to stay in Curaçao
Mambo Beach Blvd
This area is ideal for families, groups of friends and couples on their honeymoon.The best thing about Mambo Beach is that it not only offers a pristine beach, but it has an abundance of lodging options, a variety of shops, a diversity of restaurants and many beachfront bars (Bonita, Wet & Wild, Hemmingway, Cabana Beach Club and more).Walk along the promenade and choose from fine dining, seafood, cafes, sandwiches, pizza, ice cream and more. Children can run and play safely, while adults can relax in super comfortable chairs.
Mambo Beach Blvd also has the best happy hour the island has to offer! Friday nights happy hour at Bonita lasts 2 hours! This is longer happy hour than any other beach bar we know.Most happy hours on Curaçao only last one hour.
Take a look at LionsDive Beach Resort to learn more about their great accommodation options on Mambo Beach Blvd.
Travel Tip: Admission to Mambo Beach is not free (this applies to many beaches on Curaçao) Unless you are a guest at one of the resorts on Mambo Beach, you will be charged an entrance fee per person plus the beach chair rental fee.
Pietermaai District
If you prefer to stay in an area that offers unique, exclusive, luxurious and cozy accommodations, along with the best restaurants and nightlife within walking distance, the Pietermaai District is for you!
You will quickly be captivated by the vibrant and historical colorful buildings and the warm tropical breeze. In the Pietermaai District, you can choose from stylish Airbnb apartments, boutique hotels and luxury resorts.Some hotels and resorts are beachfront, but there are no beaches.
BijBlauw
This is a charming boutique hotel in one of the liveliest districts of Willemstad, Curaçao.Overlooking the most breathtaking blue waters in the Caribbean, unique rooms, a women’s clothing store and an exceptional dining experience like no other, make the BijBlauw a truly incredible vacation or honeymoon destination.
Punda&Otrobanda, Willemstad
The main area of downtown Willemstad is divided into two sections, equally beautiful.”, ‘Punda, which means “city” and Otrobanda, which simply means “the other side” Both areas are rich in nightlife, culinary delights, colorful European architecture and excellent accommodation options between resorts and boutique hotels, and can be easily walked from one side to the other by means of a beautiful floating bridge.Stay to one side and shop in luxury designer shops and dine on the other side. Whatever your heart desires, you’ll find it here. Surrounded by water, both Punda and Otrobanda are great areas to stay.
Jan Thiel
Jan Thiel beach is located at the southeast end of Curaçao and has everything you need for a romantic honeymoon, family vacation or a getaway with friends.Jan Thiel beach is always full of tourists who relax in beach chairs on the white sand, practice water sports in the bluest water you’ll ever see or enjoy the fabulous dining options.Truly one of our favorites!
Blue Bay Resort
For travelers who don’t want to be immersed in the crowded “tourist” areas, Blue Bay Resort may be the perfect resort for you.A beautiful 220-acre property that offers fun for both vacationers and resort residents, an 18-hole golf course, a stunning 150-meter long white-sand beach and excellent bars and restaurants, it is the perfect private resort experience for any honeymooners and travelers who want less of the hustle and bustle.For dinner and nightlife, Punda, Otrobanda or Mambo Beach Blvd are only a short drive away.
Airbnb rentals in local Curaçao neighborhoods
If you are considering booking a villa, apartment or house in Curaçao through Airbnb and are wondering what to expect, we have the answer for you.There are many excellent areas to choose from for renting a house in Curaçao, such as Sint Michel, but what you need to know is that you will be what the locals consider “far away” from everything.’, ‘Honestly, Sint Michel is a great and safe neighborhood, only a 20 minute drive from all the tourist areas of Willemstad.
Travel Tip: The island of Curaçao is different from any other island in the Caribbean.Like other islands, the beaches are extraordinary, but once you venture out of the beach areas and into the center of the island, where the local neighborhoods and shops are located, you will see a complete change in the terrain. The island of Curaçao is similar to a desert. With only 22 inches of rain each year, the island is dry and dusty and covered with cactus.A unique blend of beautiful beaches and desert-like landscapes make Curaçao’s beauty different from any other.
What are the best beaches in Curaçao?
All of Curaçao’s beaches are picturesque with perfect white sand and vibrant blue water.The best beaches for snorkeling and sunbathing are located 30 – 45 minutes by car from Willemstad and the tourist areas, so you will definitely need a car. The beaches are small, so there is not much room for long walks, but the views are incredible and the snorkeling is fabulous! All of them offer beach chair rental and some also charge for the entrance fee.
Guide to the best beaches in Curaçao
When selecting the best place to stay in Curaçao, you should consider what services, amenities and tourist attractions are important to you.Selecting the best area in Curaçao for your vacation is the beginning of a wonderful experience full of beauty, nature and memories that will last a lifetime! And very easy to get to from the United States! Book your stay in Curaçao now.
