Looking for a European atmosphere in the tropics? How could that be possible? Well, wonder no more. The island of Curacao is the place you’re looking for. Located in the southwest part of the Caribbean, the Curacao Island is the largest island of the Netherlands Antilles. Just 35 miles north of Venezuela and 42 miles east of Aruba, Curacao Island is 38 miles long and 7.5 miles across. With only two and a half hours from Miami by air, the Curacao Island is just outside the hurricane belt; an ideal place for a holiday destination that you could be sure of a good weather all year round.
Situated within the tropics, 12 north of the Equator, the Curacao island has a warm and very sunny climate all year round. With and average temperature of mid80 F, trade winds regularly flow from the east, and it picks up speed during spring. The rainy season (October to February), is marked by occasional and short showers (occasionally during nighttime with a warm and sunny weather during the day). The total annual rainfall is only 22 inches.
The local population is over 130,000 and is made up of 55 nationalities. Curacao island’s capital city is Willemstad. It is the only city in Netherlands Antilles. Curacao island is one of the five islands that made up of the Netherlands Antilles (the other islands are Bonaire, Saint Martin, Saint Eustatius and Saba). Their official language is Dutch. Most of the population speaks English, Spanish and Papiamento (a combination Dutch, French, Spanish and Portuguese language). Willemstad, Curacao island’s capital is home of the island’s rich culture and history. The capital city has much to offer, from shopping to sightseeing to dining and most especially the festivities. While Willemstad is said to be the island’s cultural center, there are other region of the island that is worth visiting.
Curacao island may be the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, it is still small enough for travelers to venture parts of the islands all through their vacation. Curacao Island has a unique blend of the “Old World” and the “New World”. Its colorful chain of pastel colored buildings has the same ambience in the city of Amsterdam. Legend has it that the first governor of Curacao has an allergy towards the color of white that’s why all the buildings and structures are painted in color. The city of Willemstad is the most photographed cityscapes throughout the Caribbean.
Tourist of Curacao Island has lots and lots of choices if they plan on staying there. If guarantees an unforgettable experience.
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Curacao Island Map
Werbata Maps are available in the bookstores and are suited to those seeking adventure. This type of map is Curacao Island's first topographical map, and will likely lead to some unspoiled parts of Curacao. A lot of websites should be helpful. Curacao Island map as well as detailed maps of major places in Curacao like Willemstad, Otrabanda & Punda, and a separate Punda map can be found at www.caribbean-on-line.com . The maps on this Curacao Island particular site are so comprehensive and will no doubt let you get around the island pretty well. A laptop would have been the best tool to access sites like this especially while you're driving. Visiting Google Earth is highly recommended because it will provide you driving directions. Driving tips, signs and directions can also be found at www.curacao-travelguide.com . So if at one point you find yourself somewhat unsure which road to take, a few clicks will give you the right answer. But if...
Curacao Liqueur
... was then developed by a Jewish family (Senior family) in Curacao. The oil was mixed with various exotic spices. With this came the "Curacao liqueur". The same family then marketed the product. They made a massive investment to start the Curacao liqueur industry. Curacao liqueur has become a world success and with that many liquor manufacturers worldwide albeit produced Curacao liqueur but with artificial flavors. The genuine Curacao liqueur is called "Curacao of Curacao". Original Curacao liqueur is clear in color. It later evolved, and is now available in various colors for cocktail purposes (blue, red, Curacao Island orange and green). Colored Curacao liqueur has the same taste as the original. At present, the liquor has many flavors. The name "Curacao liqueur" is now generic and can be based on any white spirits. Many wine manufacturers around the world now produce Curacao liqueur. So if ever you will visit Curacao. Don't forget to visit that famous "Chobolobo Mansion"...
Information On Curacao Island
... take a cab to get around, always ask the driver how much your trip would cost before making the actual trip. Remember though that a 10% tip is a must when taking a cab. Being a tropical place, information on the information on Curacao Island activities are very vague to some would-be guests. While beaches are the main things, Curacao offers a lot more. The nature reserve would serve as sanctuary to some tourists in search of a quiet and relaxing place while getting to know nature better. Art enthusiasts will find a lot of interesting places to be at. And everyone will find the evenings in Curacao as charming. Quaint restaurants serving local favorites and international menus also feature live band entertainment. Extensive information on Curacao Island can be found on Curacao's official website, www.curacao.com . Another helpful site is www.caribseek.com which takes you on a guided tour to all the islands in the Caribbean. So before you jump into the next flight out to Curacao,...
Maps Of Curacao Island
... advisable to surf the internet to get yourself acquainted with Curacao. Aside from gathering facts about its weather, people, language, culture, food, and currency, maps of Curacao Island will make you settle in easier. Online interactive maps of Curacao Island can be found by visiting www.caribbean.com . These maps will also give you listings of hotels, restaurants and must-see places. Great suggestions on activities and other things you can indulge in while on the island are also provided. Famous Curacao tourists' attractions can be seen on a map on this site. Clicking on a particular place will give you a detailed Curacao Island description plus a photo of it. Another site you can visit if you want to see more maps of Curacao Island is www.worldatlas.com . Aside from detailed maps, one can also find an overview of Curacao including its date and time. Most hotel websites also provide driving directions to and from the...
Island Of Curacao
... was later reclaimed by the Dutch in 1642. The capital city which is Willemstad is one of the largest ports in the world and played an important role in the trading enclaves of America. The island's capital was declared a "World Heritage Site" by the UNESCO in 1997 because of its colorful architecture. Though it is located within the hurricane belt, the island of Curacao seldom experience rain (rainfall does not exceed 21".). The island of Curacao is flat; its highest elevation is only 1,239 feet (Mount Cristoffel). Visitors of the island could get a glimpse of the local flora and fauna on Curacao Island the Cristoffel National Park which is located north of the island. Jagged with natural bays and coves, Curacao has plenty of undeveloped beaches. Its northern coastline is jagged with rocks and cliffs which is quite opposite of the southern coastline which is filled with beaches. While the northern coast has very strong current and doesn't have...
The Curacao Flag
The Curacaos are Dutch nationals. Their flag is very much similar of the Dutch flag. Even if Curacao is under Netherlands Antilles, Curacao has its own flag. The Curacao flag is blue in color and has two five-pointed stars, the smaller star is on the upper left of the other star. A yellow stripe cuts horizontally near the center. Have you ever wondered what's the meaning of two stars and the single yellow stripe of the Curacao flag? The two white stars represent the two islands of Curacao; Curacao and small Curacao or also known as Klein Curacao (a small uninhabited island southeast of Curacao). The yellow stripe depicts the sun dividing the blue sky and blue sea (that's why the color of the Curacao flag is blue). The five points of the star symbolizes the five continents of...
Curacao Beaches
... beaches have huge cliffs and limestone. Thrill seekers go to this kind of beach to jump from the cliff into the ocean. While some Curacao Island beaches have picturesque settings and sparkling clear turquoise waters. Some beaches have a white sandy shoreline that is frequented by romantic couples of all ages. Curacao also has man-made beaches that offers glass-bottom and semi-submersible submarine rides. In some beaches, you have to walk through an adventurous natural trail to get to the beach. As most, Curacao beaches isn't just for swimming or sunbathing. You can snorkel or dive too. There are many diving spots in Curacao that is just a few hundred meters from the shoreline. You don't have to rent a boat just to get a spectacular view of Curacao's underwater marine life. The hotels and resort of the island of Curacao offer full...
Curacao History
Curacao which means "cure" in Portuguese. Being Italian, and Ojeda being a Spaniard, this version is quite absurd but is more famous and more interesting than the others. Some people say though that Curacao's original name which was Curazon, was given by Spaniards to mean "heart". However changes have converted it to the Portuguese form which is Curacao. Anyway, more than a hundred years later, the Curacao Island Spanish government was thrown out when the Dutch conquered Curacao. The Dutch put up plantations all over the island. The landhuizen structures are still very visible today, some of which are converted into restaurants and other establishments. Famous Dutch activity was the slave-trade, beckoning the start of the Papiamentu language. This became the primary form of communication, being a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and African dialects. The 18th century is significant in Curacao history. The British tried to overthrow the Dutch plenty of times until everything was settled by the Treaty...
Where Is Curacao
... hours advance than the Pacific Time zone. Its international dialing code is +599. For outgoing calls made from Curacao, the code is 00 followed by the respective country code. Local telephone numbers all start with the number 9. A GSM network is available in Curacao, thus internet access is available. Curacao is generally a safe place. However, precautions are still advised when traveling alone or away from main roads especially at night. Curacao is free from diseases associated with most tropical places, although mosquitoes are nuisances especially during rainy days. Sunburn is also very common to a hot island like Curacao. Shopping is a big thing in Curacao. Wandering along Willemstad, Curacao's capital city, one can find the most-talked about duty-free merchandise. Willemstad also takes you back in time with all the splendid historic structures. Charming restaurants and cozy hotels can also be found within the city. The music of Curacao is basically...
Curacao Government
... governor general is also the crown representative of the Netherlands Antilles. The Curacao government's elected legislative officials assemble regularly to preside over the administration of government. Each of the Netherlands Antilles has its internal affairs ran by the island's council and executive council which is composed of elected island council and a queen appointed governor. The newly elected prime minister of the island is Emily Elhage-Jonge. The Curacao government has extended its infrastructure and modernized. The island has a large desalinization plant for its water and its oil refinery installation is still a major factor in the economy. The Curacao government's revenue is still depending on the remittances from Holland. The oil refinery is more than 90% of its total export earnings. Offshore banking and tourism are also a major factor in their economy. With an annual 200 cruise ships calls and over...
Where Is Curacao Located
... 5 hours and 40 minutes. Miami flights are around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Flights originating in Amsterdam last about 9 hours and 50 minutes. It has an average temperature of 80F or 27C. Rainfall only reaches to 21" during November and December. Sail boats find security in Curacao during the hurricane season as it is not located within the hurricane belt. Its population of about 145,000 uses Dutch as their official language. Curacao's currency is the Netherlands Antilles Florin; however the U.S. dollar is widely accepted there with the exchange rate around FL1.79 to a $1. Mount Christoffel, the islands highest peak, stands around 1230 feet or 375 meters. The eastern part of Curacao, which is flatter, is divided at Santa Barbara by Tafelberg. The west part has three sharp hills, which are remnants of a three-million-year old reef are called Drie Gebroeders. While Curacao in general, is famous for...
Curacao At A Glance
Arawak Amerindians Curacao Island and were later decimated by the Spanish expedition of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. Rediscovered by the Dutch in 1634 but was ignored by colonist due to lack of resources such as gold which was what most colonists seek. Curacao then proved its worth in commerce and shipping trade. Curacao is famous for its beaches and diving spots. Over 35 beaches with a wide variety, some surrounded by cliffs and rocks others by flora and fauna, they all have the same clear turquoise waters. Because the unusual feature that is locally known as the "blue edge", Curacao's sea floor drops off just a few hundred meters from the shore where one can go diving without a boat. Curacao has a lot of astounding architectures and landmarks because of its rich history. The city of Willemstad has many attractions one of the most frequented is the...
Curacao Hotels
... information: Hilton Curacao This fabulous hotel has a picture perfect beach, an activity center for kids, conference facility and private beach is just 10 minutes away from the airport or four miles from the island capital, Willemstad. Each guestroom has their own balcony and has complete amenities. It offers lots of activities such as golf, tennis, diving and snorkeling. Breezes Curacao Resort Spa and Casino This resort is the first Super-Inclusive resort, not only in Curacao, but in the whole Southern Caribbean. This magnificent resort is just 10 miles away from the international airport, flanking the immaculate Undersea National Park and the Sea Aquarium. The resort is complete with amenities and lots of activities to choose from. Curacao Marriot Beach Resort and Emerald Casino Captures the charisma and sun drenched warmth of Curacao's old-Amsterdam. Has a magnificent view of the Piscadera Bay. Only fifteen miles from the Hato International Airport, just a stone's-throw away from the World Trade Center. Has Watersports Center and Casino. Guaranteed...
Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao: Abc’s Of The Caribbean
Bonaire and Curacao or collectively called the "ABC" islands, is also known as the "Dutch Leewards". If you will look at a map of the Caribbean, you will notice that there are three dots just off the coast of Venezuela. The three islands, namely Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, share the same culture and influence from Spain, Portugal and West Indies. The official language of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao is Dutch while Papiamento is their local language. The three islands are famous for their beach, diving spots and of course lots and lots of sunshine. Like most of the islands in the Caribbean, the ABC islands have a hot and dry climate. Yet unlike their neighbors, the landscape is arid and flat. Their coastline...
Map Of Curacao
Don't be too sure of yourself. If you're going on a vacation to Curacao and you don't have a map, you might end up on the beach instead of the hotel. Just like any vacation spot, it is very easy to get lost on Curacao. Before you leave make sure that you have a map of Curacao. There are lots and lots of places to go to in Curacao. Going around Curacao without bringing a map is like a soldier going to war without his rifle. Most maps only have the location of certain Curacao Island places. Make sure that the map you have has a detailed description of the location of hotels, resorts, beaches and places where one can have a good time. There are lots of websites that offers map of Curacao. You can either buy them or just go to a site that has a picture of a map of Curacao. If you are thinking of buying I suggest you go to www.ebay.com....