Curacao, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. A tropical paradise. Located at the southern part of the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela, the island of Curacao is the largest island in the Netherland Antillies. The island of Curacao is also part of the “Dutch Leeward Island” also known as the “Dutch Caribbean”. The island of Curacao is oval shaped and is approximately 171 square miles with an arid and savanna like climate. It has an estimated population of 133,644 inhabitants.
The island’s first inhabitants were the Caiquetios, an Arawa Indian group who first set foot on the island in 600 A.D. The island of Curacao was later discovered by Alonso de Ojeda of Spain in 1499. It 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 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 beaches the southern coast has crystal clear and unbelievable calm water.
Shore diving is very popular in the island because of its unique coastline. The island of Curacao’s seafloor drops very steeply just within a few hundred feet from the shore. The island of Curacao has no rivers. With the lack of river and the very little rain it has, the visibility of the island of Curacao’s waters is very excellent. With more than 37 beaches visitors have a wide array of beaches to choose from.
Even though the island’s climate is arid, there are lots of resorts and facilities there. Hotels are located near the beaches. The island has lots of secluded beaches where one can enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
The island of Curacao is a tropical paradise. No wonder many tourist visit the island regularly.
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Curacao Island Map
... hotels, will charge you for one. Island Of Curacao The centuries-old 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 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...
Curacao Liqueur
... that the Curacao liqueur is the international ambassador of the island? It's because the Curacao liqueur is more known than the island itself. Curacao liqueur is and orange flavored liqueur. The Curacao liqueur is made from the dried peels of the bitter oranges or "Laraha" oranges that is found on the Caribbean, specifically the island of Curacao. Laraha is the cousin of the Valencia orange. When the Spaniards discovered Curacao in 1499, they planned to develop its agriculture. They brought a plant known as the "Valencia" orange all the way from Spain. But due to the island's climate and its soil conditions, the fruit of the Valencia orange from juicy and sweet became bitter, almost inedible. The plan Island Of Curacao to farm the Valencia oranges was then abandoned and the Valencia oranges grew wild. It was then discovered decades later that if the peels of the Valencia fruit was dried thoroughly in the sun, it would...
Information On Curacao Island
... all over Curacao though. Other necessary information on Curacao Island is the travel within the city. Expect the drive from the Hato International Airport to the resort and vice versa to be just around 25 minutes. Drive time from resort to Willemstad would be just about 35 minutes. Make sure you have a detailed map of the city. If you opt to 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 Island Of Curacao would serve as sanctuary to some tourists in search of a quiet and relaxing place while getting to know nature better. Art enthusiasts will...
Maps Of Curacao Island
... with a choice, it is best know all these things especially if you are planning to drive around yourself. Make sure that you bring maps of Curacao Island as well. Even if you have been doing research on these famous places even before you got there, you might still find yourself uncertain where to go on some occasion. Part of the nature of traveling is uncertainty. A lot of hitches that are beyond our control can happen, like delayed flights, unconfirmed accommodations, or even car trouble. Maps are necessary not because they eliminate those hitches but because they make it a lesser hassle by getting us to the right place. Some crave the feeling of uncertainty and would rather trust their intuition than bring a map. But if you have been...
The Curacao Flag
... 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 which the local population originated. Curacao celebrates its "Curacao Flag Day" on July 2. It is one of the many "Official Holiday" that Curacao celebrates annually. It is celebration starts with and flag raising ceremony at the Village of Barber and at the Island Of Curacao Plaza Brion. The day is celebrated with parades, ceremonies and cultural events. Some events are held at Otrobanda. There is also...
Curacao Island
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...
Curacao Beaches
Curacao beaches are not the long and open area of sand that can be found in other islands. The secluded and well hidden beaches and coves are Curacao's best hidden secret. These secluded beaches are called "bocas" in Papiamento. These are attract tourist especially honeymooners, couples and people who want Island Of Curacao to have a peaceful vacation, away from crowded hotels and resorts. Many of the popular beaches in Curacao are in the western end part of the island. These beaches are named "Westpunt" or "west point". The island itself boasts to have 40 Curacao beaches that are different from one another. However there are more secluded beaches on the eastern and northern coastline. Some of them are yet to be discovered. Some of the Curacao beaches have huge cliffs and limestone. Thrill seekers go to this kind of beach to jump from the cliff into the ocean. While some beaches have picturesque settings and sparkling clear turquoise waters. Some beaches have a white sandy shoreline that is frequented by romantic...
Curacao History
... 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 Spanish government was thrown out when Island Of Curacao 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...
Where Is Curacao
... 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 derived from Africa, Europe, US, Latin America and the Caribbean. Its official beat, Tambu, is created using the drums and the chapi (hoe). Tambu is widely used in the carnival festivities in Curacao happening from just before Lent. The carnivals are famous world-class attractions up to date. After learning all the basic stuff about this enchanting place called Curacao, you may now have acquired a vivid picture of what's it like there and how much fun one can have on a visit. And you would have to agree that it is not just a place,...
Curacao Government
The Curacao government regulates the telecommunications, aviation, public health, police affairs, post and education. Curacao has gained a limited self-government on January 1, 1954 but the local population didn't fully participate in the political development until the series of social movements in the late '60s. The political status of the Curacao government was later debated in the year 2000; discussing the relationship between the Netherlands and the islands of Netherlands Antilles. In a referendum held last April 8, 2005 on Curacao, Island Of Curacao together with the island of Saint Martin the residents voted for an autonomous state within the Kingdom of Netherlands. On April 15 of that same year, the Island Council of the Island Territory of Curacao has formally sanctioned the results of the referendum and pointed out...
Where Is Curacao Located
Flight from New York City takes about 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 Island Of Curacao 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...
Curacao At A Glance
... 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 Fort Amsterdam. Curacao is also famous for its fine liqueur which is made of locally grown oranges. Curacao's local cuisine is very delicious Island Of Curacao and unique. This is because it is a mix of different cultures; the taste varies as its residents. The best tasted are the nasi goring, bami, and kabritu. Music is important to Curacao. Curacao has some sort of music carnival where local bands meet each year. There are many great festivities held year round, ranging from culture to music to food. The most widely known are the...
Curacao Hotels
... 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 to have a fantastic experience on an exotic island. Plaza Hotel Curacao A perfect place to rest after exploring the island. Located at the mouth of the harbor in the center of the vibrant Willemstad. Places of interest and downtown shops are just a stone's-throw away from the hotel. Just a walking distance from the Floating Market and Fort Amsterdam. Avila Beach Hotel At the center of the Avila Beach, one can find a stunning Dutch Colonial style mansion which serves as the lobby and executive offices of the hotel. Highly recommended for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Floris Suite This is one of the many first-class Curacao hotels....
Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao: Abc’s Of The Caribbean
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 boasts with white sands, crystal clear waters, and they have an offshore coral reef that is teeming with marine life; making the three islands a haven for divers, water sports enthusiast and tourist who would just...
Map Of Curacao
... 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 places. Make sure Island Of Curacao 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. Just enter "map of Curacao" on the search bar and eBay will do the rest. But if you want, you can print some on www.curacao-travelguide.com. Although the map isn't exactly detailed, it still is useful...