A geographical description of Curacao.
Are you having trouble finding Curacao on the world map? Are you wondering where you should start looking?
Curacao is an island in the Southwest of the Caribbean which is approximately 40 miles North of Venezuela. This island is the largest member of the Netherlands Antilles group.
Curacao is considered as one of the “ABC” islands, and is located West of Aruba and East of Bonaire. It is approximately forty miles in length and close to a hundred and eighty square miles. 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 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 its beaches, the waters in different parts of the island vary. High waves coming in from the open seas smash into cliffs from the north end. These deep dark blue waters are an exact opposite to the calm southern coastline highlighted with the white sandy shores. Both parts of Curacao though has a lot of bays and inlets formed during the Ice Age. Schottegat, the busiest harbor, is the biggest bay on the south end of Curacao as well.
The western and eastern parts are made up mostly of volcanic hills. These hills, locally known as “female hills”, were formed over the years from volcanic activities which geologists call as the Curacao Lava Formation. Rich soil, as a result of erosion from these soft hills, makes it the location for the island’s plantations.
Knowing it to be an island in the Caribbean will give you an idea where Curacao can be found on the world map. A thorough description of the island’s geographical location though, is the best way to know how to get there.
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Curacao Liqueur
... 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 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 produce oil with a surprising pleasant fragrance. A recipe 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...
Snorkeling In Curacao
... lots of graceful Chinese pagoda shapes that settles on the walls. Many species of corals and fish can be found on this site. Basora is the eastern most dive spot on Curacao. Currents quickly shift on this site. * Boka Grandi and Playa Largu - routes to this site is scenic. An easy site for snorkeling that has a large stretch of coral rubble and white sandy beach. While Playa Largu has a long and rocky beach. Located southeast of San Where Is Curacao Located Juan, this Curacao snorkeling site is teeming with reef fishes that are swimming around the coral heads close to the shore. * Snake Bay - located on the southeast end of Boka St. Michiel, this Curacao snorkeling site has lots of eels not snakes. * Daaibooi - a typical Curacao beach...
Island Of Curacao
... 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 Where Is Curacao Located natural bays and coves, Curacao has plenty...
Curacao Weather
... of the hurricane belt, Curacao receives very little rainfall. During the rainy season (usually begins at October and ends in February), Curacao experiences occasional showers mostly at nighttime, and a sunny weather in daytime during this season. That is why the total annual rainfall average is only at 22 inches (570 mm) and if there is a storm developing elsewhere in the Caribbean, Curacao will only have an unusually cloudy weather that usually last a day or two. Curacao has regular trade winds from the east that is constantly picking up speed during spring months. The Curacao weather, which is hot all year round, are cooled by the east trade winds. There are websites on the internet that gives updated news Where Is Curacao Located of the weather. If you're taking a trip to Curacao, these websites can be very helpful to you. Below are some of the websites that gives...
The Curacao Flag
... they can't find Curacao in the list of country. That is because Curacao is under Netherlands Antilles (an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands). Along with Bonaire and other three neighboring island in the north-eastern part of the Caribbean, Curacao belongs to the Netherlands Antilles. 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 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 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...
Curacao Island Map
... 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 which road to take, a few clicks will give you the right answer. But if laptop is not an option, internet caf s are available in Curacao as Where Is Curacao Located well. Handled by a GSM network, you can actually go online in a caf and let them print out all...
Map Of Curacao
... 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 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. 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....
Hotels In Curacao
... the end of the 17th century is a famous tourist attraction. Possibly not the best but definitely a place to consider is the Plaza Hotel Curacao. A three-star hotel with over two hundred rooms, this hotel is a sure addition to the list of good hotels in Curacao. Curacao Marriot Beach Resort & Emerald Casino is considered one of the top hotels in Willemstad. It has 247 guest rooms, several water activities like diving, and a casino to top it off. This well-known hotel indeed deserves some consideration. These are only a few of the many hotels in Curacao. Generally, whether you're traveling to a tropical place like the Caribbean or to somewhere with snowcapped mountains, choosing the best place to stay is the biggest hassle. What's with budget concerns to consider, its accessibility to the airport, the food, and of course its customer...
Maps Of Curacao
... the Caribbean. The website has a large array of maps of Curacao which you can order. This site offers a detail map of Curacao which shows hotels and resorts of which you can download and has details of major roads and highways of Curacao. * http://www.frommers.com/ - A very useful website that doesn't only book Where Is Curacao Located you for your trip but also offers tips and news of the place you want to go. It has maps of Curacao that is downloadable and free. Also has articles of famous places and excerpts from its guidebooks and a message board for you to post your message. There are many websites of which you can obtain maps of Curacao. Just compare the maps that you have found and choose the map that is suitable for the trip that you will be making. It is much better if you obtain a street map of...
Curacao Airport
This is one of the security measures that the airport has increased which causes an increase amount of travel time. Travelers are advised to observe these new regulations for their own safety. Here are some tips on how to speed up their process: 1. Check in at least two hours before departure time. 2. When passing through a security checkpoint, have your identification (government issued) ready. 3. Dress for a flight. If you set off a highly sensitive detector, it might mean there will be a more detailed search. Avoid wearing steel-toed shoes and metal belts. If you have a surgical implant, obtain a note from your doctor stating so (it will shorten the discussion with the airport security.). 4....
Sports In Curacao
... beach there is also beach volley. Kayaking or canoeing is also a popular sports in Curacao. Almost every resort in Curacao have kayaking or canoeing equipments. If don't know yet, hiking is also one popular sports in Curacao. Curacao has a National Park that you can climb or hike. You can hike through the 4,500 acre Christoffel Park. There is also the Rif Recreation Area that has a 2-mile jogging track. Horseback riding is also offered on Curacao. One can go horseback riding for an hour or for the whole day. One of the all-time favorite sports in Curacao is golf. Yes, golf. Curacao has not one but Where Is Curacao Located two world class golf courses. One is the Blue Bay Golf Club; a 18 hole AAA championship golf course. It is considered one of the top 50 golf courses in the world. The other is the Curacao Golf and Squash Club. This 9 hole golf course has a unique and unusual sand greens. Tennis is also a popular...
Curacao Map
... want to explore? Want to go to a certain location Where Is Curacao Located in Curacao? Then you better have a map of Curacao, not just an ordinary map that just tells the location but a map that tells what hotels and resorts and interesting places and all kind of stuff are available for a particular area. Pretty neat isn't it? You can find lots of maps on the internet that has the same features mentioned above. Here are some of them. http://www.ih.k12.oh.us/msbeauregn/map.htm The Curacao map that this site has gives you an idea of where to stay when you are in Curacao. The Curacao map is downloadable. Just right-click on the image and then choose "save picture as ". It is a very detailed map. It doesn't just feature the names of certain places, it also has details of what hotel or resort...
Curacao Island
... 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...
Curacao Tourism
... of the many projects they are currently working on is the modernization of the Curacao Airport (Hato International Airport). With the awareness of a new tourism industry, hotels recreational facilities in Curacao are developing increasingly. Making themselves competitive with the rest of the world. The main factor of Curacao's tourism is its uniqueness from most of the other the Caribbean destination. It gives a different experience, very Where Is Curacao Located rich in its historical and cultural heritage, is known to be the best diving in the world; though underdeveloped, and offers a great quality of life. For those who want to indulge great culture in their destination, Curacao is the place to be. Most Curacao tourists will be pleased of what its resorts and recreational facilities got to offer. You can go to the beach, do some diving, hike on the mountains, go shopping and the most fun of all, the festivities. Festivities in Curacao is very much famous. Where else in the world do you have festivities all year round? Only in Curacao....