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
... liqueur? Did you know that the liqueur has a long history? Did you also know 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 Where Is Curacao Located 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...
Snorkeling In Curacao
... fishes, rays, turtles and sharks in the Caribbean? Curacao is just the place for you. Top divers and snorkelers worldwide agree that Curacao is one of the best diving and snorkeling spot in the world. You will be guaranteed that there is Where Is Curacao Located no other place on earth that has the same great shore dives and you will have a chance to enjoy nature's beauty while snorkeling in Curacao. The "Curacao snorkel experience" is one of the best experiences you can have while visiting Curacao. Listed below are the top Curacao snorkeling spots: * Airplane Wreck - located near the Sunset Waters, this diving spot can be accessed by the beach (no need for a boat). A buoy marks the spot of which the remains...
Island Of Curacao
... 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...
Curacao Weather
... helpful to you. Below are some of the websites that gives a regular update Where Is Curacao Located of Curacao weather: * http://www.curacao-travelguide.com/weather - This particular website, dedicated only on Curacao weather, doesn't give only information and facts about Curacao's best hotels, beaches and rentals; it also has a five day weather forecast and the current weather conditions of Curacao. * http://www.wunderground.com - This web site is has many features. It gives a very current weather forecast, not just the Curacao weather but to any place that you want to know. Regularly updated, show what time it was last updated. It also has a five day forecast weather forecast. * http://weather.yahoo.com/ - The weather report of this site is much nicer easier to read and understand. Gives a five day weather forecast and also...
The Curacao Flag
... 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). Where Is Curacao Located 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...
Curacao At A Glance
... 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 Where Is Curacao Located 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 local...
Curacao Island Map
... NEVER pay for a map while in Curacao. They are given free-of-charge. Some establishments though, like hotels, will charge you for one. 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, Where Is Curacao Located 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...
Map Of Curacao
... maps of Curacao. All have to do is search it on a web based search engine (www.google.com or www.yahoo.com is highly recommended.). When choosing for a map, make sure that it is durable. With the wear and tear, most maps easily deteriorate after a few days of use. Some maps that are for sale on the internet, are glossy or laminated. Be sure that the map you will buy is of high quality. It is very important for a traveler or a tourist to have a map, especially if you are in Curacao. With all the beautiful places to go to you might get confused. When choosing a map of Curacao, make sure that it is easy to read and understand. Some maps are too general on the labels. They just put a dot and a name of the place....
Hotels In Curacao
... service. A perfect getaway for tourists, this premier Willemstad hotel is a definite place to consider for honeymooners as well. Located at the Piscadera Bay four miles off Willemstad, Hilton Curacao is another hotel worth checking out. With Where Is Curacao Located its 197 luxurious rooms, two white sand beaches and immaculate landscapes, Hilton Curacao is truly a paradise like no other. Floris Suite Hotel's 72 all-suite units were lavishly created by Holland's premier designer Jan des Bouvrie. Breathtaking interior design makes for a nice and relaxing stay. One of the hotels in Curacao with historic value is the Avila Beach Hotel. Its significant structure dating back to 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...
Maps Of Curacao
... details of major roads and highways of Curacao. * http://www.frommers.com/ - A very useful website that doesn't only book 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. Like any other tourist destination, it is very much easy to get lost in Curacao. The city of Willemstad has lots of crisscrossing streets. Be sure to have a map of Curacao so that you will spend more time enjoying Curacao...
Curacao Airport
There are regular nonstop flights from different locations and airlines. There are two top airline companies from North America that serve Curacao; these are the Dutch Caribbean Airlines and the Air Jamaica. Like any airports, the Curacao Airport is tightening its security after the recent terror attack all over the world (especially after the 9-11 tragedy). Airline security has tightened checkpoints and conducted additional regulations with regards Where Is Curacao Located to cargo and luggage. In the Hato International Airport, travelers are often stopped for random inspections and must present themselves and their luggage. 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...
Sports In Curacao
... deep-sea fishers. With over 13 knots of wind blowing all year round, Curacao present a great opportunity for windsurfing. There are some skilled professional that offer their services for those who want to learn windsurfing. Curacao is also considered home of a number of sailing regattas all year round. There are shops that offer sailing equipments for rent. On the beach, there are lots of sporting activities. Beach volley is the most popular of them. We all know that if wherever there is a 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 Where Is Curacao Located Recreation Area that has a 2-mile jogging track. Horseback riding is also offered...
Curacao Map
... a Curacao Map and Hotel Locator. It shows the where the first class hotels and resorts are. If you want to go to a particular area in Curacao and you are looking for a nice place to stay on that area just look at the map then if Where Is Curacao Located you decided to stay on that particular hotel/resort on that are just click on the name of the hotel/resort. Say, you are going to Willemstad (Curacao's capital), just look at the number that is on Willemstad and you will see what hotel corresponds to that number (there's the Curacao Plaza Hotel in Willemstad). Just click on the name of the hotel and it will direct you to another page where you can find photos of the hotel and its description. The next time that you're planning of going to Curacao try to search for some other websites that has Curacao maps and has same similar features as mentioned above so that you will know where to...
Curacao Island
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 Where Is Curacao Located Eustatius and...
Curacao Tourism
... 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 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 Where Is Curacao Located 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. As most tourist in Curacao tourist point out; Curacao is truly a once in a lifetime...