Seven unique Curaçao attractions and things to do!

Last updated on October 25, 2021 by Wandering our World

Stunning Curaçao is the epitome of paradise, with its gorgeous white sand beaches, friendly locals and countless fun and unique things to do.

There’s also many free activities and things to do on pretty Curaçao, which helps make it one of our five cheapest destinations in the Caribbean.

Below are seven of our favorite things to do in Curaçao, and some of our favorite Curaçao attractions too!

1: Go hiking in Christoffel National Park

If you’re going to the Caribbean you’re bound to spend a lot of time at the beach, but any visit to Curaçao should also include a hike in this breathtaking national park.

There are several hiking trails that you can take – you can see them here. Our favourite is the mountain trail that brings you to the highest peak on the island –  Mt Christoffel. The peak can be reached in a couple of hours, and offers panoramic views of the island and out across the Caribbean.

While walking along the shady paths keep an eye out for the white-tailed deer, a species that has lived on Curaçao for 4,000 years!

2: Visit Hato Caves

This is arguably the most atmospheric of Curaçao attractions. The lights that allow you to see and traverse this 240m long limestone cave system expose the stalactites and stalagmites that have taken millions of years to form, and it really does feel like you are going back to a time before humankind existed.

The guided tours are very good, and will give you a glimpse into the role this cave has played in the island’s history. For example, you can still see the smoke stains made by fires that were lit by runaway slaves who took refuge in the cave during the time of slavery.

Our highlight was seeing the animals that have made this place home: huge iguanas, and of course, bats.

3: Visit Klein Curaçao – The perfect beach with a sordid past

The uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao – two hours off the coast of the main island – is home to the longest stretch of white sand in Curaçao, and is an absolute must visit.

Pristine and unspoiled, the water here is crystal clear and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It really feels like you’re on your own desert island.

However the island also has quite a depressing history. During the slave trade, sick slaves were quarantined on the island, and those who died were buried there – mostly on the southern side.

4: Swim with turtles at Lagun

For snorkeling, the coastline beside the charming village of Lagun is teeming with sealife, and it’s also one of the best places in Curaçao to swim alongside sea turtles.

The fishermen at Lagun often feed the turtles in the late morning with their leftover catch, and the turtles have gotten into the routine of dropping by around this time for a free meal!

5: Experience and watch a tambu show

As we’ve mentioned before, Curaçao had a role to play in the slave trade, and subsequently many of the traditions and cultures of this island were also formed during this dark period of history.

One of those legacies is tambu – a rhythmic drum music passed down by slaves that helped keep alive the heritage and culture of the country they had been kidnapped from.

It remains a part of island life today, and watching a tambu performance is a must for anyone who wishes to really experience Curaçao. (Recommended: Unmissable Culture on Curaçao).

6: Tour Curaçao Liqueur Distillery

Made from the dried peel of the bitter orange laraha fruit – only grown on this island – Curaçao Liqueur is a blue liqueur that’s as tasty as it looks.

You can visit the distillery where it’s made, take a tour, sample their different drinks, and even learn how to make cocktails!

The distillery is small and quaint, and the staff and owner are friendly. The famous blue liqueur is why most people visit, but we recommend trying the chocolate liqueur. It’s delicious.

7: Visit the floating market in colorful Punda

Full of brightly colored buildings on the harbor front, Punda is the most photographed area of Curaçao’s capital of Willemstad. It’s a great place to grab a beer or coffee, and watch the world (and boats) go by.

While there visit the floating market where farmers who have sailed 70km from Venezuela dock their boats to sell vegetables. You can find that along Sha Caprileskade.

Recommended for your trip to Curaçao

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