CURACAO

Curacao is just 35 miles north of the coast of Venezuela and is the most populous of the Netherlands Antilles. The largest of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao is 37 miles long and 7 miles across at its widest point. Because of all that early Dutch building, Curacao is the most important island architecturally in the entire West Indies, with more European flavor than anywhere else.

After leaving the capital, Willemstad, you plunge into a strange, desertlike countryside that evokes the American Southwest. It is studded with three-pronged cactus, spinyleafed aloe and divi-divi trees. Classic Dutch-style windmills are scattered in and around Willemstad and in parts of the countryside.

Curacao has its own governmental authority, relying on the Netherlands only for defense and foreign affairs. Its population of 171,000 represents more than 50 nationalities.

Getting Around

Since all points of interest on Curacao are easily accessible via paved roads, you may want to rent a car. Taxis don’t have meters; you may also travel by bus.

Where to Stay

A. Very Expensive

Habitat Curacao

B. Expensive

Princess Beach Resort & Casino

Sonesta Beach Hotel & Casino Curacao

C. Moderate

Avila Beach Hotel

Coral Cliff Resort & Casino

Four Points Resort Curacao

Holiday Beach Hotel & Casino

Lion’s Dive Hotel & Marina

Plaza Hotel & Casino

D. Inexpensive

Chogogo Resort

Hotel Holland

Landhaus Daniel

Porto Paseo Hotel & Casino

Where to Dine

A. Expensive

Bistro Le Clochard

De Taveerne

Fort Nassau

La Pergola

Wine Cellar

B. Moderate

Belle Terrace

Blues

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fort Waakzaamheid Bistro

Landhaus Daniel

Pisces Seafood

Rijstaffel Restaurant Indonesia and Holland Club Bar

C. Inexpensive

The Cockpit

Golden Star

Beaches

Daaibooi Playa Abao

Santa Barbara Beach Playa Kenepa

Blauwbaai Playa Lagun

Westpunt Seaquarium Beach