One of the most popular seaside spots on the island, Kenepa Beach is actually two beaches, the larger Kenepa Grandi and the smaller Kenepa Chiki. The smaller is a more intimate beach that offers good snorkeling, while the larger has ample white sands for spreading out and calm crystal waters that are great for swimming. Even though it is popular, and many say a must-see on your visit to Curaçao, it doesn't feel crowded given its size. Backed by rolling green hillsides, the haven is about as photogenic as an idyllic Caribbean beach can get.
If you've seen any images of Willemstad they've probably been of Handelskade, the iconic pier that's lined with colonial buildings in yellow, bright blues, and vibrant pink hues. The stretch that runs along St. Anna Bay is home to outdoor cafés that are perfect for sitting back with a tropical drink and watching the comings and goings of the ships in the harbor. Handelskade is even more eye-catching at night when bright lights illuminate the vibrant colors for a rainbow display both on land and in the shimmering reflective water.
The raw power of the sea is on full display at Shete Boka Park, a protected area that runs along six miles of the northern coast of Curaçao. Ten pocket bays that have crashing waves carved into the limestone cliffs offer unique nature experiences, such as the Boka Tabla with an underground cavern that receives a continual onslaught of foamy waves. A lofty spot that's given to high winds, Boka Pistol offers stunning views from seaside hills. Along the coves and inlets, you are apt to spot nesting sea turtles and unique geological formations like the natural rock bridge of Boka Wandomi. The park has an admission fee but you don't need a guide to wander its trails.
Near the town of Lagun (about 25 miles (40.23 km) away from Willemstad), you'll find its namesake beach, a small piece of paradise that's nestled between rugged cliffs that make it a great spot for some stunning photos. The calm waters are great for snorkeling, or you can rent scuba gear if you want to do some deeper undersea exploration, as the reefs are home to an assortment of colorful tropical fish. Admission is free and while you won't find much in the way of amenities, you can rent a beach chair to settle back and enjoy the tranquil spot.
Cas Abao Beach is popular with both locals and visitors. It's not hard to see why. Dramatic cliffs, flanked by lush foliage, stand as a scenic background to white-sand beaches, while calm turquoise waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. While marine life does popular these waters, there usually aren't as many tropical fish as at other spots on the island. As for services, you can get a massage on the beach, eat and drink at a restaurant, with beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent. Located about 20 miles (32.19 km) from Willemstad, the beach is best accessible by car and there is a fee for parking.
The Hato Caves have long been used for shelter. During the days of slavery, some slaves who escaped lived in hiding here. Before that, the indigenous Arawak people resided in the caves, leaving behind cave drawings that have been dated to 1,500 years old. A tour through the caverns tells their stories, passing dramatic stalagmites and stalactites and other rock formations that look eerily like familiar figures, such as the Sea Tortoise, Pirate's Hand, and the Jack and the Beanstalk Giant.
Close to the famed Handelskade in Willemstad, you'll find one of the town's other iconic attractions. The Floating Market us exactly as it sounds, floating boats that offer fruits, vegetables, and fresh seafood from a fleet of wooden boats that have come in from mainland Venezuela. It's a much-needed service as the island doesn't have the greatest climate to grow all the produce it needs. Though, of course, there are modern supermarkets that are also supplied from the mainland. But modern shopping doesn't come close to the experience of buying from colorful boats bobbing in an ancient canal.
Dramatically different from the beach experience most folks head to the Caribbean for, Christoffel Park offers mountainous escapes. You can drive through the park, but most folks prefer to hike their way through the nearly 500 different species of plants and flowers. A hike to the peak of Christoffel Mountain is a round trip of about three hours, offering magnificent views of the unspoiled landscape and the sea beyond. It's a moderate trek that does get a bit rocky as you reach the summit, and are apt to spot wildlife like deer and exotic birds along the way. The park also has a museum that's housed in one of the oldest plantations on the island, telling the story of its slave history and the indigenous Arawak people who have lived on the land for thousands of years.
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