Forty miles off the coast of Venezuela and nestled between Aruba and Bonair, in the Netherlands Antilles, the island of Curaçao’s is a nature lover’s haven. With over 35 beaches and numerous dive sites and coves, the island invites the tired and stressed to relax and rejuvenate.  Curaçao’s ethnic inhabitants—the Arawak, Dutch, Spanish, West Indian, Latin, and African—have created a rich heritage and diverse, thriving culture. 

Curaçao’s beaches are ideal whether you are a sun-loving vacationer or a resident enjoying a day off, you can choose between intimate rocky coves surrounded by massive cliffs or long sandy beaches, either secluded by nature or bustling with activities. The one thing they all share is crystal clear turquoise water and picture-perfect weather. Aljost all of the bathing beaches are scattered along the sheltered and calm southwestern coast, where the waters are calm and crystal clear.

Divers and snorkelers never seem to be able to stop talking about the beauty of Curaçao’s underwater world. The island boasts some of the best shore dives in the world and offers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the sea’s nature while snorkeling. There are about 40 different dive areas on Curaçao which all can enjoy.

Throughout history, communities around the world have engaged in traditional rituals and ceremonies. While ancient cultures invoked spirits and religious icons for peace and protection, modern Carnival festivities pay homage with bountiful food, music, and merriment with parades and street marches. Curaçao carnival is another reason to visit the island. A kaleidoscope of colors and richness in carefully crafted costumes is enough to lure visitors to watch this magnificent expression of beauty and culture.

The Dutch influence on Curaçao is just as omnipresent as the centuries-old colonial buildings. From the time they first established themselves as the island's ruling class, the Dutch have had a major impact on every level of society. Today, the legal and educational systems and the government are all Dutch-inspired; Dutch remains the language of instruction in schools and is widely spoken in government and business. Several thousand makambas (as Dutch people are called) have made Curaçao their permanent home. Aljost four per cent of Curaçao's population was born in Holland, according to the 2001 census. Hundreds of Curaçaoan students set off to study in Holland each year—many return not only with a professional degree, but with a Dutch spouse as well; others never make it back. (As many as 100,000 people from the Netherlands Antilles now reside in Holland.) 

What’s the sense in exploring the island if you don’t try the local cuisine? Traditional Dutch food (particularly using fresh seafood and cheeses) is popular, as well as the exciting flavors of Creole food (criollo) which also makes good use of the great variety of fresh fish. French, Italian and other international cuisines are also offered.

So, the next time you want a tropical vacation. Think Curaçao!

Info from www.curacao.com