Curacao
Curaçao, the "C" in the ABC islands, offers historical towns, untamed fields, and lots of outdoor recreation. (The other islands that make up the westernmost islands of the Leeward Antilles are Aruba and Bonaire.) Willemstad, the capital and largest city of Curaçao, resembles an old-world European metropolis that has been plopped into the Caribbean. The Dutch colonial structures with vibrant colors reflect pinks, yellows, and blues into the emerald St. Anna Bay. As soon as you leave the city, the scenery changes to a desert setting with spiky aloe and mesquite growing on top of aged limestone cliffs.
The beach is Curaçao's main lure, though. Beautiful beaches and coves surround the island, their azure seas gently lapping against the pristine white sand. The reefs of Curaçao are teeming with marine life and provide fantastic diving and snorkeling destinations. The semi-arid island benefits from being protected from the worst of the Atlantic storm season. You can spend the entire year outdoors thanks to the gentle trade winds that maintain temperatures in the mid-80s.
The off-peak season, from May to November, is the ideal time to visit Curaçao. These are the most affordable travel and lodging seasons, with hotel rates frequently up to 50% less than they are during the peak season (especially during summer). Additionally, you won't have to compete with hordes of other tourists for beach chairs. Additionally, Curaçao escapes the fury of hurricane season. Even during the months when other Caribbean islands are experiencing severe rain, the weather on Curaçao typically remains sunny. Curaçao is only 12 degrees north of the equator, and it never gets below the mid-80s. Between December and April, when most tourists visit Curaçao, hotel and flight costs soar. You'll have good visibility all year long if you've come to dive or snorkel. The marine life on the island is not impacted by seasonal fluctuations because it is not within the hurricane belt.
Come during the off-season. You can save up to 50% on lodging and travel during the summer. Taking less taxis, Taxis are a convenient choice for quick trips within Willemstad, but since cab costs are high, renting a car for longer distances is more cost-effective. Settle for market fare. Willemstad's eateries frequently serve tourists with huge wallets. Look through the marketplaces for inexpensive local food.
Location: in the southern Caribbean Sea and the Dutch Caribbean region
Ranking:
- #2 in Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations
- #6 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean
- #6 in Best Places to Visit in August
- #7 in Best Cheap Destination Wedding Locations
- #9 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
- #10 in Best Places to Visit in November
- #15 in Best Caribbean Honeymoons
- #15 in Best Cheap Summer Vacations
- #16 in Best Winter Vacations
