Curacao Itinerary: 5 Days of Sun, Food, and Sand
Buildings of Willemstad, Curacao
Curaçao is a small island in the southern Caribbean that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With miles of stunning beaches, brightly painted towns, and a unique blend of Carribean, Latin and Dutch culture.
Residents on the island speak a mix of languages, including Dutch, Papiamentu, English, and Spanish.
Curaçao is a perfect destination for travelers who are looking for a tropical paradise that is not too crowded, not too expensive, and laidback. The country is renowned for its picturesque beaches that are ideal for diving and snorkeling.
We spent 2 months traveling the island and hunting down the best places to eat, swim, sunbathe and stay. In this article, we’ve created the perfect 5 day Curaçao itinerary, so you can experience the best that this island has to offer.
You will see rugged coastlines, coral reefs, and marine life, as well as explore the vibrant capital of Willemstad, the charming countryside, and the delicious local cuisine.
How to get to Curaçao
Curaçao is a relatively easy destination to reach from the US, Canada, and Europe. There are direct flights from several major cities, such as New York, Miami, Toronto, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. You can also find connecting flights from other cities, such as Atlanta, Houston, and London. We recommend checking for flight options and prices on Expedia or Skyscanner.
Curaçao Itinerary - How to spend 5 perfect days in this tropical paradise.
Fishing boats in Curacao
Day 1: Road Trip Down the West Coast
After a big day of travel, we think the perfect recovery day includes some lazing in the sun, nature, and light activity. That’s why we’ve recommended a coastal drive for day 1 of your Curacao itinerary. This will also help you see some of the best beaches the island has to offer early on in your trip.
The west coast of Curaçao is where you can find some of the most secluded and idyllic beaches on the island. The best way to get around during your stay is definitely to rent a car, it’s easy to drive here and the island is quite spread out, making taxi’s and public transport a bit tedious. Driving along the scenic West coast allows you to explore some of Curaçao’s best scenery, while stopping at the various beaches along the way.
We recommend using Google Maps for navigation or requesting a Navman with your rental. We found Google maps was very reliable throughout our time on the island, and most stops on this day are just off the main highways, making it easy to navigate.
Here are some of the must-see beaches on this side of the island:
Grote Knip Beach Curacao
Grote Knip Beach: also known as Playa Kenepa Grandi, this is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches in Curaçao. It is a large bay with white sand, clear blue water, and rocky cliffs. You can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe on this beach, or just enjoy the views. There are also some local vendors that sell snacks and drinks on site.
Try a refreshing mango smoothie from one of the food trucks in the carpark. A great way too cool off from the morning in the sun. This beach is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers, as it has something for everyone.
As soon as we arrived here we spotted turtles cruising along the left side of the beach.
Playa Kalki - beach in Curacao
Playa Kalki: A small and secluded beach with white sand and clear water. You can snorkel a coral garden known as “Alice in Wonderland” right from the shore. The coral sparkles in the sun, and visibility is amazing.
There is also a dive shop and a restaurant on the beach, where you can rent snorkel gear, chairs or book a dive.
This beach is ideal for snorkelers and divers, as the shop is very convenient, and the reef is easy to access. There are free to use palapas along the shore, and great views of Playa Forti in the distance.
Playa Forti Restaurant - Playa Forti, Curacao
Playa Forti: This is a rocky beach with a stunning view of the ocean and the cliffs. You can watch the locals and the tourists jump off the cliff into the water, or join them if you are feeling adventurous.
Playa Forti Restaurant is located right on the cliffs edge, where you can have lunch and get a prime time seat watching people jump.
There are some local iguanas that call this cliff and restaurant home too. This beach is fun for thrill seekers, and also has good off-shore diving.
Playa Lagun
Playa Lagun: Playa Lagun is a serene cove, the beach has white sand and sparkling aquamarine water surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs. Sitting above you on the limestone cliffs is a laid back beach bar, where you can buy food and drinks while soaking up the view.
You can snorkel or dive in the calm water and see turtles, rays, and lobsters.
There is also a fishing village nearby, where you can see the local fishermen and their boats. This beach is great for nature lovers, as it has a lot of wildlife and a peaceful atmosphere.
Casa Abou: A long stretch of white sandy beach, with a local beach club that offers a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. You can end your day here, where you can rent a sunbed or a cabana, swim in the crystal clear water, and enjoy the food and drinks from the bar.
They also have a diving shop here where you can rent watersport gear like snorkels, dive tanks, and kayaks.
Tips for traveling to and from the beaches:
You can rent a car from the airport or from Willemstad, and drive to the west coast. The drive takes about an hour, and the road is well-paved and signposted. You can also use Google Maps or Waze to navigate your way.
You can park your car at the designated parking areas near the beaches, and pay a small fee or buy a drink from the vendors. Some beaches have security guards, but it is still advisable to not leave any valuables in your car.
Smoothie food truck at Grote Knip
Things you’ll need to pack with you:
Sunscreen with high SPF and reef-safe formula
Hat, sunglasses, and cover-up
Snorkel gear and underwater camera (optional)
Towel, water, and snacks
Cash for parking, sun loungers, and drinks
Where to eat or drink on Curacao’s West coast
Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club on Playa Kalki. A restaurant that serves international and local cuisine, with a view of the beach and the ocean.
Playa Forti Restaurant, a restaurant that serves seafood, burgers, and salads, with a view of the cliff and the water.
Casa Abou Beach Bar, a bar that serves cocktails, beers, and a basic menu with items like satay skewers.
Colourful buildings of Willemstad, Curaco
Day 2: Explore Willemstad
The second day is all about the city of Willemstad. You’ll discover the iconic colorful streets of the largest city of Curaçao. Willemstad is often highlighted on postcards, and travel vlogs due to its eclectic blend of Dutch and Caribbean architectural influences, and cultural heritage. And what better way to learn about the city, than a stroll along the art-adorned streets.
Willemstad is divided into two main districts: Punda and Otrobanda, which are connected by the Queen Emma Bridge, a unique style of pontoon bridge that swings open to allow ships to pass. Both districts have a lot of attractions and activities, from shopping and dining, to museums and monuments. Here are some of the highlights for you to do during your time in the city.
Street art in Willemstad
Punda: this is the oldest and most colorful district of Willemstad, where you can find many shops, cafes, and museums. Walk around the streets and admire the buildings, such as the Fort Amsterdam, the Governor’s Palace, and the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.
Queen Emma Bridge: also known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” is a pontoon bridge that connects Punda and Otrobanda. The bridge will swing open to allow large ships to pass through the bay. You can also enjoy the views of the city and the water from the bridge, or take a photo with the giant letters that spell out “dushi” which means “sweet” or “lovely” in the local dialect - Papiamentu.
Gouverneur De Rouville: This is a charming restaurant located in a historic building that was once the residence of the governor of Curacao. Stop here for lunch and enjoy the view of the Queen Emma Bridge and the Handelskade, a waterfront strip that is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, such as seafood, steak, and local specialties. This restaurant is ideal for sitting and slowly sipping on some cocktails while enjoying the scenery, as it has an amazing view of the city.
Otrobanda: this is the newer and more modern district of Willemstad, where you can find more shops, hotels, and museums. You can walk around the streets and see the buildings, such as the Rif Fort, a former military fort that now houses a shopping mall, and the Kura Hulanda Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the African diaspora in the Caribbean.
Beach club, Mambo Beach
Next, drive to Mambo Beach which is about 10 - 15 minutes drive from Punda.
Mambo is one of the more lively beaches in Curaçao, where you can find a range of beach clubs and bars. While this isn’t the prettiest beach in Curaçao, it’s still worth a visit due to the beach clubs and a couple of nice boutique shops.
Rent a sunbed or cabana for the day or have an afternoon snack and drink at one of the beach clubs, we recommend Mood beach club or Bonita beach club.
Where to eat or drink in Willemstad & Mambo Beach
Gouverneur De Rouville: Gouverneur De Rouville, a restaurant that serves seafood, steak, and local specialties, with a view of the bridge and the Handelskade.
Otrobanda: Kome, a restaurant that serves creative and fusion cuisine, with a cozy and elegant ambiance.
Mambo Beach: Mood beach club or Bonita beach club - try the local delici
Klein Curacao
Day 3: Day Trip to Klein Curacao
On the third day, we recommend taking a day trip to one of Curacao’s most popular tourist destinations - Klein Curaçao. The island of Klein Curaçao is picturesque and uninhabited, making it a paradise for nature lovers. A day trip here really highlights the unforgettable blue waters of Curaçao. You’ll see pristine white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, and a small lighthouse. The island can only be reached by boat, but there’s really no better way to appreciate its beauty than from the water.
There are several tour operators that offer day trips from Curaçao all week. The boat ride takes around an hour and a half, and you can soak up the stunning ocean views and the island throughout the trip. Once you arrive, you can explore the lighthouse, swim, and snorkel. You can also visit a few shipwrecks that are scattered around the island.
Most of the tour operators will provide lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment, as well as a guide and a crew.If you have specific dietary requirements I’d recommend bringing your own food and drinks, as well as sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, as there is not much shade on the island.
Klein Curaçao is a perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the Caribbean. You might also be lucky enough to spot some of the wildlife that inhabits the island, such as sea turtles, pelicans, and flamingos.
Tips for traveling to and from the island:
There are a number of tours available with different types of boats, such as catamarans, sailboats, or speedboats. We recommend taking the boat tour with Breeze adventures who have an amazing team, and spend a full day exploring the island from 7.30am - 5pm. Their tour includes breakfast and lunch, and you have the option to add on diving for an additional cost.
Most boats leave between 7am or 8 am, and return around 4 or 5 pm, if you plan on taking your own food I’d recommend preparing it the night before. We found Carrefour supermarkets were easily accessible all over Curacao and a great selection of food.
If you have a camera, definitely remember to charge and pack it the night before to ensure you don’t forget it. The island and the boat ride make for some great photography.
Things you’ll need to pack with you:
Sunscreen with high SPF and reef-safe formula
Hat, sunglasses, and cover-up
Snorkel gear and underwater camera (optional)
Towel
Cash (for tips)
Blend Beach Club in Blue Bay
Where to eat or drink when you are there:
The tour operators usually provide lunch, drinks, and snacks on the island, which are included in the price of the trip. You can also bring your own food and drinks, as there are no facilities on the island.
Some of the tour operators include alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and cocktails included. But you can also pack your own drinks if you’d prefer to.
Blue Bay Beach
Day 4: A Day at Blue Bay (Blauwbaai)
We absolutely loved Blue Bay, also referred to as Blauwbaai. We based ourselves here for most of our trip as the dive shop, and nearby dive sites are fantastic. They also have a golf course, great beach clubs and a couple of good restaurants right on the beach, so it’s a really convenient place to stay.
The beach at Blue Bay is one of the best in Curacao, with a long and wide stretch of white sand, and clear and calm water. You can swim, snorkel, or dive in the water, and see the amazing coral reef that is just a few meters from the shore. You can also rent a sunbed or a cabana, and enjoy the food and drinks from the beach bar. They have beautiful sunsets here, and on Friday nights host a live band during sunset.
Brass Boer restaurant at Blue Bay
For day four we recommend heading here in the morning, so you can go for an off-shore diving excursion, where you can explore some of the deeper and more spectacular dive sites around Curacao. You can see walls, caves, wrecks, and a variety of marine life, such as sharks, rays, and turtles. You can book your dive with the dive center on the beach, which will provide you with the equipment and can organize a guided group dive if you’d like. If you don’t have your diving license you can also do a “try dive” here without needing a dive license, or hire snorkel gear from the shop.
For lunch, head to Coast, a restaurant that is located on the beach, and offers a stunning view of the ocean. The restaurant serves a mix of international and local dishes, and they do some great ribs and bbq. You can also enjoy the cocktails and the smoothies from the bar.
In the afternoon, find yourself a sun lounger and relax at the beach. The beach here is lovely as there are plenty of palm trees for shade, and wait service for drinks & food.
We recommend finishing up a relaxing day with sunset dinner at Brass Boer, a fine dining restaurant that is located right on the beach with spectacular views. The restaurant is owned by a famous Dutch chef, and serves a fusion of Caribbean and European cuisine, using fresh and local ingredients. Alternatively, if you’re looking for some tasty cheap eats, you can opt for wine and cocktails from Blend bar which does takeaway pizza that can be enjoyed at the beach too.
Things you’ll need to pack with you:
Sunscreen with high SPF and reef-safe formula
Dive license if you plan on diving
Hat, sunglasses, and cover-up
Snorkel gear and underwater camera (optional)
Towel
Cash and credit card (you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee for the beach if you are not staying in the Blue Bay community).
Tugboat beach
Day 5: Explore Jan Thiel Area and Tugboat Beach
On the fifth day we recommend exploring the Jan Thiel beach area. Nearby Jan Thiel is Tugboat Beach, which is a unique dive, and snorkeling site, so it’s the perfect add on to this day exploring the Southern end of Curacao’s West coast.
Jan Thiel is a popular area for tourists to stay while holidaying in Curacao, as it has many high end rental villas, and some nice hotels. The main attraction however, is the beach, which is a long and narrow stretch of white sand, with clear and shallow water.
One of Jan Theil’s main draw cards are its beach clubs. You can rent a sun lounger or a cabana for the day, and enjoy the restaurants along the shoreline. Papagayo Beach Club is famous for its saltwater infinity pool and sleek lounge areas, while Zest Beach Cafe offers a more casual vibe with wooden picnic tables and a floating dock. Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant is the place to go for live music, oven-baked pizzas, and VIP sunbeds. And if you’re looking for a hidden gem, head to Kokos Beach Club, where you can relax under palm trees, sample street food, and soak up the laid-back boho decor.
Tugboat Beach is a short drive or taxi ride from Jan Thiel Beach, and is one of the most popular and accessible dive sites in Curacao. The beach is named after the tugboat that sank in the 1980s, and now lies at a depth of about 5 meters, covered with corals and sponges. You can snorkel or dive to see the tugboat, as well as the nearby reef and the underwater wall. You’ll be amazed by the variety of marine life, such as fish, octopus, and seahorses. Tugboat Beach is also a great spot to relax on the sand, enjoy the view.
You may want to consider staying in the Jan Thiel area for part of your stay as it’s super convenient with easy access to the beach, beach bars, restaurants and shops all within walking distance. We recommend checking VRBO for private villas in the area.
You can drive or taxi to Tugboat Beach from the Jan Thiel area, and park your car at the designated parking area near the beach. The drive takes about 10 minutes, use Google Maps to navigate your way, most of the beach clubs in Jan Theil offer free wifi, so you can load up directions before you do.
Things you’ll need to pack with you:
Sunscreen with high SPF and reef-safe formula
Hat, sunglasses, and cover-up
Snorkel gear and camera
Towel
Cash and credit card
Where to stay in Curacao:
Curacao has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, to luxury hotels and resorts. You can choose from different locations, such as the west coast, the east coast, or the city center. You can also find accommodation deals on Booking.com or Airbnb. Here are some of the best places to stay in Curacao, according to your preferences and budget:
For romance: Baoase Luxury Resort, a five-star resort that offers private villas, suites, and bungalows, with a view of the ocean and the tropical garden. You can also enjoy the infinity pool, the spa, and the restaurant, which serves Asian and French cuisine.
For family: We recommend renting a villa in the Blue Bay gated community or Jan Theil. Blue bay has villa options with views of the golf course or the ocean. Many of the rentals have either a private or shared pool, and access to the golf course. There are four restaurants, which serve international and local cuisine and a dive shop.
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