I’m often asked to give advice on visiting Curacao. When is the best time to visit? Which hotels do I recommend staying in? What activities do I recommend? How long do I recommend staying on the island? Can I take a boat to Aruba? (No, you can’t) What are the best restaurants on the island? You name it, I’ve been asked about it.

I love how much more people are talking about Curacao, and I’m so happy to give suggestions. Since I’ve been living on the island for a year and half, I thought it was time to share my ultimate guide for visiting Curacao in 3 days. Keep in mind, there’s enough to do here to keep you occupied for weeks. There are over 30 beaches to explore, after all. Three days of activities is perfect for first timers who want to see the island, and any additional days can be spent relaxing at the beach.

The Best Time to Visit

I know it’s cliche to say, but I mean it – there’s no bad time to visit Curacao. You don’t have to worry about hurricanes hitting the island as we’re far away from the action. The only thing to consider is how well you can tolerate the heat.

From the months of April to September or so there is little wind or rain and blaring sun during the day. October to December tends to be the most rainy, and by rainy I mean a 3-minute shower in the morning and possibly afternoon as well. December to April brings cooling winds and not much rain, and since it coincides with Christmas and Spring Breaks, these tend to be the most popular times to visit the island.

The hottest the island can get in the summer months is around 90 degrees F but it could feel hotter being directly in the sun without any breeze. If your main priority is to tan, you’re in luck! I’ve never encountered any outdoor temperatures below 81 F in the evening, though sometimes when the breeze blows it’s helpful to have a coverup.

Which Hotels Do I Recommend?

This is a question I get a lot! Being a luxury travel agent I tend to recommend the high end properties to ensure high quality accommodations and service, but surprisingly there aren’t a lot of those on the island compared to St. Barths, for example. Since travelers coming to Curacao have a variety of budgets and preferences, I’ve broken down my recommendations by category.

The Luxury Choice: Baoase Resort

• Located about a 20-min walk from the Punda side of Willemstad
• 23 rooms only for an intimate experience
• Perfectly situated on a private beachfront
• Well-known as having one of the most romantic restaurants on the island
• 5-star service including VIP Airport Arrival and Departure (rare for the island)
• Rates starting at $675 per room per night

The Best All-Inclusive: Sandals Royal Curacao

• Located in Santa Barbara on the Southeast part of the island
• Relatively new (June 2022) opening
• 351 rooms and suites spread across around 8 different buildings
• Very large property with a variety of restaurants (the food is super good!)
• Small beach but large two-tier infinity pool
• Everything included (even the airport transfers!)
• Adults-Only
• Rates starting around $700 per room per night in low season

The Reliable Choice: Marriott Beach Resort

• Located in Piscadera just a 5-min drive to downtown Willemstad
• 336 rooms and suites that were all recently renovated
• Emphasizes being a family resort with a dedicated kids club
• Large private beach area
• Next to my favorite happy hour bar, Pirate Bay
• Walking distance to one of the most popular seafood restaurants, De Visserij
• Rates starting at $350 per room per night

The Underdog: Avila Beach Club

• Located in the Pietermaai district about a 10-min walk to the Punda side of Willemstad
• 131 rooms in 3 separate (and unique) buildings; apartments available as well
• Three large private beaches and one large infinity pool on property
• Several restaurants on site, and nearby some of the best restaurants on the island
• Option to add full or half board meal plans
• Rates starting at $250 per room per night

The Off-The-Beaten-Path Pick (in Banda Abou): Coral Estate Resort

• Located in Sint Willibrordus on the West side of Curacao, 30 mins from Willemstad
• Near beautiful beaches and halfway to Westpunt (including Playa Porto Mari, a local favorite)
• Large mix-use property split between residences and hotel
• Luxury is in the name, but in reality it’s around a 4-star hotel
• Best spa on the island, 8 the Experience, located here
• The two restaurants on site are both incredible
• Not a real sand beach but perfect west-facing for sunsets
• They have their own rental cars on site
• Dive shop on site – popular with divers
• Rates starting at $170 per room per night

The Charming Boutique: BijBlauw

• Located in Punda about a 10-min walk to the swinging bridge
• 13 chic rooms for an intimate experience
• Fantastic dining options on-site and nearby (including Kome, a local favorite)
• Repurposed historic monument buildings for an authentic experience
• Walking distance to multiple sites and activities downtown
• Rates starting at $130 per room per night

(ADDED – November 2025: I want to also shout out a relatively new boutique hotel that opened up in Pietermaai called Art Hotel Curacao. They’re adults-only, beautifully contemporary, right on the water, and have their own beach club and fine dining restaurant.)

Day 1: Willemstad, Mambo Beach, Jan Thiel

I recommend for the first day exploring the downtown area of Willemstad, especially if your hotel is in the area. Most flights arriving into Curacao land in the afternoon so there wouldn’t be enough time to drive to the far side of the island and enjoy the sights. I love how walkable Willemstad is and you can easily cover the whole area in a day.

You’re going to hear “Punda” and “Otrobanda” quite a bit, and it’s important to be able to distinguish the two to avoid confusion. Otrobanda is the side of Willemstad where Rif Fort and Kura Hulanda Village are located. Walking over the swinging Queen Emma Bridge towards Iguana Cafe and the large Curacao sign is the Punda side.

Must-See/Do in Willemstad:

• Eat at Plasa Bieu: An old open-air marketplace with 6 local food vendors. Pumpkin pancakes and beef stew (stoba) will definitely be found on the menu. A must for any foodie!
• Explore Rif Fort: Located in Otrobanda, the Rif Fort is a repurposed historic fort now with many duty-free shops and seafront restaurants. This area is close to where the cruise ships dock and can be busy on cruise days. This is a great though expensive place to buy your souvenirs.
• Visit Kura Hulanda Village: A short walk from the Rif Fort is the picturesque Kura Hulanda Village. Imagine cobblestone walkways and colorful rows of historical buildings filled with local businesses and restaurants – that’s Kura Hulanda. It’s especially beautiful at night with live music in the courtyard and string lights making for a romantic setting. Don’t forget to stop by Brgr.Haus!
• Learn at the Kura Hulanda Museum: Located at Kura Hulanda Village is a museum about the Transatlantic Slave Trade and how it relates to Curacao. A thought provoking experience that’s highly recommended.
• Walk on the Queen Emma Bridge: The iconic swinging pontoon bridge is located between Otrobanda and Punda. It swings open when ships and boats need to come through and you can actually get stuck on the bridge while it swings. The bridge is particularly beautiful at night with the colorful lights illuminating it.
• Enjoy the Street Art: In Punda, Otrobanda, and Pietermaai are colorful murals showcasing the beauty of Curacao and its culture. I highly recommend a guided art tour as many of the murals are hidden in alleys or areas that aren’t straightforward to get to.
• Celebrate Jewish History at Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue: This is the oldest continuously used synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. A historical monument located in Punda, and a must for any history and culture lovers.
• Take Pictures at Queen Wilhelmina Park: In Punda, this is where you’ll find the large signs that say Curacao and Dushi. Highly recommend a stop for a photo op!
• Walk through Pietermaai: If you’re walking through Punda away from the Queen Emma Bridge, you’ll end up walking through the Pietermaai District. This district is full of colorful buildings, amazing restaurants, and lovely cafes. There are a number of seafront restaurants here that are amazing.

Must-See/Do in Mambo Beach

• Grab an Acai Bowl at Bliss the Berry: For a trendy oceanview break from the heat, I highly recommend popping into Bliss the Berry for a smoothie or acai bowl. It’s one of the only places on the island serving this specialty.
• Peruse the Shops: Mambo Beach is a popular destination for tourists so there’s a lot of great shopping here. You’ll find clothes, knick knacks, and souvenirs along with a ton of dining options.
• Enjoy One of the Beach Clubs: From Bonita to Madero to Cabana and Mood Beach Clubs, you have plenty of options. This is the closest area to enjoy full-service beach clubs if you’re staying in Willemstad. The beaches are decently sandy and the water is calm and clear here.
• Party at Night: Mambo Beach is one of the best places to be for partiers, especially on the weekend! Go to Madero Beach Club to experience an energetic evening full of dancing and good beats.

Must-See/Do in Jan Thiel

• Snorkel at Jan Thiel Beach: The beach at Jan Thiel is big with a wooden floating platform for swimmers to reach and sunbathe on. There are multiple beach clubs to choose from: Papagayo Beach Club, Zest Beach Club, Zanzibar Beach Club, and Koko’s Beach Club. They’re all good! Zanzibar has the cheapest chairs, and Kokos is the most private feeling – but you can’t go wrong with any.
• Take a Picture at the I Love Curacao Sign: On the stop of the hills in Jan Thiel you’ll find a viewpoint with a large stone bench saying “I <3 Curacao” and it’s a great photo-op. The views beyond the bench are also incredible being able to see the glimmering Spanish Waters.
• Happy Hour at Zanzibar: On Saturdays, Zanzibar offers a great happy hour deal for a bucket of Brasa Beers in addition to a DJ and dancing to set the scene. Saturdays at Zanzi are a must for any party-goers!
• Visit Tugboat Beach: Continuing on Caracaasbaiweg past Jan Thiel, you’ll eventually hit Tugboat Beach. This beach is great for snorkeling and diving as there is a large tugboat shipwreck (hence the name!) that is easy to see through the clear blue waters. You can also paint souvenir driftwood pieces and enjoy snacks and drinks at the bar.
• Explore Fort Beekenburg: Next to Tugboat Beach, this is a 1700’s former Dutch military fort that’s still in decent condition. You can climb the top and enjoy the views and take pictures with the original cannons. For history lovers!

Day 2: Mt. Christoffel, Shete Boka, and Grote Knip

For Day 2, I recommend taking your car to the Western side of the island, also known as Westpunt. To drive all the way to the Western point from Willemstad will take about an hour, and it’s a beautiful scenic drive. This one will be a long day in the heat full of walking so pack sunscreen, water, and snacks!

• Early morning hike up Mt. Christoffel: Aside from diving, this is one of the most popular activities for adventure seekers to do on the island. Located about a 30 minute drive from Willemstad, a hike up Mt. Christoffel is like a rite of passage. Go early as the heat can get intense! They don’t allow anyone to start the hike after 10 AM due to the heat. It’ll take about 2.5 hours total to do the hike, and you’ll definitely have earned a cold beverage after!
• Drive through Shete Boka National Park: You’ll be about 10 minutes away from Shete Boka National Park at this point, and the good news is that you can do this activity (mostly) from the comfort of your car. Shete Boka is a park on the Northern coast made up of numerous pocket bays. This makes for extravagant scenes of waves crashing into the rocks and makes you appreciate the raw beauty of the ocean. You can drive to each “boka” and get out to take pictures if you like – expect to spend about 1-2 hours here.
• (Optional IF OPEN) Walk through Hofi Mango Park: Earlier this month, severe rain damaged a large part of this unique park. It may be open by the time you’re reading this, and if it is I highly recommend a visit. The park is made up of hundreds of mango trees that were planted a long time ago and then left to organically reproduce. There is beautiful foliage and a brief hike up to a view point and art installation, “the Hands of God”. Finish with a mango treat at their on-site restaurant. A beautiful way to experience the island!
• Visit Grote Knip: One of the most photographed beaches on the island, and for good reason. The waters are a picturesque crystal clear blue, and when the beach isn’t fully overcrowded with tourists and locals, it can be a great place to relax. Make sure to get the famous banana bread from the stall by Grote Knip!
• Drive back stopping at various beaches: From Grote Knip, you’ll drive back down to Willemstad passing by many fantastic beaches. Klein Knip, Playa Lagun, Cas Abou, Daaibooi, Playa Porto Mari, Kokomo and more are all on the way.

Day 3: Aloe Farm, Ostrich Farm, Landhuis Chobolobo

On the third day, you’ll likely want to rest a bit after a lot of activity from the day prior. If you want to head back to any of the beaches mentioned prior, this would be a great day to do that! Otherwise, there are some low-key cultural activities you can do on this day.

• Tour Curacao’s Largest Aloe Farm: Located about a 20-min drive from Willemstad is the island’s largest Aloe Farm. The island doesn’t produce much, but it certainly has its fair share of aloe products. You can tour the factory and farm, as well as participate in a workshop making your own aloe body spray.
• See animals at the Ostrich Farm: I’ll be honest, this kind of thing isn’t my cup of tea as I don’t like to see animals in captivity BUT I know that a lot of people love visiting this place to see animals. There is a tour you can take where you see various animal enclosures such as: ostriches, crocodiles, turtles, pigs, goats, peacocks, etc. There is also a restaurant on-site serving African-inspired cuisine with ostrich on the menu.
• Landhuis Chobolobo: This place is a must for any alcohol connoisseur as you can visit the distillery in charge of the iconic blue Curacao liqueur. You can also participate in a cocktail making workshop after the tour.
• See Dolphins at the Sea Aquarium: This is another place I haven’t been as I don’t like seeing animals in captivity, but it’s a big hit with families. There’s the Sea Aquarium where you can see animals behind the glass and even do a guided snorkel to feed some animals, and then there is the Dolphin Academy. The Dolphin Academy offers the chance to interact with the dolphins, a favorite for the little ones.

Activities

There is so much to do on this small island that it’s impossible to do it all in 3 days. I highly recommend taking part in activities or hiring a guide to take you around and provide additional context for the history and culture you’re seeing. If you have more time on the island, there’s a ton of other things you can do that I didn’t even cover. ATV tours, Hato Caves, Willemstad Scooter Tours, Day Trip to Klein Curacao, Sunset Cruises, and more! Need expert travel planning advice for your trip to Curacao? Reach out to me here!

Keep in mind that you don’t have to do EVERYTHING in this guide as you’ll definitely be back to the island again to do more! Here are some of my favorite activities through Viator:

Disclaimer: the following are affiliate links which, when clicked and booked, generate a small income to maintain this blog. Thank you for your support!

Final Thoughts

If there’s one piece of parting advice I can give to you, it’s that you can’t go wrong with any activities on the island. The beauty of this island is unmatched and even if you end up just going to the beach most days I guarantee you’ll be happy. Curacao is the type of island that stays with people so they end up visiting every year. Despite living here for over a year already, I still haven’t done everything there is to do on the island!

If you’re looking for more activity inspiration for the island (which I highly recommend, plus you’ll be supporting local businesses), take a look here for more options. If you’d like the services of an expert travel planner to put together your trip, I’m happy to help. You can reach out to me here. Leave your questions about Curacao in the comments down below and I’ll be sure to answer!