Best Caribbean Vacations #14 is Curacao

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Curacao has been rated by Trip Advisor as the 13th best Caribbean vacation destination.
Curacao is a small island nation in the Southern Caribbean and is part of the Dutch ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Curacao is a two island nation, there is a smaller uninhabited island called Little Curacao, and the larger island of Curacao.

Curacao is the largest and most populous of the Dutch ABC islands with a size of 171 square miles and a population of over 140,000. The name Curacao is believed to be originating from the Portuguese word for heart. The island was discovered by the Spanish in 1499 but settlement came from the Dutch. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Curacao was known for being a pirate hideaway. Control of Curacao changed hands from the French and British several times before finally coming under Dutch control in 1815 where it has been ever since.

As a side note, I find it interesting how busy the Dutch were in the Caribbean in the 1600's to 1800's. For such a small nation they must have really loved the tropical weather in the Caribbean to be having it out with the British and French over these little tropical islands.

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This little Caribbean island nation really began their rise in prosperity with the discovery of oil in 1914. Over the years they've developed the tourism industry and financial services as a tax haven, as well as a popular vacation destination for Europeans on holidays. The Dutch Florin is the local currency but U.S. Dollars and Euros are accepted most everywhere.



The Geography of Curacao is similar to Aruba in that it is rather flat and barren, not that lush tropical feel like you get in the Virgin Islands. The rainfall again is similar to Aruba in that they only receive 21 inches of rain per year, which is almost desert like compared to other Caribbean islands. The best thing about that is you won't have to worry about rain ruining your vacation as the weather is most always hot and sunny. In fact, the average high temperature is 88 degrees year-round, making Curacao one of the hottest and best Caribbean vacation destinations.

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Being just off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao is technically outside of the hurricane belt. Although, in recent years there have been some hurricanes that have hit Curacao, overall the risk here is lower than most other Caribbean islands.

Most of the best beaches on Curacao are on the Southern part of the island where the waters are calmer. The Northern part of the island is more rugged and has more surf. The coral reefs here are famous with scuba divers and are quite good. Some of the best beaches are Playa Kalki, Playa Grote Kanapa, Playa Kleine Kanapa. Incidentally, you'll find the best deals on the beach front resorts at Book It.

Curacao is a melting pot, and four languages are spoken here. Primarily English and Spanish, but also Dutch and Papaimentu (the island's native Creole). English is common enough for you to converse while on vacation there though.

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Willemstad is the capitol of Curacao and much like Oranjestad on Aruba, it's know for it's colorful architecture. Many of the old historic buildings in downtown Willemstad are painted bright pastel colors. Willemstad is great for shopping, especially in the downtown area with duty-free shops where you can find just about any kind of treasure you want to remember your vacation to Curacao by. Overall, Curacao rightly deserves to be rated one of the best Caribbean vacation destinations and you can Find Last Minute Deals at hotels.com!

If you've been to Curacao, please leave a comment and share your experience. Thanks!