The Caribbean island of Curacao is home to (you guessed it) that beloved bright liqueur that makes any occasion feel festive. But did you know that the colorful country is rich in history and chock-full of natural wonders, too?
From aloe vera farms and mystical marine caves to a bright and bustling harbor, Curacao is the made-for-everyone destination for a little history, a little beach time, and yes, a little liqueur. In other words, it's time to pack your bags.
Whether you book flights and stay a while or pass through on a Celebrity Cruise, you'll have plenty of time to hit a few must-see spots. It takes less than two hours to drive from end to end of the island, and many of the can't-miss wonders are just a stone's throw from each other. Keep reading for the places you won't want to miss.
FYI: Celebrity Cruises offers excursion bookings to many of the locations you see in the video above. To experience the on-land dining options, be sure to coordinate a private journey or make a reservation directly with the restaurant.
1. Natural wonders
First up on your island itinerary? Venture to Curacao's Aloe Vera Farm, where you can pay homage to the superplant (that Egyptians deemed "the plant of immortality" more than 6,000 years ago), hike the grounds, and stock up on aloe-infused goodies like skin care and drinkable elixirs.
Then, check out the Hato Caves. Made from marine coral limestone that accumulated over millions of years as sea levels dropped, these caverns were a home to indigenous peoples and a refuge for runaway slaves more than 1,500 years ago.
It's not a visit to Curacao without some time in the sand and sun, so head over to Mambo Beach. This bustling ocean stretch has something for everyone — from lounge chairs and electric-blue swimming coves to local shops and spots for al fresco drinks. And don't miss the live music, salsa, and merengue at Hemingway Beach Bar.
2. Historic hotspots
After some fun in the sun, wander around historic Willemstad, the capital of Curacao and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, established by the Netherlands as a trading settlement in 1634. Revel in the rich history of the harbor and get lost in the rainbow-hued rows of homes and storefronts.
Into bridges? Walk across the Queen Emma, originally built in 1888 as a toll bridge. (Fun fact: When it opened, barefoot pedestrians were given free access to cross.) For some newer engineering, drive across the Queen Juliana, the highest bridge in the Caribbean.
3. Local eats
Worked up an appetite with all that exploring? Fuel up on American-Caribbean fare — like calamari and colorful, pickled, locally grown vegetables — at Kome. Or venture to BijBlauw for a waterfront lunch of poke and Dutch-inspired bitterballs. (If you're traveling on a Celebrity Cruise, you can journey to these eateries on your own. If you'd rather eat on board, give contemporary French cuisine a taste at Normandie on one of Celebrity's Edge Series ships.)
To quench your thirst, there's no shortage of curacao liqueur on the island. Take a journey through the history of Curacao at Landhuis Chobolobo, the renowned liqueur distillery inside a 19th-century mansion. Learn more about the centuries-old distillation process and grab a drink or a cone of locally made ice cream. After a day immersed in rich culture and color, you'll definitely have something to toast to.
Ready to discover Curacao? Check out more island adventures you can experience with Celebrity Cruises.