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Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Curaçao is currently having a moment.
It is skyrocketing in popularity with travelers around the world, but is still relatively underrated by American travelers.
A fascinating melting pot of cultures, Curaçao boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and has its own unique charm that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Here are 5 reasons why you should explore this lesser-known Caribbean destination:
An authentic Caribbean experience
In 2023, Curaçao welcomed record numbers of travelers with more than 1.7 million arrivals in the country. That is 17% more than in 2023 and 18% more than the pre-pandemic record in 2019.
But unlike many other Caribbean destinations dominated by American tourists, only 20% of visitors to Curacao last year came from the US.
As a result, Curacao has a much less touristy feel than many of its Caribbean island neighbors and retains its authenticity.
Like many other Caribbean islands, Curacao has an incredible nightlife. You can enjoy live music, dancing in beach clubs and street parties with the locals. It’s a classic Caribbean experience, but with a personality all its own.
A rich cultural heritage
Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao and downtown Willemstad is known for its beautiful candy-colored Dutch colonial buildings.
The entire downtown area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an incredible place for history buffs.
Curaçao played an important role in the Caribbean slave trade and there is a fascinating museum dedicated to this dark history in the center of Willemstad. The Museum Kura Hulanda is a must-visit attraction on the island.
Other not-to-miss cultural attractions in Curacao include the colorful street murals in the Otrobanda and Pietermaai neighborhoods and the Alma Blou Gallery, which features an incredible art collection from local artists.
Beautiful beaches
Curacao is a small island, but big in terms of beaches! There are 35 to be exact and if you are a beach lover then they are definitely worth a visit.
Playa Knip is the island’s best-known beach, while the lesser-known spot Playa Lagun regularly appears on the best beach lists in the world.
The southeast side of Curaçao is the most touristy and here you will find the island’s all-inclusive resorts.
But for the best beaches you have to hit the road and head to the west side of the island. This is more rugged and remote but also breathtakingly beautiful.
Curacao is also popular with divers, thanks to its crystal clear waters and wide range of incredible marine life.
Easy to reach
Curacao is incredibly accessible for American travelers. JetBlue offers daily nonstop service to the island from New York JFK.
American Airlines will also offer nonstop daily service from Charlotte this winter, and Delta will fly nonstop from Atlanta on the same frequency.
According to the Curaçao ChronicleThe strongest feeder cities for US tourists to the island destination are for passengers from Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, New York JFK, Washington-National, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando.
Because it is so easy and convenient to reach Curacao by non-stop airline, it is possible to visit the island for a long weekend if you are short on time, although you will need much longer to experience all that this incredible destination has to offer has to discover.
Safe
Curaçao’s strong political and economic stability makes it one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.
This means it’s a great place for female travelers and solo travelers to explore without fear.
Most crime rates in Curaçao are very low, and apart from taking the usual security measures, there are major concerns for travelers and tourists on the island.
The U.S. Department of State has given Curacao a Level 1 travel advisory rating, which is the lowest and safest rating that can be assigned. A Level 1 travel advisory means travelers should take normal precautions, while a Level 2 advisory means U.S. citizens should not travel to a destination.
In contrast, Jamaica, which is a much more popular destination with American travelers, has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel rating. American travelers are advised to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to the island’s crime rate.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
