10 Best Towns and Resorts in Curacao

Willemstad is the capital city of the island where you'll find historical sites, beaches, impressive architecture, and an upbeat atmosphere. Along the waterfront, you'll find an array of colorful buildings showcasing the charm of the city with plenty of shops and restaurants to visit.

You won't have to go far to find impressive historical sites, as the historic center and waterfront are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, you can see impressive architecture like the Queen Juliana Bridge and the Queen Emma Bridge, the latter of which is also known as the Swinging Old Lady. You'll find this town encompassing most of the southern part of the island.

Jan Thiel is a beach resort that offers all the fun activities you could want on a relaxing vacation with soft sands, inviting waters, and an array of unique restaurants. You'll find 4 restaurants located by the beach, and each of them has something special to offer. Try opting for the chef's surprise; it never disappoints.

Drinks are easily accessible at this location, so you can get an ice-cold cocktail whenever you like. Nothing helps you take in the crisp sea air and relaxing ambiance quite like a satisfying drink. Experience it for yourself just south of Willemstad along the coast.

Sabana Westpunt is home to a variety of beaches that are perfect for your vacation whether you're looking to relax or embark on some aquatic adventures. Many of the local beaches, like Playa Kalki and Playa Forti, are notably beautiful with coral sands, though beaches like Playa Grandi are more popular with fishers.

If you're looking to really explore the water, you can go scuba diving off the coast. All the equipment you need is available nearby, making it easy to explore the several local reefs and even a sunken airplane wreck. You'll find this area in the northwestern part of the island.

Piscadera is a stunning town with a beachfront resort that offers luxurious experiences like water sports, scuba diving, and relaxing massage services at the spa. More than 60 scuba and snorkeling sites are available in the area, so you can embark on an extended underwater excursion if you'd like.

Within the resort area, you'll find opportunities to relax on the white-sand beach or in the spa area with a professional massage. You can even enjoy an 18-hole golf course nearby. This resort is located around the bay of the same name a few miles west of Willemstad.

Sint Michiel is a modest fishing village where you'll find a fishing pier, seafood restaurants, nature trails, and a dive club along the shore. Fishing is the most popular pastime here, as the shore doesn't have quite enough sand for the traditional beachfront experience.

The restaurants in this village offer some of the best seafood on the island, using fresh ingredients often caught just a few steps away from the kitchen. This area is also home to a salt marsh you can explore along with a trail that offers stunning views of the area from its endpoint. You'll find this village around Bullenbaai Bay on the island's west coast.

Soto is a small town located inland that has rolling green hills, a quiet ambiance, and historical sites you won't want to miss. The landscape here is particularly vibrant and visible because it's not dominated by buildings. Trees and green foliage are common throughout, including the town's main street.

When you visit, you'll find plenty of places to relax whether you're simply taking a walk or driving through the serene backroads. You can even visit a heritage building here. Sato is located on the northwestern part of the island just east of Santa Martha Bay.

Sint Willibrordus is a village best known for its historic church, but you'll also find impressive natural features to explore as well like salt pans and bays. The church here is the crowning jewel of this village with an imposing neo-Gothic architectural design dating back to the late 19th century.

Around this village, you'll find plenty of nature to explore including glistening salt pans that seem to glow in the sunlight. Flamingos are common in this area as well. You'll also find Playa Porto Marie and Daaibooi Beach nearby. The village is located just north of the center of the island near the western coast.

Newport is best known for its beach and coastal bay that let you enjoy plenty of fun in the water while being protected from harsh waves. The beach here is called Fuik Beach, and it's located on the western side of town. With its calm waves, you can easily enjoy a relaxing swim.

Taking to the waters in a boat is the most popular activity in Newport. You'll find plenty of boat rentals available whether you're looking to go on a tour, go kayaking, or catch some speed on a Jet Ski. You'll find it all on the south side of the island a few miles southeast of Willemstad.

Grote Berg is a fun neighborhood packed full of strikingly unique houses with easy access to shops and restaurants you can enjoy. Unique architectural styles are prevalent throughout the area, and many of these houses are often used for vacation rentals. The styles don't fit any particular style, but modernist design tends to be fairly popular.

When you're in this area, you'll find yourself close to stunning restaurants and shops that let you get a taste of the local culture. Of course, the beach isn't too far away either. You'll find this neighborhood in the center of the island a few miles northwest of Willemstad.

Tera Kora, or "red earth" in Papiamentu, is a small town with everything you need for a quiet vacation on the island from shops to beach access. The supermarket, cafés, and restaurants are particularly popular here, so don't hesitate to stop by their colorful buildings.

Getting to the beach from here is easy, as all you have to do is head northeast. Conveniently, most of the rentals are located near the beach access area, so you may find yourself close to the water. It's all located in the middle of the island.