Curacao is a vacation spot offering something for everyone. Visitors can tour the streets of historic Willemstad, where the colonial Dutch architecture creates a scene right out of Amsterdam. Located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, Curacao is the largest of the Netherlands Antilles. The countryside is arid and the coast is lined with rocky coves, craggy cliffs, and secluded inlets lined with mangroves. Many of the islands beaches are tucked into small bays surrounded by limestone outcroppings and cactus-topped cliffs.

Curacao has served as a cultural crossroads for centuries and today the island is home to some 50 nationalities. Descendants of the original Dutch settlers, Portuguese Jews, and African slaves who found themselves on Curacaos shores centuries ago mingle with residents who trace their roots to North and South America, the Far and Middle East, and the rest of Europe. The local language of Papiamentu is a combination of Portuguese, Dutch, English, Spanish, and African dialects.

Curacao has 38 beaches ranging from well-populated strands to secluded coves. The island is a sports mecca swimming, windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing, deepsea fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving are all options. The Curacao Underwater Park is a series of protected reefs that stretch for 12 miles along the south coast, offering divers the chance to see beautiful coral beds, steep walls, and two shallow wrecks.

Punda is the heart of Willemstads shopping scene. Here youll find excellent prices because there is a very low import duty. Cameras, electronics, jewellery, perfume, cosmetics, china, crystal, and linens are among the items for sale.