Some people also think that the island was named after the Portuguese word for healing and cure. The name Curacao comes from the Portuguese word “coracao”- which translates to “heart”.Curacao is part of the ABC island chain, together with Aruba and Bonaire.The word Curaçao is pronounced as “Cure-ah-souw”.The most common voltage in Curacao is 120 V and 220 V.The tap water is safe to drink in Curacao, however, it does not taste very well in my opinion.In some places, the Euro is accepted as a currency as well. However, most places also accept US dollars. Curacao has its own currency, the Netherlands-Antillean Guilder (shortly NAFl, ANG, or f).There are four different languages spoken on the island: Dutch, Papiamentu, Spanish, and English.In 2010, Curacao won its autonomous status, therefore is no longer part of the European Union and the Netherlands. After a big revolt, Shell left the island in 1980.ĭuring the Second World War, the island of Curacao changed ownership many times, before finally gaining political autonomy in 1954. Shortly after, great oil reserves were discovered in Venezuela, and Shell built its presence in the form of a refinery in Curacao.Īfter prosperous times for Shell, the indigenous people grew rapidly more dissatisfied with the uneven distribution of wealth. Slavery was abolished in 1863 at last and Curacao lived on trade and agriculture. In 1815 however, the island of Curacao was formally awarded to the Dutch. After the bankruptcy of the Dutch West India Company, Curacao became an official colony of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.ĭuring the beginning of the 19th century, the island was invaded by other countries, such as England, multiple times. Whilst the Spanish tried to take the island back many times, all of their attempts failed.įor most parts of the 17th and 18th centuries, the island of Curacao was mainly used as a trading hub for slaves between Africa and their end destination. In 1634, the island was invaded by the Dutch and their West India Company, who had recently separated themselves from the Spanish. After a while, the number of Spaniards living on the island steadily declined, while at the same time, many indigenous people returned. In the following 20 years, most of the original inhabitants had been enslaved and transferred to the island of Hispaniola.įrom the year 1527, the Spanish settled on the island and imported most of their livestock and plants. In the year 1499, the first European, a Spaniard to be precise, arrived in Curacao. Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Curacao The History of Curacaoīefore the Europeans even arrived on the small island of Curacao, it had already been inhabited for hundreds of years by the Awarak people, who came from the South American mainland. This, however, has no bearing on our reviews and comparisons. Please keep in mind that we may receive a commission when you click on our links and make a purchase. Private Boat Tour Through the Spanish Waters Playa Gipy – Curacao Travel Guide Hidden Gem!.Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel and Ocean Club.Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Curacao.Not sure if Curacao is the right place for you? Check out Aruba vs Curacao vs Bonaire!
Having spent more than 17 weeks on this island this year with my husband, I have been able to create the most in-depth Curacao travel guide featuring fun excursions, exclusive beaches, and the cutest restaurants on the island. Pristine white sandy beaches, lush green rain forests, and a bustling, vibrant capital city make Curacao not only a paradise for young people but in my opinion also the perfect spot for a honeymoon or romantic travel destination for couples.
Exploring this beautiful paradise without a comprehensive Curacao Travel Guide would be a shame!
Being part of the Dutch Kingdom, Curacao combines Caribbean charm with European influences and deserves the reputation as a hip, vibrant and colorful summer paradise. Are you looking for the ultimate Curacao Travel Guide? Then I got you covered!Ĭuracao is a small island located roughly 65 km off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea.
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