69 Curacao Fun Facts: How Many Of These Secrets Do You Know?

Interesting things to know about Curacao in 2025

What is Curacao known for? Curaçao stands out in the southern Caribbean for its cultural mosaic of Dutch, African and Latin American influences. Whether you’re gazing at pastel-colored buildings in Willemstad or practicing local phrases in the Papiamentu language, the island brims with authentic encounters. Here are 69 Curaçao fun facts to feed your wanderlust and inspire your next Caribbean adventure in 2025.

General Curacao fun facts

1. Curacao is one of the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Curaçao is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands, Aruba and St. Maarten, maintaining its own government under the Dutch Caribbean framework.

2. Curacao is part of the ABC Islands

Curaçao belongs to the “ABC Islands”, along with Aruba and Bonaire, situated off the coast of Venezuela.

3. Capital City of Curacao: Willemstad

The capital of Curacao is Willemstad, which is split into two main districts - Punda and Otrobanda - connected by the famous Queen Emma Bridge.

4. Curacao has UNESCO World Heritage recognition

Willemstad’s historic center, featuring the Handelskade, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its colorful colonial architecture. “Handelskade” translates to “Trading Wharf”, highlighting the area’s past as a bustling commercial center.

5. Curacaoans speak Papiamentu

Papiamentu, a Creole blend of Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, and African tongues, is spoken alongside Dutch and English in Curacao.

6. Dushi means “Nice” and you will hear it a lot

A beloved Papiamentu word meaning “sweet,” “nice,” or “pleasant” that you’ll see on Curacao souvenirs.

7. The national flag of Curacao represents the sea, the sky and the sun

The blue color of the national flag of Curacao is meant to symbolize the sea and sky, while the central yellow represents the sun.

8. Listen to Curacao's national anthem

Curacao's national anthem was written by Guillermo Rosario, Mae Henriquez, Enrique Muller, and Betty Doran. It was composed by Frater Candidus Nowens, and Errol “El Toro” Colina.

9. The word ‘Curacao’ means ‘heart’

The name “Curacao” is a derivative of the Portuguese word “coracao,” which means “heart.” Many believe it’s because Curacao was formally considered the heart of trade in the Caribbean.

Geography & climate fun facts about Curacao

10. Curacao consists of two islands

Mainland Curacao is where all the action happens, while Klein Curacao is an uninhabited island famous for its white sand beach and diving. You can visit Klein Curacao on an organized excursion by boat.

11. Curacao is very windy due to prevailing trade winds

Constant trade winds moderate the tropical heat, providing comfortable breezes year-round in Curacao.

12. Curacao is located outside of the hurricane belt

Curaçao’s position just outside the hurricane belt offers more predictable weather during storm season.

13. Curacao's weather is warm and sunny all year

With nearly constant sunshine, Curaçao is a top Caribbean cruise destination any month of the year. The lowest temperature ever measured on Curaçao is 68 Fahrenheit (19.7 Celsius).

14. Curacao has two national parks

Curacao is home to not just one, but two national parks: Shete Boka National Park and Christoffel National Park! Both parks are located on the northern side of the island.

15. The highest point of Curacao is Christoffelberg

The highest point of Curacao is Christoffelberg with 372 meters (1220 Feet). It takes about 1-1,5-hour to climb but you are only allowed to start the hike until 10 AM due to the heat.

People of Curacao fun facts

16. Curacao has an ultra-diverse population

With over 100 nationalities, Curaçao’s cultural tapestry is one of its greatest assets.

17. Curacao is known for its warm hospitality

Locals in Curacao will greet you with “Bon Bini!” - Papiamentu for “Welcome!” - reflecting island hospitality.

18. Population of Curacao: 155,826 people

The population of Curacao was determined to be 155,826 residents as of September 2, 2023. The majority of locals live in the Willemstad vicinity. There are 22% more women than men in Curacao.

Economy fun facts about Curacao

19. Curacao uses the Netherlands Antillan guilder currency

The official currency Curacao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, although US dollars are widely used. The new bank notes were introduced in 2024.

20. Curacao's economy heavily relies on oil refining

The former Royal Dutch Shell refinery was a crucial economic driver in Curaçao’s past, bigger than tourism.

21. Aloe Vera cultivation is a big business in Curacao

Aloe vera grows abundantly across Curacao, and visitors can explore local aloe farms and buy genuine products perfect for souvenir.

22. Heineken Connection

The family behind the global Heineken brand has historic ties to Curaçao.

23. Hilton opened its first casino in Curacao

Curaçao was home to the first Hilton-operated casino in the world, opened in the 1950s.

24. Curacao has many salt ponds 

Known locally as “salinas”, these ponds were crucial for salt mining and early island trade in Curacao's history.

25. Curacao used to be the former center of the Atlantic Slave Trade

An unfortunate fact about Curacao is that it used to be the center of slave trading back in 1662 until slavery was abolished in 1863.

26. Curacao is a relatively cheap Caribbean island

Curacao is a lot cheaper than some top Caribbean destinations like Aruba, St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Barbados, etc. It is still an island, though, which means almost everything has to be imported, which makes prices higher.

Interesting fun facts about Curacao

27. Most buildings are painted in vibrant colors

A funny fun fact about Curacao for kids is the local lore, which says that a past governor of Curacao ordered citizens to paint all the white buildings in bold colors because of his migraines from bright sunlight. Rumor also says he had an interest in the local paint factory.

28. Curacao uses coral stone for buildings

Historic structures in Willemstad often use coral rock, making them durable against tropical weather conditions.

29. Curacao produces freshwater in desalination plants

Freshwater primarily comes from desalinated seawater, essential for Curacao with limited natural resources.

Tourism fun facts about Curacao

30. The two sides of the capital of Curacao is connected by a floating pontoon bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad is a floating pontoon bridge that swings open to let ships pass in and out of St. Anna Bay. While it's open, you can take a free ferry across.

31. The dolphins at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium are free to swim out into the open sea

The Curacao Sea Aquarium is a favorite among families who can have interactive encounters with local marine life there. It is one of the few places in the world where the dolphins are not kept captive but they are free to leave the aquarium and they always come back.

32. The Curacao government offices are located in Fort Amsterdam

Constructed in 1635, Fort Amsterdam protected the capital city of Curacao and now houses government offices.

33. One of the world's largest sailboats, the B.A.P. Unión, often docks in Willemstad

The B.A.P. Unión is a gigantic Peruvian navy sailboat that very often anchors in Willemstad. They often have open days when you can go aboard and learn not only about the ship but Peru itself as well.

34. You can snorkel at an oil rig in Caracas Bay

The tanker and the oil rig make a truly unique sight! And if that's not enough, they are located next to one of the best snorkeling spots in Curacao, the sunken tugboat.

35. The most famous snorkeling spot in Curacao is Tugboat Beach

A sunken tugboat has become a coral-reef playground for snorkelers and divers and is now a major attraction in Curacao.

36. Most people claim Cas Abao Beach as the best beach in Curacao

Cas Abao is frequently listed among the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches for its pristine sand and turquoise water.

37. The Blue Room offers a magical snorkeling experience

The Blue Room in Curacao is a top snorkeling destination with a unique underwater experience. You can swim inside the cave which shines blue from the outside light, hence its name.

38. Hato Caves is an important geological and historical landmark of Curacao

Hato Caves features limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites and ancient Arawak petroglyphs.

39. Shete Boka Park shows the rough side of Curacao

The Shete Boka Park and its rugged coast offers dramatic inlets making it one of the must visit places in Curacao by organized tour.

40. Christoffel Park is Curacao's larget national park

Christoffel Park is Curacao's largest national park, home to Mount Christoffel and diverse wildlife.

41. Queen Juliana Bridge is one of the highest bridges in the Caribbean

Queen Juliana Bridge offers sweeping views of Willemstad. You can only cross it by vehicle, the bridge is prohibited for pedestrians.

42. Curacao's fruit market is floating on the water

Venezuelan vendors come every morning to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish straight from their boats at the floating market in Punda.

43. Pietermaai district has some really unique nightlife hotspots

Pietermaai and Mambo Beach Boulevard are popular after-dark destinations, brimming with live music.

44. The capital of Curacao is split into two main districts: Punda and Otrobanda

Downtown Willemstad is divided into two neighborhoods, Punda and Otrobanda. They were connected in 1888 via the Queen Emma Bridge over St. Anna Bay.

45. Fort Beekenburg is a well-preserved fort with real cannons

Fort Beekenburg is an 18th-century fort once guarding Curaçao’s eastern coast from pirates and invaders.

46. One of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean, the Superior Producer Wreck, is located in Curacao

The Superior Producer Wreck is a renowned diving site near Willemstad, the ship sank in 1977 and evolved into a coral haven.

47. Fort Nassau has been turned into a unique restaurant with amazing sunset views

Fort Nassau is strategically perched overlooking St. Anna Bay, now a scenic restaurant destination.

48. Playa Grandi is famous for its many turtles you can snorkel with

Playa Piskado (Playa Grandi) is a top spot to swim with sea turtles in Curacao. You are 100% guaranteed to see turtles here.

Culture & heritage fun facts about Curacao

49. Curaçao Carnival is the best time to visit the island

Curaçao Carnival is one of the most spectacular in the Caribbean, drawing thousands of revelers each year.

50. Curacao has the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the region

Curaçao hosts one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the Americas at Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue operating since the 1650s.

51. Curacao has many plantation houses, called Landhuis

These traditional plantation houses are scattered across Curaçao, some converted into museums or restaurants.

52. Cruacao's culture is heavily influenced by Latin America

Curacao's proximity to South America infuses local music, dance, and culinary traditions with a distinct Latin flavor.

53. Curacao features beautiful murals and street art

Vibrant street art and murals adorn Willemstad’s neighborhoods, reflecting the island’s creative soul.

54. Tambú Music is a traditional Curacaoan style

Tambú, or “the music of the drum”, is a traditional Afro-Curaçaoan genre still performed at festivals.

55. Curacao has year-round festivals for every taste

Beyond Carnival, Curaçao hosts many events like the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival.

56. Chichi is a Curacao trademark

The trademark Curaçao Chichi doll represents that older sister who is a strong, proud, voluptuous Caribbean woman. You will find this unique product of Curacao across the island. It's also a perfect souvenir!

57. Curacao's traditional clothing is originated from Africa

The origin of the traditional clothing of Curaçao goes all the way back to Africa, and over the years it has become one of Curaçao's most important cultural expressions.

Culinary & gastro fun facts about Curacao

58. The famous Blue Curaçao is originated from the island

Curacao is known worldwide for Blue Curaçao, created from the peels of the Laraha citrus fruit grown locally. It is naturally colorless, the blue coloring is added later. Besides the trademark blue hue, Curaçao liqueur is available in orange, red, and green, all tasting the same.

59. Curacaoans like their food spicy

Must-try local dishes of Curacao include Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese) and Kabritu Stobá (goat stew).

60. Pastechi is a local favorite in Curacao

Snack stands in Curacao sell Pastechi, deep-fried pastries stuffed with cheese, meat, or fish.

61. Curacao has a beer brewery

Amstel Bright, brewed in Curaçao, is a crisp drink perfect for tropical weather.

62. You can eat iguana meat in Curacao

Iguana is a local delicacy in Curacao, which is typically served as “stoba yoana” (iguana stew).

63. Kos di Boka Dushi is what locals call sweets in Curacao

“Kos di boka dushi'' or “sweet mouth things” is how locals call assorted sweets. One of the most popular confections in Curaçao is the peanut cookie called “lèter di pinda.”

Flora & fauna fun facts about Curacao

64. There are two major salt ponds to spot flamingos in Curaçao

Flocks of pink flamingos can be spotted at the salt flats near Jan Kok and Sint Michel. Flamingos are the national animal of Curacao.

65. Curacao has an ostrich farm

Take a safari-style tour to learn about ostriches and even feed them. At the restaurant, you can try ostrich omelette.

66. You can swim with pigs at Playa Porto Marie

Playa Porto Marie is home to a pig family which shares the beach with visitors. You can often see them laying in the sun or going for a swim.

67. National bird of Curacao: Troupial

The national bird of Curacao is the Troupial. You can find them all over the island but they are always present at Playa Lagun by the restaurants upstairs.

68. National tree of Curacao: Divi Divi tree

Divi Divi trees are often mistaken for fofoti trees. Fofoti trees grow on the beach (mostly in Aruba), while Divi Divi grows pretty much anywhere. They both have a distinctive shape formed by the trade winds.

69. National flower of Curacao: Kibrahacha flower

The Kibrahacha tree (Tabebuia Billbergi) also known as Yellow Poui, is a very special tree common in the ABC Islands. Once in a while when the conditions are perfect, this tree will bloom beautiful yellow flowers.

How many of these fun facts about Curacao did you know?

Curaçao’s seamless blend of Dutch Caribbean architecture, colorful cityscapes, and rich cultural heritage sets it apart from other Caribbean cruise destinations.

From the vibrant Handelskade in Willemstad to the tranquil shores of Klein Curaçao, these interesting facts about Curacao island showcase how this island delights visitors with every wave. Add it to your travel bucket list and say “Bon Bini!” to an unforgettable Caribbean journey.