Curacao, a small island nation is the epitome of a Caribbean island. Curacao is found in the southern Caribbean Sea only 40 miles off the Venezuelan coast. A former Dutch colony where Caribbean, African, Latin and European culture mixes together in a gaudy carpet. Curacao is one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean. In 2012 voted the best Caribbean destination by the readers of about.com

Strolling through Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, you might think that you are in a Dutch city.

More than 750 historic buildings flank the streets of Willemstad and the old city has been designated a Unesco world heritage site.

Willemstad is a colourful and very dynamic city. You will feel the cultural diversity where ever you go. The colourful colonial houses, the Caribbean music floating out of a ghetto blaster, the people’s smiling faces, morning greetings, the relaxed mood, the smells and of course the ongoing sun combined with a gentle sea breeze makes you fall in love with Willemstad in an instant. 

There are so many things to do and see in Willemstad. We loved strolling through the district of Pietermaii taking in the authenticity of this charming neighborhood, sitting at the waterfront having a colorful drink or one of the very delicious fruit shakes watching daily life on Saint Ann’s bay, taking a day cruise with the majestic ship ” Insulinde ” or admiring the absolutely magnificent museum Kura Hulanda, an anthropological museum, telling the horrific story of forced relocation of Africans to the Americas and the Caribbean.

Read the full story, originally published on January 7, 2017, on Passport Please.