True


colours


The tiny island nation of Curaçao offers a Caribbean escape with a cultural twist, finds Vivienne Dovi


DESTINATIONS CURAÇAO | CARIBBEAN


ust 40 miles long and as many miles from the South American coast, Curaçao is a small island with a huge cultural footprint, blending Dutch, African, Asian, Latin American and Caribbean influences into something entirely its own. It’s the smallest nation ever to qualify for the Fifa World Cup taking place this summer – despite a population of only 150,000 people. Part of the ‘ABC islands’ along with neighbouring Aruba and Bonaire, it’s one of four countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, though it has been autonomous since 2010. The island has been shaped by centuries of Dutch colonial rule, still visible in its architecture and history, alongside foods and cultural influences carried across the ocean. The island offers far more to do than its size might suggest. Willemstad’s candy-hued waterfront, split


j travelweekly.co.uk


between lively Punda and Otrobanda, is the image most visitors know. Yet to the west lies quieter, verdant countryside, beaches with turquoise waters and striking natural landscapes. Curaçao’s character comes alive through music, street art and food – a melting pot of traditions that makes the island feel like many destinations at once.


WHAT TO DO Curaçao’s beaches are among the Caribbean’s most stunning, and none more so than Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip) at the northwest tip. The view from the cliff above is picture-perfect, with a sweep of white sand set against impossibly blue water. Nearby, smaller Kenepa Chiki (Kleine Knip) offers a more isolated feel and is popular with snorkellers.


² 5 FEBRUARY 2026 51


PICTURE: Shutterstock/gustavoquiroga


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60