Curaçao - An island of discoveries
Curaçao, a Caribbean paradise with its capital Willemstad, offers rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty. The island is known for its colourful buildings, white sandy beaches like Cas Abao Beach and historical sights like Fort Amsterdam. But that's not all. With a Sunny Car, you can also discover Curaçao's hidden treasures, such as Shete Boka National Park, the Hato Caves and Christoffel Mountain. And the extensive road network makes it easy to drive from one attraction to another.
Top 5 best attractions in Curaçao that can be reached by car:
- Willemstad - Historic capital: Willemstad's colourful architecture, with its famous trading quay and floating Queen Emma Bridge, is a must-see. Explore the historic streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere as you walk past the old Dutch colonial buildings.
- Christoffel Park - Natural beauty: Drive to Christoffel Park in the west of the island and climb Christoffel Mountain for panoramic views. The park is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, with hiking trails and adventure opportunities.
- Shete Boka National Park - Rugged coastline: This national park on the north coast of Curaçao offers spectacular views of rugged sea inlets and caves. With your rental car, you can reach various viewpoints and enjoy the power of the ocean.
- Hato Caves - Underground adventures: Explore the mysterious Hato Caves, where stalactites and stalagmites form an underground landscape. You can quickly reach this fascinating natural sight by car.
- Cas Abao Beach - Paradise beach day: Drive to breathtaking Cas Abao Beach, where the white sand and crystal-clear waters invite you to relax. Snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing are among the highlights of your road trip here.
Curaçao road network
There are no real motorways on Curaçao. Around capital Willemstad you will find the only two-lane road with two lanes in the same direction on the entire island: the Schottegatweg. Note that this road also allows you to overtake on the right. Around and in Willemstad it can be busy and you may even end up in a traffic jam in the morning. The rest of the island is generally quiet. The main route between Willemstad and Westpunt is easy to drive. Curaçao's secondary roads are often of inferior quality. There can be potholes and large holes in the road surface and lineation is sometimes missing. On country roads, be aware of slow-moving traffic and crossing animals, such as goats and donkeys.
What kind of rental car do you need on Curaçao?
Do you plan to stay near your accommodation? Then a car from the Small or Economy category will do. Do you like to drive along the coast of the whole island? Then some extra space in the car would be nice and you will end up in the Compact category. The Comfort category or higher is recommended when you want to drive on a road with a lot of altitude difference, such as the Mountain Route on Mount Christoffel.
Best travel time to visit Curaçao
Curaçao is a great destination all year round. The island has a tropical climate with constant temperatures and refreshing breezes. The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to September, but even in the rainy season you can enjoy sunshine here.
Eating and drinking on Curaçao
Curaçao is known for its diverse cuisine. Try local delicacies like keshi yena (stuffed cheese), stobá (stew) and delicious fish dishes like cod with funchi (corn porridge). Don't forget to also try a Blue Curaçao cocktail, made with the island's famous liqueur.
Useful words and phrases for car rental in Papiamentu:
- Car - coche
- Car park - aparcamiento
- Petrol station - estación de servicio
- Priority - prioridat
- Stoplight - semáforo
- Here you have my driving licence - Akinan mi ta duna bu mi reibeweis.
- Does petrol or diesel go in my car? Mi outo ta usa gasolin o diesel?
- Which car is for me? Kua outo ta di mi?
- Where is the nearest petrol station? Unda e pòmp di gasolin mas serka ta situá?
- What number should I call if I have problems with the car? Kua number mi tin ku yama si mi haña mi ku problema ku e outo?