The 15 Best Photo Hotspots of Curacao
Curaçao is a paradise for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts. From colorful colonial buildings to pearly white beaches and impressive nature, the island offers an abundance of photogenic locations. Here are the 15 best photo hotspots not to be missed.
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1. Handelskade & Queen Emmabrug (Willemstad).
The iconic row of colored colonial buildings on the Handelskade, seen from the floating Queen Emma Bridge, is Curaçao’s calling card. This place can be beautifully captured both during the day and at night. The Handelskade is a waterfront in the Punda district of Willemstad. The wharf is known for its brightly colored, historic colonial buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These picturesque facades, with Dutch influences, are a symbol of Curaçao and attract many tourists each year. The Handelskade is located directly on St. Anna Bay, the water that splits the city in two.
The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating pontoon bridge that connects Punda and Otrobanda. Originally built in 1888, the bridge is popularly known as the “Swinging Old Lady” because of its unique turning mechanism: it rotates open to allow ships to pass through. When the bridge is open, pedestrians can use a free ferry.
2. Big Cut
This beach is known for its clear blue water and white sand and a picturesque view make this beach world famous. This beach is often considered the most beautiful beach on the island. A perfect location for beach photos. Big Knip is also known as Playa Kenepa Grandi or Playa Abou. Located on the west coast of the island, between the villages of Westpunt and Lagun, it is about an hour’s drive from Willemstad. Be aware that you enter this beach from the parking lot with steps down. Preferably visit the beach during the week or early in the morning to avoid the crowds. You can rent beds and umbrellas there for 5 euros.
Special detail: tame little pigs occasionally walk around on the beach, which can be curious about your things.
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3. Street Art in Scharloo & Otrobanda
Once a neglected neighborhood, Scharloo Abou, also known as Skálo, has been transformed into an open-air museum since 2016 thanks to the Street Art Skalo initiative. This project brought together local and international artists to breathe new life into the neighborhood with impressive murals.
Start your walk at the Scharloo Road and explore the various murals. Also visit Francis Sling’s gallery for more insight into his work.
Otrobanda, which literally means “the other side,” faces Punda and is connected via the Queen Emma Bridge. This neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art, with murals exploring themes of identity, heritage and social issues.
Explore the colorful streets and alleys, and visit the Kurá Hulanda Museum to learn more about the island’s history.
An annual highlight is the Kaya Kaya Festival, where artists from around the world come together to create new murals and bring the neighborhood to life
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography and pleasant temperatures
4. Christoffel Mountain
The climb to the top is challenging but rewarding. The hike begins relatively flat but gradually gets steeper, with the final section requiring you to use hands and feet to scramble over rocks
Average 1 to 1.5 hours up; descent takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You should only start the climb between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. because of the heat later in the day. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip; flip-flops are definitely not recommended.
The park is about a 45-minute drive northwest of Willemstad and admission to the park costs about $15 USD per person.
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5. Pietermaai District
This neighborhood is known for its colorful colonial buildings and cozy atmosphere. An ideal location for charming city photos. Pietermaai offers a wide range of culinary and entertainment options. From cozy cafes to chic restaurants and lively bars, there is something for everyone. The districti is within walking distance of Punda, Willemstad’s historic center. In addition to exploring the architecture and art, you can enjoy culinary delights, live music and cultural events that regularly take place in the district.
6. Little Curaçao
An uninhabited island with white sandy beaches, turquoise water, an old lighthouse and a shipwreck. Photogenic and adventurous. Perfect for a day trip. Klein Curaçao is accessible only by boat. Several tour operators offer day trips, often including breakfast, lunch, drinks and snorkeling equipment. The boat trip takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions. The average price for a day trip to Klein Curaçao varies between €99 and €145 per person, depending on the provider, the type of boat and the facilities included.
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7. Fort Nassau
Located on a hill above the harbor, this fort offers panoramic views of Willemstad and the sea. A great spot for sunset photos. Monday to Friday from noon to 2 p.m. (lunch); daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (dinner). A visit to Fort Nassau offers not only a journey through Curaçao’s history, but also a culinary experience with breathtaking views.
8. Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado).
A unique place where you can snorkel with sea turtles. An unforgettable experience and great underwater photos. These animals are attracted to the fish leftovers that local fishermen throw into the sea after cleaning their catch. For the best chance of seeing turtles, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, preferably between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., when the fishermen are active. Later in the day, such as after 5 p.m., there is less chance of spotting turtles. Admission is free and you can rent beach beds and umbrellas for about €2 or €3.
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9. Blue Bay Sculpture Garden
A sculpture garden with more than 40 artworks by local and international artists, located in a tropical setting. A perfect blend of nature and art for your photos. The sculpture trail starts at the welcome center, passes through the historic Manor Blue and ends at the Coast beach restaurant.
Admission is free and open daily. Visitors must register with a valid ID at the Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort entrance.
10. Cas Abao Beach
Voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic, this beach offers turquoise water and white sand – a photographer’s dream. The calm, clear waters make the beach ideal for snorkelers of all levels. There are three dive sites with diverse coral formations and a variety of marine life, including rays, turtles and colorful fish. B Diving & Watersports offers diving and snorkeling equipment, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals. The beach bar and restaurant offer a variety of snacks, drinks and simple meals.
Cas Abao Beach is about a 35-40 minute drive northwest of Willemstad. The beach is easily accessible by car, and ample parking is available.
The beach is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Monday through Saturday: $6 USD per car
Sunday and holidays: $7 USD per car
Beach beds can be rented for $3 USD, which includes a shower token.
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11. Shete Boka National Park
This impressive natural park on Curaçao’s rugged north coast offers spectacular views of raging waves crashing against cliffs. Coves such as Boka Tabla and Boka Pistol are perfect for dramatic landscape shots and powerful nature photography.
The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Last admission at 4 p.m. and prices are $15 for adults and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. The park’s location is about a 45-minute drive northwest of Willemstad, next to Christoffel Park.
A visit to Shete Boka National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience Curaçao’s pristine nature and powerful sea.
12. Viewpoint Santa Martha
One of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island with panoramic views of hills, salt flats and the tranquil bay of Santa Martha. The combination of elevation and natural tranquility makes it a great spot for landscape and sunset photos.
To reach the viewpoint, from Willemstad follow the road towards Westpunt. At the village of Soto, just after the church, take the first left and follow the winding road uphill. The location is not clearly marked, but note a clearing on the right side of the road where you can park your car.
13. Tugboat Beach
At this snorkeling spot, a sunken tugboat lies just meters from shore, surrounded by colorful coral and fish. The clear water allows you to take beautiful underwater photos – with or without scuba gear.
Although Tugboat Beach is a natural and somewhat rugged beach with a bottom of pebbles and coral, there are some facilities available: A cozy beach bar where you can buy drinks, snacks and rent snorkeling equipment. Snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented for about 15 to 25 XCG. Beach beds are available for 10 CXG each.
Tugboat Beach can be reached by car from Willemstad: Drive east to Salina and take Caracasbaaiweg. Follow this road to the end and take the second exit at the traffic circle. Turn left at the “Windsurfing & Paddleboarding” sign and follow the road until you reach a fork. Keep left and turn right at the T-junction. After about 30 meters you will see a large boat in the water; you can park here.
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14. Kokomo Beach Swing
Kokomo Beach’ s famous wooden swing in the water is one of the most shared images of Curaçao on social media. In the morning or at sunset, it produces magical photos, with reflections in the calm water…. Access to the beach is free but you can rent beach beds for 7 guilders. Luxury cabanas are available for 25 guilders a day, suitable for two people.
From Willemstad take the road to Bullenbaai. After about 5 km you will see a sign that says “Kokomo Beach” where you turn left. There is ample free parking right on the beach. An extra tip: On the way to Kokomo Beach you can spot flamingos at the salt pans of Sint Michiel.
15. Curaçao & Dushi Letters in Punda
For a cheerful and colorful memory, a photo at the famous “CURAÇAO” and “DUSHI” letters should not be missed. Located centrally in Willemstad, they are the perfect backdrop for a typically touristy, yet fun vacation photo.
Whether you are a professional photographer or just want to brighten up your vacation photos, these hotspots offer plenty of inspiration and beautiful backgrounds. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone and capture the beauty of Curaçao!
You’ll find the large, colorful letters on Queen Wilhelmina Square in the Punda district, the historic heart of Willemstad. They are just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Queen Emma Bridge and Café Wilhelmina Square. The location is easily accessible on foot or by car; nearby parking is available.
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