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The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is the largest of the Netherlands Antilles islands and is a unique and somewhat undiscovered jewel of the region. The island boasts a captivating countryside, full of historical and cultural treasures, but its beaches are the main appeal for tourists. Travelers also visit Curaçao for its great low-import duty shopping.
Beach Bums
The romantic ambiance of Curaçao's beaches creates the perfect getaway for honeymooners and couples. Most of the island's beaches are small and secluded, hidden away from the prying crowds that are associated with many other popular beach destinations in the Caribbean. As one of the region's well-kept secrets, the sands along Curaçao's shores are generally uncrowded. Not only are there very few crowds, especially during the week, but the approximately 38 beaches here are absolutely stunning.
There are beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean side of the island, as well on the side facing the Caribbean. The waters of the Caribbean tend to be calmer than those on the Atlantic side, though this should not deter you from visiting spots like Knip Beach. Vacationers will find that nearly all of the beaches on Curaçao are postcard-perfect, with picturesque landscapes like gigantic rock cliffs, tropical plant life, and sapphire blue waters.
Gaming, Shopping, and More
Curaçao has 14 casinos on the island, and gambling is allowed in four of its cities: Piscadera Bay, Santa Marta, Selina, and Willemstad. Vacationers will find the most casinos in the capital, Willemstad. Compared to the glitzy and glamorous casinos of Las Vegas, the casinos on Curaçao have more of an easy-going atmosphere. Most of the casinos are located within resorts or hotels and feature a varied collection of chance games. The largest of the island's casinos has a total of 350 slot machines, along with games like blackjack, craps, mini-baccarat, and poker.
If gaming isn't for you, there are plenty of other things to see on Curaçao. The island has several marine parks, including the Curaçao Seaquarium, where visitors can view many types of aquatic creatures such as corals, sponges, and a multitude of fish species. Another way to explore Curaçao's natural environment is at one of the island's national parks. Curaçao is rich in history and culture, and several museums commemorate the island's heritage. Other historical and cultural landmarks on the island include forts, statues, and bridges. One of the country's most popular exports is its Curaçao liqueur, which is made from the peel of a particular orange that is only found on the island. Vacationers can tour the island's liquor distillery and perhaps sample some of its products.
Finally, shopping is an extremely popular pastime for those visiting the island, especially among cruise ship passengers. Willemstad is where most of the shopping centers are located. Whether it's shopping, sunbathing, or sightseeing, Curaçao has plenty to see and do for all kinds of vacationers.