Adventure
Curacao Feeds the Soul with Sunshine
I’ll be honest with you right up front — I’ve been to Curacao twice in about a year and, like a favourite recipe, this island keeps calling me back for more it’s true what they say “Curacao feeds the soul with sunshine”.
Explore Curacao with food, flavours, top eats, recipes and places to see on this vibrant Caribbean island.
Weather
I recommend visiting between May and June.
Month High / Low(°C)
January 29° / 23°
February 29° / 23°
March 30° / 23°
April 31° / 24°
May 31° / 25°
June 31° / 25°
July 31° / 25°
August 31° / 26°
September 31° / 26°
October 31° / 25°
November 30° / 25°
December 29° / 24°
Colourful Streets and Island Vibes
The main town of Willemstad is only a short hop from the cruise terminal, making it really easy to reach. Once you are through the melee of hawkers and tourist stuff and have passed through the old port gates, it’s rather lovely. The pontoon bridge that allows you to cross into the main town is truly a feat of engineering and will open and close (whilst you are still on it) if boats and ships need to go further upriver into the harbour.
They can even detach the whole thing and move if the weather is too severe. Can you imagine that in the UK, health and safety would be all over it?
The pastel-painted buildings in Willemstad aren’t just pretty — legend has it a governor once decreed white paint gave everyone headaches under that blazing sun. So instead, the streets here look like someone spilt an artist’s palette all over town — and I mean that in the best possible way.
First Stop: Coffee with a View
Now, I’m a coffee lover — always have been — so I set out determined to find a great espresso. In Curacao, that quest led me to the Iguana Café on the quay. The coffee is perfectly decent — not life-changing — but the view across the harbour, watching the pontoon bridge do its engineering dance, makes it absolutely worth the sit.
Wander the Waterfront Markets
After that small caffeine fix, wander down to the inner harbour for the fruit market. Here you’ll find sugar cane, papayas and colossal avocados that make you rethink every supermarket avocado you’ve ever bought. Truly, some of these behemoths could feed an army.
"Curacao feeds the soul with sunshine, sea breezes, and honest cooking."
A Dreamy Waterfront Lunch
For lunch, I found Perla Del Mar, tucked into the old harbour walls and right on the water’s edge. The service is relaxed, the breeze from the Caribbean Sea is a blessing on a warm afternoon, and the beers are perfectly cold. The oysters here were so fresh they practically winked at me, and the snails — bathed in a rich shallot and garlic butter — made me instantly glad I’d skipped breakfast.
But — and here’s the bit that had me reaching for my notebook — the octopus! Braised ever-so–gently with tomatoes, peppers, red onion, garlic and a splash of white wine, it was as tender and perfectly seasoned as anything I’ve cooked in my own kitchen. That might just be the best octopus I’ve ever eaten.
Sunset Seafood Haven
On the way back to the cruise terminal, through the fort battlements now brimming with shops and bars, you’ll find Ocean House 19. I’ll admit I walked right past it the first time — sometimes the best places are hiding in plain sight. The setting here is incredible, under old stone battlements with views across the harbour and Willemstad’s skyline bathed in late-afternoon sunshine, which helps too.
Ready to be Impressed
Beer in hand, I have a look at the menu, which reads really well. As you may know, I do love oysters, but at $100 for twelve, or £80, I don’t love them that much, so I decided to order six. Main course I ordered the intriguingly named Red Pirate of Curacao, a whole fried snapper with ocean krioyo sauce. After a bit of research, I find that it’s a creole style and a staple of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). It’s generally made from tomatoes, peppers, garlic and various spices, but can change from island to island. I say it all the time: even after cooking for the best part of 45 years, I still come across ingredients and dishes I didn’t know existed. That’s what keeps me going!!!
The oysters here again delivered hit after hit, a briny/iodine kick, sweet and perfectly chilled. The star dish, though, was the Red Pirate of Curacao — a whole fried red snapper with Krioyo sauce. Light, crisp skin, feather-light, flaky flesh inside, and a vibrant tomato-and-pepper sauce. It’s a dish that proves great food doesn’t need fuss and fanfare.
I decline desert and coffee and just soak up the warm Caribbean air before wandering back into town. Not sure when I will be here again, if ever, but if I do, I will certainly pop back for the snapper.
must see places
Curacao isn’t just about food — its sights are as rich as its flavours:
Christoffelpark
Explore diverse flora and fauna and climb the island’s highest peak in a naturally stunning protected park.
Hato Caves
Discover ancient limestone formations and petroglyphs in this spectacular cave network just north of Willemstad.
Seaquarium Beach
A lively public beach near Willemstad where you can relax with a cocktail or take in some ocean views after a day of wandering.
Places to Eat
Here are three standout eateries that you must visit if you’re eating your way around Curacao.
Iguana Café
A great place for a morning coffee with unparalleled views of the harbour and the pontoon bridge routine, casual, friendly and laid-back.
- Location: Handelskade, Willemstad
- Cuisine: Café / Light bites / Coffee
- Instagram iguanacafecur
Perla Del Mar
Fantastic seafood right on the water’s edge with relaxed service and dishes like octopus that simply sing of the sea.
- Location: Waterfortstraat, Willemstad
- Cuisine: Caribbean / Seafood
- Facebook: PerlaDelMarCuracao
Ocean House 19
A beautiful spot for sunset dining with fresh oysters and whole fried fish that’s crisp, delicate and unforgettable.
- Location: Riffort, Willemstad
- Cuisine: Seafood Bistro
- Website: Oceanhouse19curacao.com
Inspired Recipes
Some recipes inspired by my brief trip to Curacao
Curacao-Style Fried Snapper with Krioyo Sauce
Inspired by my recent visit to the beautiful island of Curaçao, where vibrant culture, clear waters, and warm sunsets filled me with wonder.
View RecipeBraised Caribbean Octopus
Tender Caribbean octopus braised slowly with tomatoes, wine, garlic, and peppers.
View Recipe