Matthew T Rader, CC BY-SA
Cheap flights to Curacao 2026
Direct flights from the Netherlands to Curacao
| Airline | Departure | Flight time | Return from |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLM | AMS (Schiphol) | about 10 hours | from 550 euros (low season) |
| TUI Fly | AMS, sometimes RTM | about 10 hours | package from 900 euros p.p. |
Curacao: what you need to know
Curacao is an island in the Caribbean Sea, about 60 km above Venezuela, with 160,000 inhabitants. It is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands: no visa required for Dutch and EU citizens. Languages are Papiamentu, Dutch and English.
The currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), but USD and euros are accepted everywhere. The climate is exceptionally dry (outside the hurricane belt), with about 320 sunny days a year and little rain even in low season.
Willemstad: UNESCO capital of the Caribbean
The capital Willemstad was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for its exceptionally well-preserved colonial architecture. The two halves of the city, Punda (with the colourful Handelskade and Fort Amsterdam) and Otrobanda (bohemian and authentic), are connected by the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge. Wandering around is free, but allow at least half a day.
Best beaches in Curacao
- Cas Abou Regularly voted best beach in the Caribbean: powdery white sand, turquoise water and a calm bay. Entry about 12 USD, including sun loungers and showers. Village of Sabana Westpunt, about 35 km from Willemstad.
- Grote Knip (Playa Kenepa Grandi) Spectacular bay with bright turquoise water surrounded by rocky cliffs. Free entry; very busy on Sundays. Jet-skis and snorkel gear for hire.
- Kleine Knip (Playa Kenepa Chiki) Quieter than Grote Knip, narrower beach, excellent snorkelling directly from the shore. Free entry.
- Blauwbaai Close to Willemstad, popular with locals. White sand, sun loungers and a bar. Busy at weekends.
- Porto Marie Professionally managed beach with entry (about 5 USD), quieter than Blauwbaai. Known for its house reef for snorkelling.
Diving and snorkelling in the National Underwater Park
The entire south-west coast of Curacao is a continuous coral reef, protected as the Curacao Underwater Park. Over 65 officially designated dive sites, suitable for all levels. Most popular spots: Mushroom Forest (caves with mushroom-shaped corals), Blue Room (blue sea cave) and Director's Bay.
Dive schools are plentiful in Willemstad and the resort zone. Day diving ticket with equipment: about 70 to 90 USD. Snorkelling directly from the shore at Kleine Knip and Porto Marie.
When are flights to Curacao cheapest?
Book at least 3 months in advance for the lowest price. The cheapest periods are:
- Low season (June to October): 500 to 650 euros return when booked in advance. More chance of rain (but rarely more than a few showers a day). Outside the hurricane belt so no hurricane risk.
- Shoulder season (May and November): 550 to 750 euros return. Pleasant weather.
- High season (December to April): 700 to 1200 euros return. Driest and sunniest period, most in demand.
- Avoid: Christmas holidays (19 December to 3 January 2027) and carnival (early 2027): most expensive periods, hotels sell out fast.
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Updated 23 September 2026