The Curaçao road trip guide
Curaçao is made for a day in the car: colourful Willemstad, flamingos in the salt pans and the best beaches on the west coast. Here's a route with the stops worth making.
- Willemstad
- Jan Kok flamingos
- Grote Knip
- Playa Piskado
- Shete Boka
- Christoffel Park
The west coast route
- Willemstad. Start at the colourful Handelskade waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and walk across the floating Queen Emma Bridge between Punda and Otrobanda. Go early or at sunset.
- Jan Kok salt pans. Drive west and look out over the salt pans, where flamingos often feed in the shallow water. Keep your distance and enjoy them from the roadside.
- Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi). The postcard beach: white sand and bright blue water in a small bay. Bring water and shade.
- Playa Piskado. A small fishing beach where sea turtles come close to the shore. Snorkel quietly and don't touch or feed them.
- Shete Boka National Park. Wild north coast with waves crashing into caves, like the famous Boka Pistol.
- Christoffel National Park. Hike Mount Christoffel, the highest point of the island, in the cool early morning.
Driving in Curaçao
Drive on the right
Like in the US and most of Europe. Most roads are paved; don't go off-road or through deep water.
Fuel
At the pump, use the yellow handle. Return your rental car with a full tank.
Valuables
Don't leave anything in the car at beaches, and use the steering wheel lock.
Navigation
Download Google Maps or maps.me offline before you set off.
Questions
Do I need a car in Curaçao?
For the beaches and national parks on the west coast, yes. Taxis are expensive and buses are infrequent, so a rental car gives you the freedom to explore.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Curaçao?
On the right-hand side.
What is the best beach in Curaçao?
Grote Knip is the most famous, but Playa Piskado (turtles), Cas Abao and the beaches around Westpunt are all worth the drive.
Can I rent a car with free airport delivery?
Yes. Litt Car Rental meets you at arrivals at Curaçao Airport with your car, at no extra cost.
Ready when you land.
Book online in two minutes, pay online or when you get the car.