What is it like to live in Curaçao?

For many people Curaçao is not just a holiday destination, but also a place to live, work, do business or spend part of the year.

Daily life on the island combines a Caribbean lifestyle with Dutch, Latin American and international influences. You see this combination in the language, architecture, restaurants, shops and way of life.

Several languages are spoken in Curaçao. Papiamentu plays an important role in daily life, while Dutch, English and Spanish are also widely used.

Climate

Curaçao has a warm tropical climate all year round. Thanks to the trade winds, the heat often feels pleasant. As a result, life takes place largely outdoors: on terraces, beaches, by the pool and on the water.

Food and drink

Culinarily, Curaçao is very international too. You will find local restaurants and snack bars alongside Dutch, Caribbean, Latin American, Asian and international restaurants.

Typical Curaçao dishes include keshi yena, stobá, funchi and fresh fish dishes.

Groceries

Spread across the island are several large supermarkets and smaller shops. You will also find local mini-markets, toko's and markets with products from Curaçao, the Netherlands, the United States and South America.

Sport and leisure

Thanks to the climate there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports, such as swimming and snorkelling, diving, hiking, mountain biking, fitness, football and baseball/softball, golf, and sailing and water sports.

From lively to quiet living

Within Curaçao, too, there are big differences in living environment. Around Willemstad, Jan Thiel, Spaanse Water and Mambo/Marie Pampoen you live relatively close to shops, restaurants and amenities.

If you are looking for more peace, nature and space, look at areas towards Banda Abou and Westpunt.

That makes Curaçao interesting for very different housing wishes: from apartments close to the city or the sea to detached houses on spacious plots.

For more background on the local culture, you can also look at Curaçao.com.