It’s official—Curaçao is having its moment.
According to Google Flights’ 2025 Summer Travel Trends, Curaçao is the #1 trending international destination for American travelers this summer. That’s not just hype—this island is breaking records, adding new flights, unveiling brand-new resorts, and drawing serious attention from travelers who want something more than just another beach getaway.
As someone who’s been to Aruba (and loved it!), it feels like Curaçao is a fresh take on the Caribbean.
I’m hopefully headed there this November to see what all the buzz is about—and after digging into everything this colorful Dutch-Caribbean island offers, I can see why it’s blowing up.
What’s Fueling Curaçao’s Boom?
In the first few months of 2025 alone, nearly 60,000 U.S. tourists landed in Curaçao—a 30% jump from last year. For the first time ever, Americans officially outnumbered European visitors. The island isn’t just trending, it’s transforming.
Here’s what’s driving that momentum:
- New nonstops: American Airlines just announced weekly nonstop flights from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Curaçao, starting this December. This opens up the Midwest to direct island escapes—no more layovers!
- Hotel growth: New resorts like the boutique Art Hotel in Pietermaai are upping the luxury game. Existing favorites like Baoase, Avila Beach Hotel, and Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort are expanding and renovating too.
- Sustainable tourism: In partnership with Sustainable Travel International, the island is studying its “tourism carrying capacity” to make sure its growth doesn’t compromise what makes it special. So while Curaçao’s getting more popular, it’s also being intentional—and that matters.
Aruba vs. Curaçao: What’s Different?
Since I’ve been to Aruba and am planning to head to Curaçao, here’s my take after lots of research and talking to people who have been to both:
| Feature | Aruba | Curaçao |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches | Long, wide, tourist-packed | Hidden coves, locals' favorites |
| Culture | Very Americanized | Rich Dutch/Caribbean fusion |
| Snorkeling/Diving | Good | Phenomenal |
| Food scene | Mostly resorts, some local eats | Street food + elevated cuisine |
| Vibe | Easy, familiar | Adventurous, authentic |
Curaçao feels more real—with vibrant neighborhoods like Pietermaai, a colorful UNESCO-listed capital (Willemstad), and wild national parks begging to be explored.
Where To Stay (With Prices)
There’s something here for every style—and budget:
- Luxury: Sandals Royal Curaçao ($600–$1,200/night) – All-inclusive with stunning views and serious pampering.
- Upscale charm: Avila Beach Hotel ($200–$350/night) – Historic, beachfront, and newly renovated.
- Boutique chic: BijBlauw in Pietermaai ($150–$250/night) – A favorite for sunset drinks by the sea.
- Budget-friendly Airbnb: Starting around $50/night. If you rent a car, you can stay near some of the best uncrowded beaches.
What To Do in Curaçao
Whether you’re a beach bum or a cultural explorer, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Beach-hop like a local
- Grote Knip – Free and photogenic. (2nd photo in this article)
- Cas Abao – rentable loungers, a bar, and soft white sand.
- Playa Piskado – Swim with sea turtles for free (just bring a snorkel).
- Klein Curaçao – Remote, stunning day trip (~$100+ for boat tours).
Explore Willemstad
Wander colorful colonial streets, cross the Queen Emma floating bridge, and grab a bite at a sidewalk café. Check out the Kura Hulanda Museum for a powerful look at the island’s African heritage.
Snorkel & Dive
Shore dives at Tugboat Beach, Mushroom Forest, or the Blue Room are world-class. Two-tank dives run about $90, and many sites are easy to access without a boat.
Get outdoorsy
Hike up Mount Christoffel, go off-roading in Shete Boka National Park, or spot flamingos at Jan Kok.
Where To Eat (And What To Try)
Curaçao’s food scene is diverse, flavorful, and affordable if you know where to look:
- Local eats: Plasa Bieu – A food hall where you can get goat stew, fresh fish, or pumpkin pancakes for $10–$15.
- Street food: Late-night food trucks (aka Truki Pans) are where the locals eat. Look for BBQ ribs or lionfish burgers.
- Splurge-worthy: Fort Nassau – Incredible hilltop views with fine dining (~$75+ per person). Or go barefoot luxe at Baoase Culinary Beach for a romantic night out.
Must-tries: Keshi Yena (spiced meat baked in cheese), pastechi, lionfish ceviche, and locally distilled Blue Curaçao.
What Will Flights Cost?
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (not incl. flights) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $60–$80 |
| Mid-range | $150–$200 |
| Luxury | $300+ |
Flights from major U.S. cities average $400–$600 round-trip. Thanks to new routes like the upcoming Chicago–Curaçao nonstop, it’s getting even easier (and often cheaper) to get there.
What are you waiting for?
Curaçao is colorful, cultural, and downright cool—and it’s no longer just a secret among divers or Dutch tourists. With new airlift, upgraded hotels, and recognition from Google as the top trending travel destination, this Caribbean gem is stepping into the spotlight.
So if you’ve been to Aruba and are ready for something that feels more authentic—with better snorkeling, more culture, and a splash of European flair—Curaçao is calling.
And I’ll be there this fall, soaking it all in.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
S.L
Tuesday 6th of May 2025
My husband and I just did a weekend in Curacao for our anniversary May 2-5, 2025. We stayed at the St. Tropez Boutique hotel which is a shabby chic little jewel overlooking the ocean. Great cuisine (breakfast is included with the stay and it is fabulous), warm and welcoming staff, great night life, and close to the city center. Friday night is the happy hour into night club scene 6pm-1am (grown and sexy crowd). We were able to walk to town (about 15-20 mins) where we enjoyed shopping, local eats (Cielo Gelato was yummy) and a great historical/cultural experience at the Kura Hulunda Museum. A weekend is just not enough time to take it all in. Plan for 5 days minimum. If you dive or snorkel, this is the destination for you! The beaches, hidden alcoves and natural beauty of the terrain and reefs is spectacular! Curacao has 30+ beaches and you will want to do them all, lol! Be aware that many attractions and shops are closed on Sunday, so plan accordingly. Also, a car is a must because taxis are VERY expensive. Rent one for at least a couple of days to really get out and explore. It pays for itself on the first day. The currency is the Gelder. We really did't need cash because most places are cashless and we could use a card to pay which does the conversion for you. The locals are warm and friendly and most residents speak English. The official languages if i recall correctly are Dutch, and Papamiento which is a Spanish/Dutch/Portuguese/African/French Patoire of sorts. It literally sounds like all of those things when spoken, lol! A beautiful dialect. Dutch wasn't spoken often while we were there, but you see it written in many places as well as Spanish. While it is important to remain vigilant as a tourist, we felt safe and welcomed during our stay. From the colorful and vibrant buildings, the ecclectic charm and mezmerizing blue waters, to the fascinating wildlife, I recommend a stay on this beautiful island to anyone.