One Of The Best Caribbean Destinations To Visit In 2026 Is A Unique Tropical Paradise Full Of History

The Caribbean boasts some of the best tropical destinations on the planet. And yet, in this landscape of stunning islands, Curaçao still manages to stand out. Spanning roughly 171 square miles, the relatively small country took the No. 1 spot in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the "Best Caribbean Island to Visit" in 2026.

Curaçao's history is incredibly diverse. Influences from its first inhabitants, an Indigenous tribe called the Arawaks, permeate the island. Plus, its Dutch colonial heritage is evident in everything from the food and festivals to the street names and cityscapes. For example, the Historic Area in the capital city of Willemstad is full of colorful 17th-century Dutch architecture.

Beyond the cities, Curaçao is home to prime snorkeling and diving sites, sprawling parks, and sugar-sand beaches. Like its neighbor Aruba, considered the safest Caribbean island with a hurricane-free zone, Curaçao is well out of the main hurricane belt. As a result, it is a safe destination to visit year-round, per the Caribbean Island Safety Index 2025. Oh, and the island even has its own signature liquor called Blue Curaçao.

Curaçao has just one international airport, located approximately 12 kilometers (around 7.5 miles) from the Willemstad city center by car. As a result, many travelers start their trip in the capital. Willemstad is certainly a highlight of the country — its historic quarter and harbor form an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Queen Emma Bridge offers views of the colorful Handelskade district, with the buildings reflected in the azure waters of St. Anna Bay. You'll also find a daily floating market overflowing with fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish at the northern edge of Handelskade.

At the heart of Willemstad's historic district is Punda, a pedestrian-only neighborhood featuring charming hidden alleys, peekaboo water views, and a weekly "Punda Vibes" event on Thursday nights full of local music, crafts, and fireworks. Punda is also home to one of the island's oldest buildings, Fort Amsterdam, built in 1634. Willemstad has more than 700 preserved historic structures across its various districts, including trendy Pietermaai and vibrant Otrobanda.

For a true taste of Curaçao, head to Marshe Bieu, or the Old Market Food Court, where you can join locals at long tables to sample regional specialties like kabritu stoba (goat stew) and yuana stoba (stewed iguana). And finally, don't forget to pop into of the island's many bars for a taste of the famous Blue Curaçao, made from peels of the native laraha orange.

Outside of Willemstad, Curaçao is known for its white sand shorelines that offer a sense of solitude, thanks in part to the many cliffs that line the secluded coves. Several of Curaçao's best beaches are located on the island's western edge, like the small yet scenic Playa Lagún or Porto Mari, roughly 17 miles from Willemstad. Porto Mari is a favorite among snorkelers and divers for its stunning double reef system.

For quintessential Caribbean vibes — complete with crystal-clear water, white sand, and thatched umbrellas —  visit Cas Abao (a.k.a. Cas Abou) on the southwest coast. "Cas Abao has some of the most beautiful water I've ever seen," a past visitor noted on Reddit. The beach offers various facilities, including restrooms, showers, and a restaurant. A small entrance fee of $6 per vehicle is required, or $7 on Sundays and holidays, and beach chair rentals are $3.

While the beaches are undoubtedly a highlight of Curaçao, the island also has stunning parks brimming with wildlife. The largest of these is Christoffel National Park, located about 24 miles north of Willemstad. There, visitors have the chance to spot the island's endemic species, such as native barn owls, wild orchids, and Curaçao white-tailed deer, per Curaco.com. The park is crowned by the island's highest peak, Mount Christoffel; adventurous travelers can set out for the top before 10 a.m. to avoid the heat.

Additionally, Curaçao has some of the best shore diving in the world, according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Some notable options are the Tugboat Wreck and Alice and Wonderland. The former, located just offshore from Tugboat Beach, is an abandoned vessel submerged in a shallow area, making it accessible to both beginners and experts. You'll find the latter, named for the otherworldly beauty of its coral gardens and marine habitats, off the coast of Playa Kalki.