Curacao

The human civilization began in Curaçao at about 600 years a.d. with the arrival of Indians of the coastal regions of South America. They belonged to the Arowaks who formed part of the Caiquetíos tribe. They lived from agriculture, fishing and hunting. The Arowaks were known as friendly and peaceful people. This in contrast with the Cariben who passed the Lesser Antilles around 1530 and advanced to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Both the Arowaks and the Europeans were afraid of the Cariben. The reason was the outward appearance of the Cariben and their ritual cannibalism. The Caribbean Region owes its name from the Cariben.

A Spanish expedition led by Alonso de Ojeda discovered the island of Curaçao in 1499. The Spaniards went ashore in search of drinking water, after having noticed footprints in the sand, they came to the conclusion that the island was inhabited. They appeared to be the Arowaks. Because of their height, the Spaniards named the island Isla de los Gigantes (Island of the Giants). Owing to a shortage of labourers, most of the Arowaks were taken as slaves to Hispaniola and other Spanish colonies in the region. In 1513 they named the Lesser Antilles Islas Inútiles (Useless Islands) because no precious metals or natural riches were found. In 1525 Governor Juan Martínez de Ampuéz repopulated Curaçao with Indians. Curaçao has always known very dry periods. Its strategic position and natural harbour were the most valuable assets.

 Curacao is semiarid with most vegetation being of a desert character with cacti rising to 20 feet or more and flaming flamboyant trees splashing the landscape with color.

 Oil refining is the economic mainstay of the island its Shell Oil refinery being one of the world’s largest.

 In the capital of Willemstad everything is within walking distance. Here can be seen handsome structures such as Fort Amsterdam, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Mikve Israel Synagogue.  The latter was built in 1732 and claims to be the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.  West of the town is Beth Haim Jewish Cemetery, consecrated before 1659 and containing some 2 500 graves. 

 Curacao is a free-port, making it a popular tourist destination. A wide selection of restaurants features excellent local and international cuisine.

Hotels

Whether you would prefer the large resort facilities or the inimite guesthouses, Curacao has an excellent choice of Hotels, Resorts, condominiums, small, intimate guesthouses, timeshares and apartments. There is a property to suit every taste.