Curacao
Dutch Antilles
This is the island that Caribbean dreams are made of. Sun washed beaches under swaying palm trees with a non-stop supply of rum punch. Clear blues skies and all year round temperatures of 30 degrees but with a gentle trade wind to ensure you keep your cool. Gone is the homophobia of the more northerly islands and with the strong Dutch influence this is a paradise for gay and lesbian travellers with over 20 local members of IGLTA.
The largest of the Dutch Antilles ABC Caribbean islands, Curacao nestles between Aruba and Bonaire just 35 miles north of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean Sea. It’s easy to get to with direct flights from Amsterdam with connections from all over the UK and so avoiding the hassle of a US transit.
Whether it is walking down the narrow streets of the picture book painted capital, Willemstad, lying on one of the many beautiful beaches that form the western coastline of this 35 mile long island, or just hanging out around your hotel pool, you will rarely be the only same sex couple around.
Everywhere you will be warmly welcomed and none more so than in Lyrics, Willemstad’s gay owned bar with its regular Sunday post beach party or at Wau San's snack bar opposite the floating market which is a good source of local gay information.
But this fascinating island is much more than beaches; diving and snorkelling are popular activities and beginner’s courses are readily available. The Kura Hulanda Museum is a world acclaimed anthropological museum which traces the history of the slave trade and the town of Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage site. For walkers an early morning climb of Christoffel Peak is a must to enjoy the spectacular views and, on a clear day, the coastline of Venezuela. Riders can take a horseback or mountain bike ride through the 4,500 acre former plantation and the more arid east coast.
Without a doubt Curacao is the gay-friendly Caribbean.
Click to view the Independent Gay Guide to this destinationAccommodation
Sightseeing