To celebrate World Photography Day we embarked on a mission to discover the most photographed places in Curacao. This job wasn´t easy because as you know by now, with it's breathtaking beaches, hilly countryside, and beautiful historic buildings, Curacao is heaven for photographers.
Here they are, the most photographed places in Curacao. This search was easier thanks to Sightmap which gets all the information from the millions of photographs that users upload to Googles Panoramio every day.
1. Queen Emma Bridge
You have got to see Curacao's most photographed place the Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad, one of the oldest pontoon bridges around.
It takes you from the Otrabanda side where the Renaissance Hotel, Rif Fort and cruise ship terminals are, over to Punda and Pietermaai on the other side. The bridge swings open to allow the cargo ships, cruise ships and tug boats go in and out of the harbor.
You can stay on it while it swings open or hop off either side and wait till it returns. Sit and have a coffee, wine or beer at the Iguana Cafe and watch the sunset and beautiful colored lights light up at sunset. On Thursdays watch the Punda Vibes fireworks from the bridge at 8 pm, they are fabulous and you get great photos, enjoy our Swinging Old Lady!
Photo by: Ivan Wong Rodenas, see www.flickr.com/photos/indavar/26947512485
Photo by: Charless Hoffman, see www.flickr.com/photos/kitonlove/4386304187
Photo by: Ivan Wong Rodenas, see www.flickr.com/photos/indavar/26851254951
2. Playa Forti
What separates Playa Forti from other beaches is the ample cliff-jumping opportunities for thrill seekers. The water is so clear that you are able to see the rocks that are probably at least 20 ft deep, from the 40-45 high cliffs.
If you don't dare to jump yourself watch the locals jump for a good photo opportunity!
The small beach of Playa Forti is below the Blue View restaurant. Few people snorkel here and besides cliff jumping locals occasionally hand fish from the shore in the evenings. Turtles regularly visit here due to the discarded fish into water.
Photo by: Mingo Hagen, see www.flickr.com/photos/mjhagen/2376870377
3. Mount Christoffel
Legends say that you can't call yourself a true person from this Island unless you climb this mountain. Mount Christoffel is nothing like a real mountain, but it is with its 1,230 ft high top the highest point of Curacao and it takes some skills and stamina to actually achieve reaching the top.
Our best advice is to do this as early in the morning as possible, because once the sun sets out and the temperature rises, it gets twice as hard to do so. Make sure you have enough water and something to eat. Have good shoes (no flip flops!).
Other than that, just have fun and take lots of photos! You'll feel like being on top of the world when reaching the top. For more information see our blog post The best of Curacao in 7 days (Day 5)
Photo by: Nelo Hotsuma, see www.flickr.com/photos/63122283@N06/25611033674
Photo by: Nelo Hotsuma, see www.flickr.com/photos/63122283@N06/26215783365
4. St. Willibrordus
On the way to Playa Daaibooi and Playa Porto Marie you will find the village of St. Willibrordus. On St. Willibrordus Day (on November 5, 2011), the village has officially been named Williwood with the unveiling of a community-effort: the famous Williwood sign.
Just before the village, you will find the structures of the former salt ponds, where flocks of colorful flamingos feed themselves with brine shrimp. Don't get close to them because the flamingoes tend to get nervous when you approach too closely. For more information on Curacao's flamingos read our blog post Flamingos, Curacao's exotic bright pink birds.
St. Willibrordus' bright yellow church was built between 1884 ad 1888. The church's incredible color sets beautifully off against the clear blue sky and is, therefore, one of the most photographed churches on the island.
Photo by: Amory, see www.flickr.com/photos/bunitesa/26075336946
Photo by: Kim Seng, see www.flickr.com/photos/captainkimo/5507572195
5. Shete Boka
Shete Boka is absolutely amazing. Here the sea meets the desert for an incredible contrast and breathtaking views.
Arrive by noon or earlier so you can spend a few hours (3 - 4+) hiking around before they close around 4.30p. You can shorten your hike by driving to various parking areas and exploring around them (still need 2 - 3 hours).
Make sure you find and go into the sea-cave at Boka Tabla to watch the waves crashing in from a different angle. Depending on how rough the seas are, you may get a bit wet here, and be aware of the possibility of your camera getting a bit of a salt-splash here. Other bokas to visit are Boka Pistol and Boka Wandomi
Bring water, comfy walking shoes, sunscreen, camera, and a snack. There is a snack bar with drinks onsite, but only in the central parking area. You'll want to carry water with you as you explore the area. It's pretty exposed to the elements with little shelter from the sun.
For more information on Shete Boka read our blog post 9 Reasons Why Curacao Island Should be on Your Vacation Bucket List!
Photo by: WisDoc, see www.flickr.com/photos/wisdoc/6005478216
Photo by: Cliff Hellis, see www.flickr.com/photos/30099537@N02/7073088817
Photo by: Ned Haight, see www.flickr.com/photos/birdflew/6342160254
Interested in staying on Curacao island in the Dutch Caribbean? Contact us for information about our oceanfront villa, one of the nicest Curacao vacation rentals.
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