The first Jews arrived in Curaçao in the 1650s and established what is the oldest synagogue in the Americas today. The synagogue, or Snoa as it is often called, has existed in its current state since the 1730s and is a defining element of the townscape of modern-day Willemstad. The interior of the synagogue is no less spectacular thanks to its traditional sand floor, azure glass windows and mahogany furniture, among other elaborate details.

The Botanical Garden or 'Botanique' is steeped in history. From the Middle Ages this green oasis was the garden of the former 'commanderij van Pitzemburg', order of knights. After its abolition, in the nineteenth century the garden was turned into an English landscape garden for members of the elitist Société Royale d'Horticulture. After the First World War it opened to the public as a municipal park. In the middle of the Botanical Garden is a statue of the celebrated scientist Rembert Dodoens. In the sixteenth century he wrote a highly acclaimed herbal called the 'Cruydenboek'. These days the Botanical Garden is a quiet and very pleasant park where you can enjoy the plant life while the children let off steam in the playground.

Curaçao may have nearly 40 beaches, but few are as beloved as Porto Mari. Aside from the clear turquoise waters and sugar-white sands, the place has its own dive centre, a bar with local food and beautiful sunsets. If you're lucky, you can even encounter some beach-loving pigs. The area is also a local bastion of environmental protection, with hiking trails leading from the beach.