Curaçao is a tropical island situated in the southern part of the Caribbean.
Together with Aruba and Bonaire they are the three western-most islands of the Leeward Antilles and also known as the ABC islands. Curaçao is the largest of the three islands and consists of the island Curaçao and the island Klein Curaçao which is situated 10 km off the east coast. The highest point on the island is Mount St Christoffel with 375m.
Curaçao consists of coral limestone and volcanic rock. It has six natural harbours which have been created through erosion by natural forces. The largest one, het Schottegat is the harbour of Willemstad, situated on the south west side of the island. It is amongst the largest natural harbours in the world and around it are the largest dry dock and oil refinery of the region as well as goods and container terminals and berths to accommodate cruise ships.
Access is via the St Anna bay which divides the city of Willemstad. In the east, the oldest part ‘Punda’ (the Point) with a multitude of little shops and in the west the Otrobanda district (Papiamento for ‘The Other Side’).
Since 1888 both sides have been connected by a wooden pontoon bridge (Koningin Emmabrug). There is a lively ‘floating market’ on the De Ruyterkade where often many Venezuelans offer their merchandise to customer on the quayside.
