When he discovered Curaçao in 1499 Amerigo Vespucci named it "Isla de los gigantes"-- island of the giants-- because the original inhabitants were so tall.

Later the name Curaçao was used in adherence to the name the locals themselves used to describe their island.

Although Holland had already laid claim to Curaçao in 1634 it wasn´t until 1814 that she received full sovereignty. Around 50 ethnic groups live on Curaçao, a variety highlighted in Papiamento, the locally spoken mix of Spanish, Dutch, English, French, Portuguese and native indian.

The Dutch established Fort Amsterdam in 1635 by building the Governor's Palace and Church. This part of Willemstad is still known as Punda, after the name De Punt used in the early days. In Punda you can find typical Dutch shops with red roofs, gabled windows and white decorative stucco. The Penha House is certainly the most well known building in this Dutch style and today is a marvelous shopping centre. On the other side of Santa Annabaai is Otrobanda. Punda and Otrobanda are joined by the "swinging lady", the Queen Emma Bridge , which opens up to permit passage of incoming cruise and cargo ships.

At the floating market the merchants offer tropical fruit, exotic vegetables and fresh fish. The inner city of Willemstad and the harbour front have been declared world heritage sites by UNESCO. One of the most striking places of interest in Willemstad is the Mikvah Israel Synagogue, the oldest in the new world. In the Jewish Museum the Torah scroll from 1492 is under safekeeping. A little further on from the synagogue is the massive fort wall from the former waterfront of Punda´s seaside. The Fort has disappeared , but its vaults are still there, and have been turned into small shops and cosy restaurants to linger through. And what about Willemstad´s night life! Why not try your luck at the casino? Who hasn´t ever wanted to do that - even just once! Try the Mambo Beach Bar on the Sea Aquarium's beach with its invitingly hot rhythms. For jazz lovers the Jazz Central is the place to be.

What makes Curaçao a dream destination for sun lovers are the wonderful bays on the south and west coasts of the island. A good example is Playa Kalki, an idyllic sandy beach hidden between two huge limestone rocks. Another is Playa Abou, near the country house Knip. This magnificent sandy beach is a favourite with the locals. The pretty fishing boats and shady trees make it very romantic. Daaibooibaai bay is also very special. From the bizarre boulders you can dive directly into the cool water. With all these beautiful beaches it is no wonder that the uninhabited sister island, Little Curaçao, is often overlooked.

But don't miss this tiny island only a few kilometers from the southeast coast of Curaçao. Its long white sandy beach with wonderful coral reefs is only accessible by ship. The more adventurous or fanciful can spend the night on the island in a wooden hut.

Curaçao has water sports for all tastes. The south coast of the island is one of the most beautiful dive regions in the Caribbean. A hundred dive sites, and three underwater parks, are just waiting for you to discover. And the fascinating coral reef is also within effortless reach from land, making it an underwater paradise for the novice diver or snorkeller. Even as close as the breakers, fish, sea urchins, corals and crustatians can be seen in their full splendour. For those who would prefer to observe the underwater world without getting wet, a trip to the famous Sea Aquarium is the perfect thing. And if you're looking for that special kick, why not try feeding live sharks as a snorkeller or diver? There´s also a lot happening above water.

The seabreeze makes the coast of Curaçao an El Dorado for wind surfers. Due to the northeast Passat wind, sailors always have wind in their sails. Spanish Lagoon is where you´ll find the islands' sailing centre. Whoever has a sailing licence can rent a boat here. If you only want to sail along you can also do so. For those who enjoy sportsfishing there are the inshore waters of Curaçao. In the protected waters of the bays you can fish for tarp and snook as well as ladyfish, barracuda and horse-eyejack fish. But not only watersports lovers can enjoy themselves on Curaçao. The Curaçao Sportsclub has 18 tennis courts, where everyone gets to swing. And golfers who come to The Curaçao Golf and Squash Club really get their money´s worth.

If you´d like to get to know the island from atop a horse, then the Ashari Ranch in Julianadorp is just the place for you. They have 25 horses and expert guides to accompany you. Going by bike, motorcycle or jeep are also great ways to discover the beauty of Curaçao.

Something really out of the ordinary is a canoe-safari on the south coast.