Fort Beekenburg

Fort Beekenburg is a quieter option than the centrally located Rif Fort in Willemstad, which has been converted into an outdoor mall. Explore Fort Beekenburg by land or sea—a kayak tour lets you see the fort from below, recreating what would-be attackers might have seen as they approached the fort. On land, you can scramble over rocks and explore hidden corners of the fortification, imagining what it would have been like to spend your days watching for pirates and other attackers from the sea.

• Wear sturdy shoes—the fort has several stairs and ladders you’ll want to clamber on.

• Pack a bathing suit; the nearby Caracas Bay beach is a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling.

• Bring water and sunscreen—Curacao has a desert climate, and you can overheat quickly.

• Be aware that the fort doesn’t have any facilities, so visit the bathroom before you leave.

From Willemstad, it's an approximately 20-minute drive to Fort Beekenburg. Drive to Caracasbaaiweg and continue along the beach road to the fort, where you'll find a small parking area. A set of rock stairs leads to a large green gate, which is the entrance to the fort. If you don't have a vehicle, taxis are easy to find in Curacao and fairly affordable. You can also opt to take a tour which includes a stop at the fort.

The fort is open 24/7 and access is free. It isn't a particularly large site, so work it into your schedule wherever you have some free time. Curacao itself is best visited from December to April, which lets you skip the rainy season and enjoy the tropical warmth. If you can fit it into your itinerary, Curacao's carnival runs from mid-February to mid-March and is an unmissable experience.

If you want an even better view, fill up your water bottle and head to the Kabrietenberg trailhead. From here, you can hike to the summit of Seru Kabritu. This short hike is a 1-hour round-trip, where you can spot flowering cacti and other desert flora. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over Spanish Waters.