Curacao, the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles, is part of the Dutch Leeward Islands, also known as the Dutch Antilles. Willemstad, the capital, is noted for its brightly coloured, Dutch-style houses and Cunucu dwellings (based on African-style mud and wattle huts). It is one of the finest shopping centres in the Caribbean. The harbour has a floating market where colourful barges full of agricultural produce are moored. Nearby is the new market building, the design of which is very striking.
St Christoffel National Park, occupying the most northwestern part of the island, is a nature reserve dominated by the mountain of the same name. There are several caves decorated with Arawak Indian paintings, some unusual rock formations and fine views across the countryside. Lucky visitors may spy iguanas and shy Curaçao deer. Traditional Dutch food is popular, as well as the exciting flavours of Creole food, criollo, which makes good use of fresh fish. There are several discos run by hotels on the island, some of which also have a casino.
