CC: Maria Michelle

Curaçao is a Caribbean island located 65 km north of Venezuala and 80m southeast of Aruba. It’s part of the ‘Dutch Islands’ within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It’s one of the larger and more populous of the Caribbean islands. It’s also among the drier and more arid. There’s some pleasant waterfront running on Curaçao in the area Willemstad, its capital and largest city. Curaçao has among the most extensive network of hiking trails in the Caribbean, so it’s wonderful for trail running.

In the area of Willemstad, there are two separate waterfront running options, which can be combined. Just east of Willemstad, there’s some scenic, easier trail running at the Jan Thiel salt pans. We’ve also included a post highlighting some of the trail running options on Curaçao. Note: the beaches on Curaçao aren’t great for running — few are very long, and they don’t feature packed sand.

Runner Notes: Curaçao’s weather is hot year-round, and many of the trails are exposed. Also, many of the interior trails are rugged and hilly.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Curaçao

See All Routes
  • All Routes
  • Iconic Routes
  • Weather & Climate
  • Where To Stay
  • Stores & Group Runs
  • Events

Willemstad Waterfront Running

Curaçao

Several km of pleasant waterfront running in Willemstad, Curaçao's capital and largest city. Run along Pietermaai & around the fort and Waaigat Lagoon. Also popular is John F Kennedy Boulevard in Zakitó. These two sections can be combined.
Explore

Curaçao has a hot, semi-arid climate. It’s drier than many other Caribbean islands. Temperatures are fairly uniform throughout the year. Runners should note that high temperatures average 30-32C (86-90F) year-round, and nights stay warm, at 24-26C (74-80F). There are distinct wet and dry seasons. There’s almost no rain June-September, and only ~18 inches annually.

Staying in Willemstad will provide the best access to easier waterfront running on Curaçao.