Playa Kenepa (Grote Knip)

• AreaKnip, near Westpunt
• EntryFree
• Best forSwimming, photos, a full beach day
• TipWeekdays are calmest

If you have seen one photo of a Curaçao beach, it was probably this one. Playa Kenepa, better known as Grote Knip ("big Knip"), is a broad crescent of white sand framed by low cliffs, with water that shades from glassy turquoise to deep blue. It sits on the island's quieter western tip, about 45 minutes' drive from Willemstad, and it is free.

The beach

The viewpoint on the road down to the beach is where the classic shot is taken; stop on the way in, before the parking fills. On the sand you will find shade from palapas (first come, first served), a snack bar, toilets and usually someone renting loungers. The water is calm most of the year and gets deep fairly quickly, which makes for good swimming.

• Snorkelling: head for the rocks along the sides of the bay, where you will find reef fish and sometimes turtles.
• Cliff jumping: locals jump from the rocks on the right; only do it if you know the depth and conditions.
• Kleine Knip: the smaller sister beach a minute's drive further, quieter and very pretty.

Practical

Bring water shoes if you plan to snorkel along the rocks, reef-safe sunscreen and enough cash or a card for the snack bar. Do not leave valuables visible in the car, which is sensible advice at every beach on the island.

Grote Knip makes a great finish to a day in the west: hike in Christoffel National Park early, then cool off here. Museo Tula is just up the road, and Playa Piskado, where you can swim with turtles, is a few minutes further. Several west-coast tours stop here (see GetYourGuide), but a hire car gives you more time on the sand: compare on DiscoverCars. For more beaches, read the best beaches of Curaçao, and for places to stay nearby, browse Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

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