Jan Thiel
Travel tips Jan Thiel
Sun, sea and a good dose of laid-back vibes: welcome to Jan Thiel! It is one of the most popular spots on Curaçao. This tropical vacation destination is bursting with fine beach clubs, luxurious accommodations, and fun things to do. You can relax by the pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea, take an active hike around the salt flats, or enjoy a cocktail at sunset. We share on this page all the travel tips for Jan Thiel: from the best hotels and nicest restaurants to handy tips on transportation and activities!
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A private villa with pool and barbecue
Quickly booked up!

A beautiful eco-resort on the salt flats
A tropical oasis

A colorful stay near the beach
Traveling with Corendon
Frequently asked questions about Jan Thiel
Why choose to vacation in Jan Thiel? To give you a hand on your way, for example with the consideration of staying in Jan Thiel on Curaçao, below we answer some frequently asked questions about Jan Thiel.
Jan Thiel is a very nice place in Curaçao where you can do various activities, but also relax. On the beach you can spend hours, if not days, enjoying the sun and salty seawater. You can lounge at atmospheric beach clubs like Papagayo, Zanzibar and Koko's, and get active and hike along the salt flats (with a little luck you'll even spot flamingos). You can also do water sports at Jan Thiel, such as snorkeling, diving and supping. The clear water and colorful underwater world here is very impressive.
Did you know: Many of the day trips to Klein Curaçao depart from the port of Spanish Water, which is very close to Jan Thiel. Curious about what Klein Curaçao has to offer? Here's what a day trip to Klein Curaçao looks like and what you can experience there!
Where to stay on Jan Thiel? That's a good question. There are many great places, from luxury resorts to small-scale apartments and fantastic vacation homes. The selection is diverse and there is a nice place for every type of traveler. Popular accommodations on Jan Thiel are:
Jan Thiel is a very nice place to stay in Curaçao, especially if you like to be within walking distance of the beach, various restaurants and stores. Our favorites? You can find them in our article "These are the nicest apartments and hotels on Jan Thiel”.
The airport (Hato International Airport) is about a 45-minute drive from Jan Thiel. The easiest way to get there is by rental car or cab. The roads are passable, and a car gives you all the freedom to explore other parts of Curaçao as well. This is always our personal preference when we go on vacation to Curaçao. Rather not drive yourself? Then you can arrange a transfer in advance through your accommodation or perhaps it is already included in your package deal with TUI or Corendon.
There are some very nice restaurants and beach bars on Jan Thiel Beach where you can enjoy yourself with your feet in the sand. For a romantic sunset dinner, Zest is highly recommended, while hotspot Zanzibar is the place to go for crispy pizzas and live music on Saturday nights. Koko's, in turn, is a delicious spot for a tropical breakfast.
Fancy more inspiration? Check out our favorite hotspot tips in Jan Thiel.
Definitely! Jan Thiel is incredibly child-friendly. The beach slopes gently into the sea, there is little wave action and plenty of shade. Many resorts have pools and children's facilities.
Yes, absolutely. Jan Thiel is located on the southeast side of the island and is easily accessible from Willemstad and Mambo Beach. From here you can reach the most beautiful beaches on the west coast, such as Cas Abao or Grote Knip, in an hour by car. Trips to Mount Christoffel, flamingo spotting at St. Willibrordus and exploring the colorful streets of Punda and Otrobanda are also easy to do from Jan Thiel.
Helpful Tip: rent a car for at least a few days to really explore the island, such as the best spots and beautiful sights in Willemstad.
Curaçao is a sunny destination with a tropical climate, so actually Jan Thiel is wonderful all year round. The most popular period to go on vacation is from December through April, when it is dry and slightly less warm. Traveling in the summer months is also fine: it's a little quieter then and often just a little cheaper. The rainy season is short and limited on Curaçao, so a vacation to Jan Thiel in the fall is also doable!
In Jan Thiel you can enjoy yourself for a few days without a car, but if you want to see more of the island, a rental car is highly recommended. The most beautiful bays, rugged nature parks and local eateries are scattered throughout the island. A car is also ideal for exploring Willemstad or a road trip to Westpoint. Parking at Jan Thiel Beach is easy and usually free at your accommodation. We always reserve our rental car through SunnyCars Because of the all-inclusive service package!
Tip: Book your rental car in advance to ensure availability.
More tropical spots on Curaçao
Jan Thiel is one of the fun ones on the island of Curaçao, but there are many more great places to explore!

