I parked at the top, walked over to the overlook, and just stood there for a second. Grote Knip Curaçao Beach Guide photos don’t fully prepare you for how blue the water actually is. It’s one of those spots where you immediately understand why everyone talks about it.
If you’re planning out your beach days, Best Beaches in Curaçao (with Map + Tips) helps put this one into context with the rest of the island.
Grote Knip, also called Playa Kenepa Grandi, sits on the west side of Curaçao.
Most people drive here, and renting a car here makes it easier since you’ll likely pair this with other west side beaches.
You park, walk a few steps, and the whole beach opens up below you.
The water starts bright turquoise near the shore and fades into deeper blue farther out, and it looks just as intense in person. This is the view you’ve seen online, just more impressive in person.
Right near the parking area, there’s an overlook before you go down.
You get the full view of the cliffs wrapping around the water, and it helps you see how big the beach actually is. This is also where most people stop for photos before heading down.
Once you walk down, the beach opens into a wide stretch of sand with lots of rocky areas mixed in.
The water is clear enough that you can see straight to the bottom, and getting in is manageable, but I wore water shoes (took them off for photos ouch ha) and was glad I had them for exploring.
We rented chairs and ended up staying a few hours.
The water was calm, so I brought a float and just stayed in for a while doing absolutely nothing. This is an easy beach to settle into instead of rushing through.
When we went, it was busy but still enjoyable.
There were a lot of people, but the beach is big enough that it didn’t feel crowded on top of each other. If you’re expecting empty, that’s not this, but it didn’t take away from it.
We didn’t snorkel here, but there were plenty of people out in the water with gear, especially near the rocky edges.
If you’re bringing your own setup, this is an easy place to use it without needing a plan.
Up by the parking lot, there are food carts with snacks, baked goods, and slushies.
There are also bathrooms, chair rentals, and plenty of parking, so once you’re here, you’re not dealing with anything complicated.
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We stayed a few hours, and that felt right.
You can make this your main beach for the day or pair it with another nearby stop if you’re exploring the west side.
If you’re building out your list, this fits right in with some of the quieter stops—I break that down more in my 7 Hidden Gems in Curaçao You Don’t Want to Miss.
If it’s your first time in Curaçao and you want that bright blue water moment, this is it.
If you’re looking for something quieter or more tucked away, you’ll probably want a different beach.
We walked back up to the overlook before leaving and it looked just as good as when we got there.
Grote Knip lives up to the hype, and if you’re building out your Curaçao plan, it’s one that should definitely make it to your list!
Flying out of Frankfurt at the crack of dawn? Stay at the airport, not in the city!
The Hilton Frankfurt Airport is connected to Terminal 1 and the long-distance train station, so the walk to your gate takes a few minutes and no taxi. The rooms are soundproofed so well you barely hear the planes, some have runway views, there’s a sauna, and the bread and butter at Rise are dangerously good. It costs more than hotels farther out. On a budget, the Hilton Garden Inn next door gets you the same walk for less.
Save this for your next Frankfurt layover ✈️
No landmarks, no crowds, no souvenir shops. Otterberg is the everyday side of Germany 🇩🇪
It’s a small town just outside Kaiserslautern. Lunch at Putai inside the historic Das Blaue Haus means crispy chicken in coconut curry and spring rolls with homemade sweet chili sauce, then a slow walk past the old church and quiet streets. The Palatinate Forest and Humberg Tower views are close by. If you want a packed itinerary this isn’t your town, but if you like good food and nowhere to be, you’ll love it.
Save this for your Germany road trip!
Every 6 minutes a new round unlocks, and you can eat your way around the world for two hours. 🌍🍽️
Masons in Kaiserslautern: Korean BBQ, Jamaican jerk chicken, raclette potatoes, crispy baked ricotta from Monaco, and the Belgian cookie cheesecake you’ll still be talking about the next day. €39-45 per person. Bring a group and pace yourself, because they charge for leftovers.
Save this for your next trip to Germany
Sedona got me again 🌵
This was my second trip, and somehow I liked it even more. Every visit adds another trail, viewpoint, or restaurant to the list, and the list keeps getting longer. This time I stayed near Airport Mesa, with sunsets right outside my door and none of the crowds.
My Substack has everything I’d tell a first-time visitor: the lodge I’ve now stayed at twice, the experiences I’d do first, and the restaurants I’d plan my days around.
Subscribe for free so you don’t miss the next one. Link in bio ✨
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
