Curaçao , Netherlands

Make Authentic Espadrilles in Curacao

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(5 reviews)

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About this experience

Curaçao's #1 Espadrilles Experience!

Explore the history of the traditional Espadrilles, stitch your own pair and take it home as the most amazing souvenir.

This experience was reviewed as a once-in-a-lifetime by more than 10,000 guests. Awarded Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice in 2021 & 2023. Featured by BuzzFeed, The New York Times & many more.

We will meet at our workshop filled with materials, tools and products. This is where you become an insider on the history of this humble people's shoe that evolved into a major fashion trend.

Together with master artisans you will craft your own pair of Espadrilles. Handpicking out of 100k+ different combinations, you will chose the size of the base, the stitching style and the color and type of the laces, you will learn the different ways to lace them up!

At the end, you will feel like a true artisan. You'll get a wearable memory of Curaçao (hardly available to visitors) and a really cool story to tell. Are you ready?

Available options

PREMIUM EDITION

More snacks and Champagne<br/>High heel, wedge or platform: We also include premium charms and laces

Classic Edition

What's included

We can organize pick up at the cruise port if needed

Pair of custom-made espadrilles

Expert Artisans Assistance

Snacks and Champagne

Detailed itinerary

First we will meet at the Entrance Hall where we will have a some drinks while you learn about the humble origins of this show that today is considered a luxury item in the fashion world.

Then we will learn about the different traditional materials and we will choose the different colors, sizes and styles.

Once ready, we are going to sit down on the Workshop tables and we will design our own traditional espadrilles, and then learn the different ways to lace them up.

To finish our lovely experience we will open a bottle of champagne, dance, take pictures with our new shoes and have fun!

Each guest will leave with its own creation and with a really cool story to tell to friends, something that it is hardly available to the visitors, not even locals. A wearable memory of your visit to Curaçao.

What's not included

Upgrade to a wedge, heel or platform

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet our customers in our shop in 13 Heerenstraat. The workshop will be held in Punda, just across the Queen Emma Bridge from the cruise port, right behind Iguana Café.

PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE WORKSHOP MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER THE START TIME

About Curaçao

Curaçao is a vibrant Caribbean island known for its colorful architecture, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. This Dutch Caribbean gem offers a unique blend of European charm and tropical paradise, making it a distinctive destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Klein Curaçao

A small, uninhabited island off the coast of Curaçao, known for its pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving spots.

Nature Full day trip Moderate (boat tour prices vary)

Christoffel National Park

The largest national park on the island, featuring diverse landscapes, hiking trails, and the highest point on Curaçao, Mount Christoffel.

Nature Half day to full day Budget (entry fee around $10)

Punda

One of the two main districts of Willemstad, known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and historic sites.

Historical Half day Free to explore, budget for shopping and dining

Shete Boka National Park

A national park on the northern coast of Curaçao, featuring rugged cliffs, caves, and natural blowholes.

Nature Half day Budget (entry fee around $5)

Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue

The oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas, founded in 1651, offering a glimpse into the island's rich Jewish heritage.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (entry fee around $10)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Keshi Yena

A savory dish made with a hollowed-out cheese shell filled with spiced meat, similar to a Dutch meatball.

Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Fungi

A cornmeal-based dish often served with fish or other main courses.

Side Dish Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Bami

A stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables and meat, influenced by Indonesian cuisine.

Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian options available

Pasta a la Piska

A local version of pasta with a creamy fish sauce, often made with fresh catch of the day.

Dinner Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Hiking Kayaking Windsurfing Beachcombing Sunbathing Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This is the peak tourist season with ideal weather conditions, making it perfect for beach activities and exploring the island. The island is vibrant with various events and festivals during this period.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: Papiamento, English, Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)

Time Zone

GMT-4

Electricity

127VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Curaçao is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. However, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas and crowded places, so it's important to take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
• Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air

Curaçao International Airport • 10 km from Willemstad

By bus

Punda, Otro Banda, Willemstad

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable but can be unreliable. They are best suited for budget travelers with flexible schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi apps, but availability may be limited

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Willemstad Oranjestad Westpunt

Day trips

Klein Curaçao

15 km from Willemstad • Full day

A small, uninhabited island off the coast of Curaçao, known for its pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving spots.

Bonaire

50 km from Curaçao • Full day

A neighboring island known for its stunning beaches, excellent diving, and unique wildlife.

Aruba

65 km from Curaçao • Full day or overnight

A popular tourist destination known for its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife.

Festivals

Carnival • February/March (dates vary) Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival • August (dates vary) Curaçao International Film Festival Rotterdam - Curaçao (IFFR-C) • November (dates vary)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Papiamento to connect with locals and enhance your cultural experience
Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path
Visit the Floating Market in Willemstad for a unique shopping experience and to sample fresh local produce and seafood
Try local dishes like keshi yena, fungi, and bami for an authentic taste of Curaçaoan cuisine
Pack a reusable water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun while exploring the island