By Elise Hofer Shaw

As any seasoned traveler will attest, having insider intel on your destination is the key to a memorable trip. Once you’ve arrived in Curaçao, chatting up small business owners (instead of your hotel’s concierge) is the best way to find the hidden gems. Here’s a hotlist of locals-approved beaches and non-touristy to-do’s you’re sure to enjoy.

Lesser-Known Beaches the Locals Love

If you’re looking to hit the beaches in Curaçao but want to steer clear of the crowds, Banda Abou — the part of the island that lies west of the Juliana Bridge — is your best bet. This area boasts more than 20 beaches that are beloved by locals, but Kokomo is a favorite. Just 15 minutes from Willemstad, this picturesque beach has comfy sunbeds, lively music, good food, and some of the best snorkeling around.

Take a Day Trip

Just off the coast of Curacao you’ll find Klein Curacao, a small island with beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. Just 1.5 hours away by boat, visitors can catch a ride to the little island with a group tour or ride in style and charter a private yacht. Most tours come with a BBQ lunch, drinks, and beach access upon arrival—what more could you need? If you’re feeling adventurous, Klein Curacao is also known for its fantastic diving, with its beautiful coral and underwater caves. You’re likely to catch a glimpse of some sea turtles too, with three different species known to nest on the beaches of Klein Curacao. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, the sun is strong and you’ll only find shade under an umbrella.

Taste a Rainbow of Smoothies

As a cool treat to beat the heat or a sip-able meal on the go, smoothies (or batidos) are a way of life in Curaçao, and the island is peppered with stands (just listen for the buzzing blenders). La Boheme in the heart of Punda has a stellar smoothies bar. The Pineapple Express and the Caribbean Passion are popular orders here, and both pair nicely with the restaurant’s arepas or veggie sandwich. Also, keep an eye out for the 100% Batidos truck for grab-and-go blends served streetside. Any combo with papaya, which is grown on the island, is a solid choice because it’s fresh and, let’s face it, tastes like a vacation.

Have a Traditional Lunch at a Locals Spot

While the rest of the world is used to eating a heavy meal at night, Curaçaoans eat their biggest meal of the day during lunch. Plasa Bieu, located in the heart of the Punda district of Willemstad, is a covered market hall with six open kitchens and picnic tables for dining. This bustling food hall is as authentic an institution of local gastronomy as you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean. (Translated from the local language of Papiamento, Plasa Bieu literally means “Old Market.”) Portions are large and the prices are small. It’s hot and at times chaotic — and unapologetically West Indian. One thing’s for certain: You will leave feeling connected to the island and its people with every bite.