You don't have to travel far to get a good feel of Curaçao in its most authentic form.
Nature, wildlife, culture, great food and drinks, hiking trails, and a beach not run over by tourists..
I love sharing this area with visitors because it still feels genuinely local. It hasn't been taken over by beach clubs and tour buses, and I hope it stays that way. So here's my personal guide to making the most of it.
The hills and coastline around Klein Sint Michiel and Boka Samí are absolutely made for walking. There are trails for every level — from a gentle stroll along the salinas (salt pans) to a proper climb up the Sint Michielsberg with panoramic views that'll make your jaw drop.
My honest advice? Go early. The Curaçao sun is no joke by mid-morning, so bring more water than you think you need.
Sint Michielsberg Summit Trail~2 km · Moderate · Stunning panoramas
Salina Coastal Walk~4 km · Easy · Flamingo spotting
Boka Sami Cliff Path~3 km · Moderate · Sea views
Malpais~3 km -Easy- Deer spotting
Local tip: If you want personalised trail recommendations — whether you're after a gentle walk or a proper challenge — talk to Danita. She knows these trails inside out and can point you in exactly the right direction based on your fitness level, how much time you have, and what you most want to see. Her suggestions are always spot-on.
Yes, Curaçao has flamingos — and the salt flats near Klein Sint Michiel are one of the best places to see them. There's something genuinely magical about watching these tall, rose-pink birds wade through the shimmering water. It never gets old, no matter how many times I've seen it.
The trick is to arrive early to avoid the crowds, keep your voice low, and don't rush toward them. Give them space and they'll go about their business completely unbothered. Bring binoculars if you have them — it makes the whole experience so much richer.
I could write a whole blog about Boka Sami alone. This small fishing village is, in my opinion, one of the most charming and authentic spots on the entire island — and the fact that it hasn't been overrun by tourism somehow makes it even more special.
When you arrive, you'll immediately feel the difference. There are no beach bars and no rows of sun loungers as far as the eye can see. Instead, you'll find colourful fishing boats bobbing in the bay, locals going about their day, and a pace of life that reminds you what the Caribbean was before mass tourism arrived.
The beach itself is beautiful — calm, clear water in that incredible shade of blue-green that Curaçao does so well, fringed by the rugged natural landscape of the cove. It's the kind of beach where you bring your own snacks, lay down a towel, and just breathe. No fuss. No crowds.
Don't forget your snorkel gear. The waters around Boka Sami are home to hawksbill and green sea turtles that graze on the sea grass in the bay. Drift slowly and quietly, and there's a very good chance one will glide right past you. It's one of those moments you remember for years. But remember to never ever touch them, as this can harm them!
Boka Sami is also a wonderful place to simply soak in local life. Chat with the fishermen, admire the boats, and appreciate that places like this still exist. Just please — and I say this with love — treat it with the respect it deserves. Take your rubbish with you, and leave it exactly as you found it.
If you've never tried an underwater scooter, Aquafari is where you do it. You ride along the seabed on a specially designed scooter while breathing normally through a full-face mask — no dive certification needed, no experience required. It sounds a little wild, but it is so much fun.
You'll glide past coral gardens, shoals of colourful fish, and if you're lucky, a ray or a turtle. The guides are fantastic and make the whole thing feel completely relaxed, even if you're a little nervous at first.
Here's my perfect Klein Sint Michiel evening: head to Niffo Huts about 30 minutes before sunset, and have a sunset dinner with your feet in the sand. Favourites are the tuna burger or - salad and the grilled picanha.
Or find a good spot on the rocks (cross the bridge and take the hiking trail upwards to the old fort), and watch the sky turn every shade of orange, pink and purple over the Caribbean Sea. The views from up there are genuinely spectacular — one of the best sunset spots I know on the island.
On Sundays, make your way to Kokomo for happy hour. Cold drinks, live music, friendly faces, and that wonderful end-of-the-weekend energy that only Sunday evenings in the tropics seem to have.
Happy hour gets going around 4 pm — arrive early to get a spot with a view, order some snacks and a bucket of beer, and let the evening take care of itself.
