Aruba is known as the "Island of Happiness," and it is located in northwestern Venezuela, south of the Caribbean Sea and west of Curacao. It is indeed one of the Caribbean's satisfactory tour locations, a hidden paradise well worth exploring! Here, Dutch traditions combine seamlessly with the island's allure. The capital and port town of Oranjestad is well-known for its colorful Dutch colonial-style "gingerbread" houses.
Despite being 32 kilometers long, Aruba is full of notable contrasts. The southern coast is a top-notch spot for pictures, a bustling port town surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters. In the north, waves crash against rocky coastlines adorned with cliffs, cacti, and divi-divi trees. Most importantly, you don't have to choose which place to go to—you can go along with the drift and discover as you wish.
Aruba Map
| Name | Aruba |
| Country | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Coordinates | 12°31′7″N 70°2′9″W |
| Area | 180 km2 (69 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−4 |
| Population | 106,203 |
| Airport | Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) |
| Dock | Barcadera, Paardenbaai, Commandeurs Baai, Sint Nicolaas Baai |
History of Aruba
Aruba Island was determined with the aid of the Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda in 1499, turning into a part of the Spanish crown. It was given the nickname "Island of Giants" at that point.
Many years later, in 1636, the Dutch West India Company conquered Aruba, and its way of life deeply motivated the island's residents, an effect that still exists nowadays. However, the story didn't quit there, as approximately a century and a 1/2 later, in 1805, the British took over Aruba almost a decade earlier than subsequently returning it to the Netherlands.
With so many civilizations passing through, you could see a whole lot of impacts on Aruba; most significantly, the Dutch traditions are pretty prominent. Thirty years ago, the island received independent fame in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and became recognized as a country. However, its protection, foreign relations, citizenship, and similar matters are still governed by Dutch regulation.
Best Things to Do in Aruba - Dream Beaches and Scenery
Paradise Beach
One of the great reasons to journey to Aruba Island is its remarkable beaches. The island no longer boasts seashores but additionally features one that continually ranks many of the world's quality seashores every year.
That seashore is Eagle Beach, also called Palm Beach. You can consider it as a wild stretch of white sand and emerald waters, with a clear sky without clouds, as harsh climates that hurricanes do not affect. This perhaps makes it one of the high-quality destinations in the Caribbean.
We propose Rodgers and Baby Beach, with the latter being a gap frequented by locals and a few tourists, also serving as a docking factor for fishermen. Also well worth noting are Boca Catalina and Boca Grandi beaches.
Water Activities
Aruba Island offers plenty of thrilling water activities. You can discover coral reefs through scuba diving or snorkeling, paddle in calm waters, trip exciting jet skis, or maybe kiteboarding alongside the windy coasts of the island.
When you comfortably explore Aruba on a cruise, you'll pass through schools of tropical fish, enormous sponge gardens, colorful coral reefs, and shipwreck sites and even see divers in action.
Arikok National Park
It reveals the charming geography of Aruba Island. Take a stroll along the trails and explore ancient caves like Fontein Cave and Quadirikiri Cave. Without a doubt, these are the best spots to understand the natural history of the island entirely.
Mysterious Rock
While we cannot say it's the Lost Island, at some point on the island, you may locate colossal rock formations, which might be pretty mysterious. Strangely sufficient, regardless of how typically they've become, they stay an enigma waiting to be unraveled.
For example, in the northern part of Hooiberg, there's an area called Casibari Rock Formations. They take a seat atop desert soil, weigh several tons, and feature shapes that could best be defined as abnormal.
Culture and Cuisine
Aruba boasts a rich cultural fusion, evident in its tune, dance, and cuisine. You can revel in cultural fairs like King's Day in April and savor traditional dishes.
We advocate trying El Piska (fish) and Keshi Yena (clean fish is a staple of Aruban cuisine), Pastechi (a meat-filled pastry roll with meat, cheese, hen, or seafood fillings), and Yuana (a traditional dish made from iguana meat).
Without a doubt, you may enjoy a blend of international impacts and nearby traditions here.
Lively Nightlife
Aruba is famous for its vibrant nightlife. At Palm Beach and Oranjestad, you'll find a number of bars, golf equipment, and casinos wherein you may revel in staying on track, dancing into the late hours, and attempting your success at playing.
Many bars and restaurants in Aruba offer live music, with local and worldwide bands gambling various song genres, which include salsa, reggae, and calypso, in addition to live songs in English and Spanish. These locations are regularly lively and full of a festive atmosphere.
8 Interesting Facts About Aruba
- The residents communicate in four languages. The authentic language is Papiamento, and they use Dutch, English, and Spanish.
- The legitimate foreign money of Aruba is the "florin," but they are also given payments in US dollars.
- Aruba is a country in the Netherlands.
- It's a totally secure vicinity, which makes it even more appealing for traveling and exploring.
- "Eagle Beach" has been rated by TripAdvisor as the world's third-best beach and is also rated as the Caribbean's best beach.
- Due to its perfect area inside the Caribbean Sea, there is no chance of hurricanes, and it hardly ever rains.
- The capital is "Oranjestad," which means "Orange City."
- As an island beneath the Netherlands, its citizens maintain Dutch passports.
How to Get to Aruba
Getting to this stunning island offers several alternatives. The most common way is through the Queen Beatrix International Airport, which is located inside the capital, Oranjestad. This airport has direct flights from numerous towns in North America, Europe, and even some cities in Africa.
From North America: Major airways like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines function direct flights to Aruba from the United States and Canada. You can find flights departing from principal cities like New York, Miami, or Toronto, in addition to smaller locations.
From Europe: If you are in Europe, you can opt for flights with layovers in towns like Amsterdam or London. Airlines like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways offer such routes.
Another famous way to reach Aruba is by cruise ship. Many agencies include the island in their itineraries. Learn more about cruises to Aruba here.
Around in Aruba
You can lease an automobile for $200 per week because it's a small island that you may discover within some days. By evaluating taxi charges (which may be pretty excessive), you can keep a number of cash, particularly in case you're visiting in a set.
At the bus station in Oranjestad, you can buy a card for $30 that you may use for 24 hours. If you intend to go to the seashores, buses run every hour.
The bus bypass costs 7 florin or 4 USD (please note that public delivery does now not function 24 hours an afternoon).
You can also take taxis or book transfer offerings from the airport to your hotel.
Additionally, you may hire motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles.
Where to Stay in Aruba
Barceló Aruba - All Inclusive on Palm Beach is indeed a fantastic choice for a perfect vacation in Aruba. Its beachfront location, stunning views, and exceptional services make it an ideal place to stay. (Booking.com | Expedia)
All Inclusive - Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort
This four-star hotel is just seconds away from the beautiful Druif Beach. You can choose to stay in a standard room or a one-bedroom villa with a fully equipped kitchen, making it a perfect choice for traveling with family or friends.
The hotel features a swimming pool area with a sunbathing deck where you can relax and soak up the sun. There are also various leisure activities available, including organized snorkeling tours, cycling, and deep-sea fishing excursions. (Booking.com | Expedia)
Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort
This four-star family resort across from Druif Beach offers suite-style rooms with separate bedrooms and residing rooms. Guests can revel in four swimming pools and a water slide, which is ideal for youngsters. A standout function is the 9-hollow professional golf path.
With the all-inclusive plan, you can indulge in unlimited drinks and meals at 14 restaurants and 12 bars, at the side of get entry to non-motorized water sports and the golfing direction. (Booking.com | Expedia)
Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive
This resort sounds like a luxurious choice for those seeking top-notch facilities. Located across from Palm Beach, it offers sea-view deluxe rooms and amenities like two outdoor swimming pools, one with hydro massage and another for children. Day and night entertainment includes activities, performances, and live music to keep guests entertained.
Guests can fully enjoy the all-inclusive service and dine at the resort's five restaurants. Additionally, there are pool bars and a sports bar for relaxing and socializing. (Booking.com | Expedia)
This resort appears to have a fantastic reputation on Booking and might indeed be a really perfect preference for couples on a romantic getaway or honeymoon.
The putting is defined as enjoyable and secluded, perfect for unwinding. With outdoor swimming pools, sunbathing regions, and a spa middle offering diverse health and rub-down offerings, visitors can indulge in pampering themselves. Activities like yoga or Pilates also are to be had.
In addition to meals and beverages, the all-inclusive plan consists of à los angeles carte dinners at the hotel's restaurants and one outdoor dinner experience. (Booking.com | Expedia)
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
The hotel is situated on a private island and is divided into the adults-only Renaissance Marina Hotel and the family-friendly Renaissance Ocean Suites. In terms of the region's prices, it offers excellent value for money.
Guests can relax under the sun at any of the three swimming pools or opt for the private beach area if they prefer. There are various activities available, including water sports like diving or kayaking. The hotel also features a casino, a gym, and a kids' club.
With eight restaurants on-site, guests can indulge in a variety of local and international cuisines during their stay. (Booking.com | Expedia)
Serene by the Sea is a boutique resort owned with the aid of locals, placed on the shores of Aruba, going through the sea. With the six best visitor rooms, the hotel presents personalized service and special attention.
The lodge offers loungers and towels on the beach, and guests can enjoy water sports with a complimentary snorkeling system, kayaks, and paddleboards to be had.
Booking consists of breakfast, but the motel can also upload lunch and dinner alternatives. Barbecue facilities also are to be had for visitors to apply. (Booking.com | Agoda)
Best Time to Aruba
Aruba is a Caribbean island, and it has no typhoons or rainy seasons, similar to other regions within the vicinity. The average annual temperature is around 27°C, and the island undoubtedly celebrates one of its fairs every month, bringing tuned and active citizens to the streets.
You can go to Aruba in any month of the 12 months, but professionals advocate journeying the Happy Island from January to May.