Aruba is a small and stunningly beautiful Caribbean Island, located off the coast of Venezuela. This island is known for its tropical weather throughout the year- the Island has more days of sunshine than any Caribbean Island. Aruba is also home to some of the most alluring white-sand beaches in the Caribbean, preserved colonial architecture and a myriad of cultural and natural attractions for you to enjoy!
The Island also provides memorable romantic getaways for two people in love and amazing options for the entire family. The fact that the Island is small (total area of 193 sq. km) makes it a destination that you can fully immerse yourself in when you visit. Additionally, the people of Aruba are some of the friendliest and most welcoming you will interact with throughout your travels, if you hear someone saying “Bonbini!”, it is their way of saying welcome in the local language Papiamento.
So, if you have never visited the endearing Island of Aruba or you want to go again to relive the fantastic experiences and to add some new experiences to your bucket list, here are some guidelines that will ensure that you have the best possible experience when visiting Aruba!
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Things to do in Aruba
Aruba also offers the discerning traveler some unique attractions that surely helps to enhance the overall visitor experience. Some of the recommended attractions that should not be missed are:
- Arikok National Park
- The Aruba Natural Bridge
- Fort Zoutman
- The Aloe Museum
- Philips Animal Garden
- Palm Island
- California Lighthouse
The Arikok National Park is a protected area on the east coast of Aruba that is perfect for hiking, exploring historic caves and providing magnificent views of the island. When you visit the Arikok National Park, you should not miss the Conchi natural pool, the Caquetio Indian rock paintings in the historic Fontein Cave, the Quadiriki Cave and the Arikok and Jamanota mountains. The Aruba Natural Bridge is a collapsed limestone bridge that is popular among nature lovers; it is one of the most picture-perfect spots on the island and also great for relaxation and meditation.
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Fort Zoutman is the oldest structure on the island of Aruba; it was built in 1798 by the Dutch to fortify the town of Oranjestad. The Historical Museum of Aruba which chronicles the colonial history of the Island is housed at Fort Zoutman. Another museum that you should visit while on the island is the Aloe Museum, this museum highlights the 160-year history of aloe production on the island and also the processes involved in aloe production. Knowledgeable tour guides conduct tours of the facilities throughout the day, so you will definitely not miss out on the interesting details.
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Philips Animal Garden, Palm Island, and the California Lighthouse are excellent options for the entire family. The Philips Animal Farm allows visitors to interact with and feed the animals at the facility, which is something that your kids will surely enjoy! Palm Island is located approximately five minutes off the coast of Aruba by ferry and is home to a fully equipped water park and a serene beach. If you are visiting Aruba with your kids, a trip to Palm Island should be high on your agenda! The California Lighthouse is also worth a visit to enjoy panoramic views of the island with your family by your side.
Beaches in Aruba
If your interest is in beaches, some of the best beaches available to you include:
Malmok Beach Eagle Beach has constantly been rated as one of the best beaches in the world, it is located in the beautiful capital city of Oranjestad, and the powdery white sand found on this beach will have you fascinated when you visit. This beach is surrounded by some of the best resorts on the Island, so you can choose to stay at a property located on this world-renowned beach. Eagle beach is also the nesting ground for turtles, and you can engage in water sports activities such as snorkeling, sailing or scuba diving while visiting this alluring beach.
Baby Beach in the San Nicholas area of Aruba got its name from its shallow and calm waters that make it the perfect place for babies and reluctant swimmers to swim. Baby Beach is also home to a stunning lagoon that is sheltered by natural coral formation, making it the ideal place to snorkel in San Nicholas. This beach is one of the most popular on the island. Arashi Beach, Malmok Beach and Boca Catalina are all located on the northwest coast and are excellent options for a more secluded beach experience.
By and large, the beaches of Aruba are some of the best in the Caribbean, and the Island has always received accolades for its pristine beaches. A trip to Aruba, therefore, allows you to experience some of the best beaches in the world!
Aruba Hotels
Hilton Aruba
Hilton Aruba is a stunning resort smack on the beautiful Palm Beach in Noord Aruba. This resort offers a variety of rooms and suites which all include; a small refrigerator, room service, coffee maker, safe, his/hers bathrobes, a balcony or terrace and free WiFi. There are all of seven restaurants at Hilton Aruba, and for non-stop entertainment, the exciting casino is the place to be! Hilton Aruba is one of the best hotels on the island and is one of the properties that we definitely recommend when next you visit Aruba!
Renaissance Aruba
The Renaissance Aruba is one of the most luxurious resorts on the island of Aruba. Located on a stunning beach in the capital city Oranjestad, Renaissance Aruba is home to ten world-class restaurants, amazing rooms and suites, a stunning 40-acre private island paradise and a 24-hour casino. Also, the resort offers a relaxing spa, room service, and complimentary WiFi and is divided into two zones- one for adults only and one for families. The fact that the resort is located in the town center means that you are close to all the hotspots and facilities that you need while on your vacation.
Holiday Inn Aruba
The Holiday Inn hotel in Aruba is located directly on the world-renowned Palm Beach, with over a quarter-mile of powdery white sand beach and crystal clear waters available for guests to enjoy! This charming setting provides the backdrop for that perfect island getaway that you have always desired. The resort offers 590 rooms and suites, a stunning alfresco restaurant, a rejuvenating spa and myriads of activities for the entire family. There is also a casino available if you feel lucky, and room service and Babysitting services are also available. The Holiday Inn Resort in Aruba is one of the most amazing places for a fun-filled family vacation on the beautiful island!
Aruba’s Best Restaurants
The “happy island” as Aruba is affectionately known as offers some amazing restaurants that will delight your taste buds! Here are some of the restaurants that you dare not miss when you visit Aruba!
Pinchos Aruba
Pinchos Grill and Bar is located on a pier suspended across the Azul waters of the Caribbean Sea, providing a perfect backdrop for an Island dining experience of a lifetime! Pinchos serves a variety of seafood dishes for you to savor and enjoy. There is also a variety of beverage options available at the bar, and you will love the entertainment that is provided by Aruba’s best chill spot and restaurant combined!
Barefoot restaurant Aruba
The exotic Barefoot Restaurant is located smack on the beach, providing you with a truly exotic dining experience. You can dine with your feet in the sand, with the relaxing Caribbean wind blowing through your hair while listening to the soothing sounds of the Caribbean Sea. This is what dining is all about! Barefoot serves a variety of meal options from seafood, steak to your favorite Italian dish. Barefoot also has one of the most extensive wine lists of any restaurants on the Island! If you visit Aruba, a dining experience at the Barefoot Restaurant should be high on your agenda!
Mathews Beachside Restaurant
Matthews Beachside Restaurant is another great dining option in Aruba. This restaurant is regarded as one of the best covered open-air beachfront restaurants on the island, serving a mixture of international, Caribbean and seafood cuisines. Mathews Beachside Restaurant is the place to dine if you are seeking an upscale restaurant in a relaxed environment in the capital of Aruba!
Sites to find great deals on vacations to Aruba!
It is always great to get the best bang for your buck when going on vacation. If you want to take your next vacation in the happy island of Aruba, there are some websites that you can check out to find the best available deals. Some of these sites include:
They all provide great package deals and last minute deals that can save you a lot of money on your next trip to Aruba.
Cheapest time to travel to Aruba
Aruba, like most other Caribbean tourism destinations, gets the lowest amount of visitor traffic in the fall months, especially September and October. This means that most hotels and attractions offer steeply discounted rates, which makes traveling to the island comparatively cheaper than any other season of the year. So, if you want to experience Aruba on a tight budget, the best months to go are September and October.
Aruba is such an amazingly beautiful island full of so many fun things to do. This article will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Please feel free to write your reviews once you visit this beautiful island.
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