Don’t miss the chance to discover the Aruba effect! This Dutch Caribbean island is located 15 miles north of South America and is known as the One Happy Island, with the locals living up to name greeting everyone with smiles and open arms. Featuring more sunny days than anywhere else in the Caribbean with no rainy season, Aruba is the perfect destination for a sun-kissed getaway. Escape to this island paradise full of award-winning pristine beaches, turquoise seas, and beautiful cities featuring colonial Dutch architecture and a Latin vibe.
We are sure you are now dreaming of a trip to this One Happy Island but if you need more convincing keep reading to find out our top 5 reasons to visit Aruba!
Aruba is a dream come true for beach lovers. This island is home to some of the top-rated beaches in the Caribbean and even worldwide. Be sure to visit Eagle Beach which was voted the Number 1 Best of the Best Beaches in the Caribbean and Number 2 Best of the Best Beaches in the World in TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travellers’ Choice Awards. This beach is the widest beach in Aruba and is famous for its pristine soft white sands. Eagle Beach is also home to two of the most photographed fofoti trees in Aruba. Also well worth the visit is the famous Baby Beach. This beach is shaped in a half moon in a quiet calm lagoon where complimentary huts are dotted throughout to protect visitors from the sun. The shallow waters of this beach also make it the perfect destination for swimmers who wish to wade out for a long distance while still touching the sea floor.
Another reason to visit Aruba is the island’s diverse culinary scene. There are over 250 restaurants on the island and with food ranging from classic Dutch cuisine to zesty South American dishes to fresh sushi and poke, there truly is something to suit every taste. Indulge in some delicious authentic local street food from one of the many food trucks or those looking for something more formal can head to one of the fine dining restaurants. Most of the restaurants in Aruba are found in the high rise hotel area of Palm Beach, in downtown Oranjestad alongside the stunning azure Caribbean sea. Those who love seafood will be in for a treat with most restaurants serving freshly caught seafood straight from the sea. A visit to Aruba is not complete without trying some of the authentic Aruban favourites including pan bati (cornflour flatbread), keshi yena (stuffed cheese), carni stoba (beef stew).
Arubans are a mix of more than 90 nationalities from over 130 countries, making it no surprise that this island has a rich mix of arts and culture. Visit San Nicolas, the cultural capital of the island, where artists from all around the globe have left their marks behind on the walls and buildings surrounding the Main Street. Those who want to learn more about the history of Aruba shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, the oldest remaining building in Oranjestad built in 1796. Every Tuesday night this museum hosts the Bon Bini Festival from 6.30 – 8.30 pm, which is a celebration of Aruba’s culture and history. If you want to celebrate Arabian culture and tradition with colourful costumes, lively parades and infectious music then be sure to visit Aruba during the Carnival Season. The Carnival officially starts in November but most events, celebrations, and parades take place in January and February, making these months the best time to fully experience these incredible celebrations steeped in Caribbean history.
Yet another reason to visit Aruba is its stunning natural beauty. Almost 20% of the island is a designated National Park and home to a long list of natural wonders, plant life and animal species. A visit to Arikok National Park is a must for nature lovers. Explore this park’s unique attractions and cultural heritage sites including original Indian rock drawings, spectacular caves, and unusual land formations made from lava, quartz diorite and limestone. Arikok National Park is also home to two of the most unspoiled and magnificent wonders - the Fontein Caves and the Natural Pool. For incredible panoramic views of the island hike up the cone shaped mountain, Hooiberg. On your hike, keep your eyes peeled for wild goats, parakeets, and vibrant lizards. Also be sure to explore the rugged northern shore of the island where you will discover many beautiful natural bridges.
Aruba also offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, perfect for adventure seekers. The climate and numerous beaches make Aruba the perfect place for a range of watersports including paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. Additionally, the sweeping Aruban trade winds create the perfect environment for extreme sports such as surfing, windsurfing, skyboarding, and kitesurfing. Those who prefer to stay on land can still have an action packed time. Rent a mountain bike and cycle along the dirt roads, cliffs and natural wonders of this stunning island. Extreme thrill seekers can take to the sky with an exhilarating skydiving experience, offering incredible views as you fall through the air.