Aruba - one happy island
Aruba, a small island in the southern Caribbean Sea, has long been a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Its unique atmosphere, beautiful beaches and friendly people have earned it the nickname ‘One happy island’, which has become an official slogan, and you will even see it on the entrance stamp. If you’re looking for a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in pure tranquility and beauty, Aruba is the place for you.
Why is Aruba happy? Because happiness is contagious!
When you surround yourself with beautiful nature, nice people and positive energy, it’s hard not to be happy. And that’s what makes Aruba ‘One Happy Island’.
Why visit Aruba?
- The sun shines all year round: forget the fluctuating weather. In Aruba you can enjoy warm sunshine and pleasant temperatures practically all year round. Although many tropical destinations are plagued by seasonal rains and hurricanes, Aruba boasts an unusually stable and sunny climate.
White beaches like a postcard: fine white sand, crystal clear sea and palm trees swaying in the breeze – this is typical Aruba. The most popular beaches are Eagle Beach, Baby Beach and Arashi Beach.
Friendly people: Arubans are known for their hospitality and smiles. You feel at home here. Although the prices are not so friendly 🤑.
A rich underwater world: snorkelling and diving among the colourful fish and corals is an experience you won’t soon forget. However, for underwater life, it’s best to head to the neighbouring island of Bonaire.
Flamingos on Renaissance Island: imagine bathing in turquoise waters while watching dozens of pink flamingos calmly strolling on the white sand just a few metres away. You can even feed them, pet them or watch them catch fish.
A variety of activities: from relaxing on the beach to adrenaline sports, there’s something for everyone.
Safe holiday: Aruba is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean.
What to do in Aruba? Visit the most beautiful beaches
Aruba is definitely a beach destination. Whether you stay in one of the resorts on Eagle Beach or in a smaller apartment in the capital, you will have an unforgettable holiday. We opted for a cheaper apartment near town and rented a car so we could explore the island. Taxi fares are actually quite high on the island.
Eagle Beach is often referred to as one of the most beautiful in the world. It is characterised by its wide stretch of fine white sand, calm sea and especially the iconic Divi Divi tree. Did you know that the airline that flies between the ABC islands is named after this tree?
Arashi Beach is an absolute gem. Although windy, it is authentic and almost devoid of people. We fell in love with this beach. The white sand and the shades of the sea were even more beautiful than at Eagle Beach.
Baby Beach is a small bay in the south of the island. Here you will also find white sand, beautiful sea, but also a car from the Flintstone series.
Mangel Halto is the real treasure of the island. Encircled by vast mangroves, the beach creates a unique ecosystem.
Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island. You can visit it either if you stay at the hotel or buy a day pass. . This island is a must see and if you don’t see it, you will have to come back to Aruba one day.
Aruba has a lot to offer beyond the beaches
In addition to relaxing on the beach and snorkelling, Aruba offers many other activities.
Arikok National Park is a real treasure of Aruba. It covers approximately 20% of the island and offers a unique natural scenery. Here you can admire rugged rock formations, deep canyons, mysterious caves and magnificent coastlines. And cacti, thousands of cacti all around you.
California Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the island and offers spectacular views. But be prepared for strong winds, which are common in this part of the island.
Imagine you are standing in the middle of a huge natural sculpture carved out of stone, sculpted by nature itself over millions of years. This is exactly what you will experience at Ayo Rock Formation. In addition to the imposing rocks, you’ll also find petroglyphs from the island’s original inhabitants, the Arawak tribe.
And the capital, Oranjestad, has a charming historic centre with colourful colonial buildings that recall the island’s Dutch origins. Whether you go to see the museum, the markets or just for a stroll, you’ll be delighted. You should also not miss the Renaissance Hotel, which has its own canal all the way to the lobby.
When to visit Aruba
Aruba is truly a year-round destination. Even during the rainy season, which lasts from October to January, the island experiences very little rainfall. This phenomenon is due to its geographical location outside the main hurricane zone and near the southern Caribbean, where dry winds from Venezuela contribute to dry and sunny weather.
Average temperatures in Aruba are consistent throughout the year, with minimal fluctuations between 25 °C and 30 °C. Sea temperatures are equally appealing, averaging 27 °C. This is why we headed to Aruba in November, a time of year when most tropical paradises have rain. With the sea at a glorious 29°C, we couldn’t have picked a better destination.
How many days to spend in Aruba?
Aruba is a small island, but it offers a wealth of beauty. Many tourists come for just one day via cruise ships, and they usually head to Eagle Beach. However, the minimum to experience the wonders of the island is 3 days. Ideally longer. We combined our visit to Aruba with a visit to Bonaire and Curacao, and each was unique, and we are glad we made that decision. 4 days on Aruba was enough for us to enjoy its beauty without the rush, but again, we spent no more than half a day at each place except Renaissance Island
Where to stay in Aruba?
Accommodation in Aruba is paradoxically affordable, and you have plenty of options from hotels on the beach to apartments in the city. What is a problem, however, is the high prices in restaurants. Unless you’re from a quite developed country, you’re going to have a problem. For this reason, it’s better to live in the city, either close to Superfood or have a car so you can do your shopping. The cost of a car for the day came out to less than one lunch at a restaurant, so it’s definitely worth it.
