Jan 26, 20224 min read

Aruba: A Secret Paradise and More

Updated: Sep 22, 2022

Ahhhh. Look at this water. From all-inclusive resorts, pink flamingos, a desert, turquoise blue water, an adorable downtown, great places to eat, and so much more, what is not to like about Aruba?

There is a natural wonder and beauty that lies in this little-known island in the southern Caribbean that prides itself as a "One Happy Island". Aruba may not be well known, but it offers so much. And for anyone worried about hurricanes, you will be happy to know that they are rare in Aruba because the Island sits outside the hurricane zone! With average highs of 84-88 with summer hitting 91and a breeze that won't stop, it's the perfect place to be any time of year.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach – voted the third most popular beach in the world.

While relaxing on this picturesque island, make sure to stop by Eagle. The beaches on the island are white sand leading to stunning turquoise seas. No matter what you are searching for, Aruba has beaches for everyone - if you want to delve beneath the sea, you can snorkel the delicate reefs and shallow waters of Mangel Halto or take a trip to the secluded cove of Baby Beach. Aruba treats its beaches as sanctuaries, where tourists can walk, swim and become connected to their happy place. The best beaches on the island have pure alabaster sand and crystal clear waters creating postcard quality photos.

Oranjestad with Hooiberg in the Distance

Hooiberg Hill

Aruba has so many natural wonders that can be found nowhere else in the world. Watching the sunset off the mountaintop of Hooiberg Hill is a must. The ancient volcanic mountain is 540 feet above sea level and is situated in the center of the island. Hiking up 587 steps to the top of the mountain, Hooiberg Hill provides stunning views of the whole island over the sea. And on clear days, you can see Venezuela to the south!

Pro Tip: There is a gazebo rest stop halfway up the hill for those who need a rest.

Unique Landscape in Aruba — Characteristic plants in Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park

If you're searching for that picturesque view of Aruba, the best place is from the highest peak, Mount Jamanota, located inside Arikok National Park. In Arikok National Park, the exquisite Caribbean beaches open up to rocky deserts, towering green cacti, and limestone cliffs. It's also home to the Fontein Caves and the Natural Pool, which are two of the most amazing natural wonders in the world.

San Nicolas art. — Statue in San Nicolas

Sunrise City

If you want to forever hold onto your Aruban adventure, take a trip to San Nicolas, also home to baby beach, where authentic Aruba is shown off. Offering colorful galleries, shops, amazing street art, and boutiques, San Nicolas has one-of-a-kind gifts, goods and accessories made by local artists and craftsmen. For a smallish island, culture and art are alive and thriving. The culture is seen through spirited rhythms, art, and dance throughout the streets. A must-see in Aruba is Sunrise City, a charismatic coastal town blessed with an array of colors in street art and galleries of every kind. If music and dance are your thing, follow the sounds of the steel drums and calypso music to the weekly festivals.

Travel Tip: "Bonbini" means welcome in the native language of Papiamento, and each week there is a welcome festival held to welcome the guests to the island.

The Food

Because they have many all-inclusive resorts, travelers tend to miss a hidden gem. The culinary delights on the island really give an experience of every kind. Whether you want to delve into fresh fish caught fresh from the sea, enjoy a subtle glass of wine at sunset or load up on classic Italian dishes in the shadow of a century-old lighthouse, there are dining options to delight and tempt every tastebud.

From Dutch to Asian, African to Spanish, Aruban food is like traveling the world from the comfort of one exotic island. There are over 250 eateries on the island and it really is best to play with the local flavors to enjoy all that the happy island has to offer.

The majority of restaurants in Aruba are located in the high-rise hotel area of Palm Beach, in downtown Oranjestad and alongside the beautiful Caribbean Sea – so it will always be dinner with a view.

Travel Tip: Typical Aruban dishes include pan bati (cornflour flatbread/pancake), carni stoba (beef stew) and keshi yena (stuffed cheese).

Oranjestad

Not far from the port, should you come by cruise ship, you will find a lively shopping strip showcasing jewelry, fragrances, and designer stores. But it’s the must-see Dutch delicacies, Aruba aloe products, and Cuban cigars that really add to the shopping experience of this paradise.

Travel tip: Aruba is renowned as the shopping paradise of the Caribbean, offering goods 10-35% cheaper than the U.S. and better priced than Europe.

Aruba is blessed with beauty beyond compare, stunning Caribbean weather and the friendliest locals a tourist could hope to meet. For a vacation in a little-known place, Aruba is a must-see, Caribbean destination.

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Already planning a trip to Aruba? Here are a few fun things to do there. Click the photo to see them and more.