Everything you’ve heard about Aruba holidays is true. The powdery sands, candy blue waters and seemingly endless hours of sun – you’ll find it all.

Despite only measuring approximately 30 kilometres long and 10 kilometres wide, holidays in Aruba are bursting with sunshine-driven activities, sights to see and places to explore.

Being under the rule of The Netherlands, you’ll see lots of Dutch influences across the island, from Colonial architecture in the the capital city, Oranjestad – which was named after Dutch ruler William of Orange, to delicious desserts like the Dutch pancakes.

In spite of its European influences, holidays to Aruba are still rife with a Caribbean air. In fact, Aruba actually sees more sunshine per year than any other Caribbean island – no wonder the locals call it ‘One Happy Island’, just a few days here and happiness is all you’ll feel.

Best beaches in the world

The beaches in Aruba are consistently named among the most gorgeous in the world and you’ll soon find out why. The crystal clear waters and soft sands combined with the year round sunny temperatures really make holidays to Aruba a popular pick.

• Eagle Beach is one of the beaches often ranked among the top beaches in the world because of it’s picturesque soft, white sands and calm waters. It’s two iconic divi-divi trees, which are prime for a good photo shoot, are another highlight here and the fact it’s quite a quyiet and uncrowded stretch of shoreline is the cherry on top. It’s the ultimate place for relaxing, sunbathing and taking a refreshing dip – and upping your Instagram game.
• Palm Beach is equally as gorgeous and even offers some of the best sunset views come nightfall! The vibe here is a bit more lively with a wide range of watersports available and a promenade lined with luxury hotels, bars and restaurants. If you like to relax on the sands, but like to have everything nearby for, then this is the spot for you.
• Baby Beach is an ideal pick for families – as you might expect. The shallow, clear waters here are perfect for paddling around with the kids or having some fun with a snorkel – Aruba’s marine life is vibrant and diverse so who knows what tropical fish you might spot. It’s one of the quieter, less-crowded beaches in Aruba but still has some facilities, bars and cafes on hand.

Places to go

Holidays in Aruba are like no other with the island offering a unique array of attractions, activities to do and some captivating history. Whether you’re looking to relax on the dreamy beaches, explore the capital city or enjoy a spot of shopping, it’ll be an unforgettable holiday.

• Arikok National Park, which actually covers around 20% of Aruba, is a huge area of dramatic landscapes, an extensive range of wildlife and picturesque hiking trails. It’s a great place to go for nature lovers and adventure seekers on holiday in Aruba with everything from limestone caves, to natural pools and even catci forests. Head through Fontein Cave and you’ll see ancient Arawak Indian drawings – gold dust for history buffs.
• Oranjestad, being the island’s capital is another must visit. It’s a charming, vibrant city with plenty of colour thans to its impressive Dutch colonial architecture and friendly locals. Head to Main Street for the cities main hotspot, where you’ll find bustling local markets, luxury shops, art galleries and plenty of restaurants. Then, pop into the Aruba Historical Museum for a fascinating insight into the islands’ rich history and culture.
• Island hopping in some form is a must while in the Caribbean! De Palm Island is a private island offering a whole range of fun activities from watersports to waterparks, snorkelling and scuba diving – even the chance to mingle with flamingos. There’s even cabanas to rent if you’re looking for some luxury relaxation.

Things to see

Aruba is bursting with beauty, natural wonders and a captivating culture – in other words, it’s a paradise! Make the most of your holiday in Aruba by seeing some of the top sights but bare in mind, nothing will ever compare.

• California Lighthouse sits in the northwest tip of the island offering incredible, panoramic views inland and over the coastline. It’s a particualrly great spot for admiring the sunset views, perfect for an intimate evening for the two of you. The lighthouse was named after the shipwreck of California in 1891 and you can learn all about this and Aruba’s maritime past here.
• More alluring sights to see include Aruba’s festivals. If you’re on holiday in Aruba between January and February you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacular Aruba Carnival, which is the largest and most vibrant of all with parties, music and plenty of dancing.
• San Nicols, also known as Sunset City, offers an authentic Aruban feel away from the more tourist-focused resorts. Wander through the streets appreciating it’s vibrant art scene where you’ll see impressive art murals on almost every wall. This charming town is also one of the best palces to witness the mesmerising sunset that Aruba has to offer.

Cuisine in Aruba

Aruban cuisine is a flavorful combination of Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin American influences as a result of the islands multicultural population that has built up over the years. You’ll find a strong focus on fresh seafood, locally sourced produce and plenty of spices.

• A few staple ingredients include beans and rice, which are often used as a side dish to lots of main meals, coconut and hot peppers which are added to lost of dishes for a powerful flavour, and of course fresh seafood. Expect snapper, king fish, lobster and much more, all usually grilled or fried.
• Starting with breakfast, Dutch pancakes are a popular pick for a light bit to eat. These are thinner than American pancakes and are usually topped with fresh fruits and syrup – you’ll even find pancake houses across the island for just this!
• A common lunch the locals enjoy is Arepa di Piska, a sandwich made from fried fish, lettuce and tomato, in a soft roll. Or, try Sopa di Piska, a rich fish soup made usually from snapper or grouper, with vegetables, herbs and coconut milk.
• For dinner, be sure to try the traditional Aruban dish of Keshi Yena. Made by stuffing chicken, beef or seafood with vegetables and spices into the hollowed out shell of Edam or Gouda, then baked with plenty of cheese on top, i’t s a hearty combination of delicious flavours and local ingredients.

Nightlife in Aruba

Aruba’s nightlife boasts a fun and vibrant energy, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for laid-back beach bars, lively casinos, dance clubs, or a romantic sunset cocktail spot. While it might not be as world-renowned as party hotspots like Ibiza or Cancun, it certainly packs a punch.

• Palm Beach is the nightlife centre for Aruba with a variety of bars, clubs and cocktail joints bursting with energy. Head to Gusto Nightclub to enjoy a trendy venue with live DJs playing everything from reggage hits to the charts, or for a more low key evening, The Sopranos Piano Bar is great for a fun night out of singing, cocktails and an impressive pianist.
• Oranjested is the place to be if you love a night out at the casino. Crystal Casino is one of the most popular on the island thanks to it’s 24/7 opening times, plus, the bright interior and lively atmosphere makes it a fun evening for all.
• What’s more, there’s a variety of live music venues in Oranjasted, from the sophisticated LG Smith’s Steakhouse for an elegant evening of cocktails, to the Dutch Pancake House where you can tuck into some pancakes while lsitening to the musicians. You can even hop on an open-air party bus in Oranjestad to sample several bars and clubs in one night!