Aruba One Happy Island
Updated: Jan 15, 2021
Aruba is an island and a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the mid-south of the Caribbean Sea, about 29 kilometres north of Venezuela and 80 kilometres northwest of Curaçao. The island has a total area of 193 km² and a coast line of 68.5 km.
Aruba is one of a kind with a desert-like terrain facing some of the best beaches in the world.
I suggest spending a week to visit many of the key sights around the island. Below some of my favorite spots, lodging suggestions, and restaurants to make your stay in Aruba a one of a lifetime experience.
BEACHES
Beaches are many however one of the best in the world is Eagle Beach.
I also suggest visiting Arashi Beach, 15 mins Northwest of the Island and also Baby Beach located 20 minutes Southeast of the island.
ECO-TOURISM
Spend a day at the Arikok National Park. This beautiful National Park in Aruba comprises almost 20% of the island. Enjoy gorgeous vistas of Aruba’s rugged terrain, desert-like hills filled with tall cacti, a breathtaking coastline and protected local flora and fauna.
The park is located in the northern part of the island approximately 30 minutes from the city center. Please note that most places in the park cannot be accessed without a Jeep or 4WD vehicle.
While visiting the park, visit these key attractions:
ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK
A unique park with gorgeous vistas showcasing Aruba's rugged terrain with desert-like hills filled with cacti.
QUADIRIKIRI CAVE
The cave features two large chambers with roof openings that allow sunlight in, making flashlights unnecessary.
BOCA PRINS
Prins Bay is a popular site to shoot some nice pictures of the white sandy beach and the rock formation of the bay.
DOS PLAYA
Dos Playa is used for recreational purposes like surfing & body boarding, picnics and photo shootings.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Alto Vista Chapel
Alto Vista Chapel, a small Catholic chapel also known as "Pilgrims Church" stands on the hills above the north shore of the sea and to the northeast of the town of Noord, on the island of Aruba, 27 km north of the coast of Venezuela. The church, painted on the outside in stark bright yellow, makes it a conspicuous religious monument for people to visit. The present Chapel of Alto Vista was completed in 1952 and stands in the same location as the original chapel, which was built by Domingo Silvestre, the Venezuelan missionary from Santa Ana de Coro, Venezuela, in 1750.
Bushiribana Ruins
Remnants of a once-thriving 19th-century gold mill, accessible by foot with expansive sea views.
Aruba Natural Bridge
The Aruba Natural Bridge is a tourist attraction formed naturally out of coral limestone. The bridge is approximately 25 feet (6 m) high and 100 feet (30 m) long, and it is the remnant of an ancient cave.
WHERE TO STAY...
Aruba has many of the major hotel chains in the world including Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott alongside Palm Beach. Many can be quite expensive so I suggest considering a place that I have in Aruba at the Blue Residences, a spacious one bedroom with a sofa bed that fits four comfortably. The Blue Residences are centrally located across Eagle Beach, the best in the island, located between Oranjestead, the capital city and Palm Beach's hotel area. For bookings visit: http://www.bluearuba.com/rentals/magic-tropical-splash-oceaview-1bdr-uni
CAR RENTAL
Taxis are very expensive so suggest to rent a car at the airport upon arrival. Also many of the major hotels and also the Blue Residences have a rental car concierge desk on premises. Please note that if you plan to visit the Arikok National Park you will need an AWD vehicle as there are many rocky roads and dunes.
DINING
Aruba restaurants offer a diverse international cuisine. Please call ahead for reservations as all close at 10pm due to Covid restrictions and dining hours are limited.
Here few of my favorites.
Quinta del Carmen, a historic house with an amazing International and European cuisine. $$$
Zeerovers, a local favorite. Casual setting offering fried fresh fish. You pick your own raw fish upfront and they will bring the fish fried in a basket to enjoy on their patio. Go early as lines can get long specially on weekends. Open, Wed - Sun. $
Elements Restaurant, located at the exclusive Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort , best brunch in town . Great spot to spend a casual Sunday. $$
Bugaloe, you can't leave Aruba without heading to Bugaloe for Happy Hour . They also have great food. Located across the Riu Hotel at a Pier on Palm Beach. Great food, drinks and live music on weekends. $$
Others on Palm Beach strip, Bohemian Bar and Bistro (French Bistro), Giannis Italian (Italian / Kids Friendly) , Lola Taqueria (Mexican / Kids Friendly) .
NEED GROCERIES?
Visit Super Food Market, 5 min drive from the city center and hotel area. A grocery store similar to Whole Foods offering a variety of local and European produce.
For more info visit www.visitaruba.com . Please be aware that the Dutch Government requires that all visitors be tested for Covid 19, 72 hours prior to arrival and also each person needs to purchase a health insurance. For details visit www.visitaruba.com prior to arrival.
@eddiesworld2000 #visitaruba #zeerovers #quintadelcarmen #elementsrestaurant #bucutitara #bluearuba #altovistachapel #bugaloe
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