Image by thbecker

Sand, sea and sunsets with unparalleled beauty and relative tranquility— that is exactly what is on offer as you step on to the tiny island of Aruba. An autonomous region within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba is a 33-kilometre long island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea, a great retreat that is close to both the US and the South American mainland. Compared to beaches in Florida, there are relatively fewer tourists, but they all come back to this awesome island, for those amazing white, sandy beaches and the great weather.

Image by sfreni

Image by thbecker

Image by AdjeM

Due to its natural settlement, Aruba’s northern parts are exposed to the might of the rugged sea and hence the terrain here is largely rocky, rough and not populated to any extent by human settlements. But things change on the Southern coast, which is protected from the strong ocean currents. With intensely blue waters offering the perfect contrast to the sugar-white sand beaches, Aruba is a tourist hub that offers you far more sights to savor.

Oranjestad is the capital city, located on the southern coast near the western end of the island.  With its Dutch colonial architecture in pastel colors it’s extremely picturesque. It is here that most tourist cruises take you— a fine way to kick start your fun times in Aruba. Quality food, plenty of shopping and access to its best beaches that never leave your sight make it the perfect coastal city.Very tourist friendly, just like the rest of Aruba as tourism is the major money-earner here, you will always be welcomed with warmth wherever you go as the locals will make you feel right at home.

Image by an0nym0n0us

Image by atomicshark

But the enchanting beaches are not the only things on the island that will keep you busy. You can go on snorkeling and diving trips right off the famous Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, as you will be taken away from the island and into cleaner and more transparent waters to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean ocean bed. For the adventure seekers, the north coast offers plenty at the Arikok National Park, which sports biking and hiking trails in to the rugged terrain. The Arikok encompasses a staggering 25% of the island area and will offer you a complete contrast from the beaches to the south.

Tucked away on the coast northwest of Dos Playa, the Natural Pool or “conchi”, is a must visit spot surrounded by rocks. Known as Cura di Tortuga the secret, hidden pool is great for swimming on calm days, but risky when the waves hit the rock barrier spilling a waterfall of seawater onto you.

Image by johnmh

Another great place to see in Aruba is the Butterfly Farm that should bring out the child in everyone. Here you’ll get to see the world’s most colorful and unusual creatures. It’s amazing to witness new butterflies emerging from their chrysalis and taking their first flight.

The Natural Bridge was one of Aruba’s most beloved attractions until it collapsed in 2005. The bridge was a formation of coral limestone cut out by years of pounding surf, and was one of the largest of these types of spans in the world with a width of 23 feet and a length of 100 feet. You can still visit the remains of this famous formation and also see Baby Bridge, which has resemblance to the original one, but is smaller in stature, standing next to it till today.

Image by disneyite

For an island as tiny as it is, Aruba is a holiday destination that offers you a power-packed fun package. Perfect both as a family destination, adventure spot and a romantic getaway for couples, a trip to this island of contrasts will leave your senses replenished and satisfied.

Image by randomdepth

Image by jeffq

Image by Sege Melki

Popularity: 2% [?]