Aruba, part of the Dutch ABC islands in the southern Caribbean Sea, seems to embody two worlds. On one side, it’s a tropical paradise, with pristine beaches and lush landscapes, while on the other, it’s a coastal desert, offering arid terrain and dramatic views. Truly, it lives up to its nickname—One Happy Island. Our goal was to explore all aspects of this majestic place: the beaches, the excursions, the residential areas, and everything in between. We also wanted to experience Aruba's unique blend of Dutch, English, and Spanish influences.
Here’s how I spent my week in Aruba:
Day 1 – Arrival and Check-in
We stayed at Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club in Oranjestad, which offered affordable beachfront accommodations just a 7-minute drive from the airport and close to the main market square. After checking in, we set off to explore the beach and surrounding area. The beachfront bars and restaurants were inviting, and we encountered local wildlife like iguanas and birds along the way. We strolled for a couple of hours, then had a meal at Barefoot Restaurant, which sits right on the beach. Afterward, we relaxed by the hotel pool.
Day 2 – Exploring the Neighborhood
We started our day in search of an authentic Aruban breakfast, and found it at "Smit & Dorlas" in a colorful residential neighborhood. The blend of Dutch and Caribbean architecture was striking. After breakfast, we visited the Museo Historico Aruba, the island’s oldest structure, to learn about its rich history. We then wandered through downtown Oranjestad, visiting Plaza Daniel Leo and Renaissance Mall. The day ended with a relaxing swim at the beach and a lovely dinner at Reflections, a beautiful restaurant right by the water.
Day 3 – A Day at De Palm Island
We caught the 9:30 AM ferry to De Palm Island, a 25-acre paradise off Aruba’s coast. It’s a fantastic escape with a variety of activities including a banana boat ride, snorkeling, scuba diving, water slides at the Blue Parrotfish Water Park, and even ziplining. For those seeking relaxation, there are massages, small beaches, and an open bar with a buffet. If you visit Aruba, make sure to dedicate a day to enjoying this little piece of heaven.
Day 4 – Exploring the East Coast
The east side of Aruba is where you’ll see its arid, desert-like landscape, yet it’s still home to beautiful coastlines. We started from the northern tip and worked our way south, stopping at sights like the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, and Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins. We also visited the Guadiriki Cave, the Natural Bridge, Arikok National Park, and the Natural Pool. The area is full of dramatic views, cacti, and history, though the strong currents in some areas make swimming here risky.
Day 5 – Discovering the South and Oranjestad
We left the hotel around 10 AM, and made our way to the southern part of Aruba, where we explored Baby Beach. This area had a more local vibe with families enjoying the beach and kids playing football (soccer). It was less touristy and more relaxed. The beach had cozy beachside restaurants and bars, providing a great chance to interact with the locals. Afterward, we returned to Oranjestad for a night out, enjoying music and dinner at Pinchos Bar and Grill, with the ocean as our backdrop.
Day 6 – Wrapping Up the Journey
We began the day with another breakfast at Smit & Dorlas before heading back to the hotel to prepare for our departure.
Things to know
For more affordable accommodations, I highly recommend staying in Oranjestad rather than the more expensive northern part of the island. It’s close to all the action, offers great beach access, and is near plenty of restaurants and shops.
Most Arubans speak four languages: their official language, Papiamento, along with Dutch, English, and Spanish.
The island is truly a blend of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, making it a must-visit destination!
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