This beautiful island – which is sometimes called The Happy Island – belongs to the Netherlands, is located near Venezuela, and is one of the most popular islands to visit in the Southern Caribbean.
The paradise-like winter escape and is home to unspoiled and quiet white sandy beaches, excellent snorkeling, hiking, and diving opportunities.
Throw in a few shipwrecks, all-inclusive resorts, plenty of sunshine, and a breeze perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding and you have an island which is pretty much perfect vacation material! Here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in Aruba…
1. Eagle Beach – one of the most stunning destinations to explore in Aruba
This beach is one of the beloved tourist attractions in “the Happy Island.” Eagle Beach is best known for its pristine and soft white sands, ocean views, and the most expansive beach on the island.
Besides, there is ample area for parking making it comfortable for tourists. You can enjoy a variety of water sports as well as regional delicacies at the beachside restaurants.
The beach is also home to two of the most clicked and renowned fofoti trees in Aruba, with its dramatic silhouette pointing in the direction of the Caribbean.
Apart from all this, you cannot miss the chance to enjoy a calm sunset at this beach. Additionally, the beach is not only adored by humans but also turtles. So, enjoy snorkeling with the turtles of Aruba here!
2. Renaissance Islands – a 40-acre beautiful tropical paradise
To enjoy the beauty of this place, you need to be a guest at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino as it is only open to them between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
It is a perfect place to pamper oneself or enjoy quality time with loved ones.
You can spend time simply sun-basking or playing beach games or can even book your exclusive spa appointments. It provides a captivating view to its visitors and pink flamingos around complimenting the turquoise waters of the sea.
3. Natural Pool – a unique and natural beauty spot
What better than a natural pool amidst the picturesque surroundings? This natural beauty is a unique rock formation creating a calm and clean pool for its visitors.
The fantastic natural pool, also known as ‘Conchi’ (bowl) or ‘Cura di Tortuga’ (Turtles Cove), is nestled inside Aruba’s national park Arikok.
It is ideal for anyone seeking adventure as when you reach the pool, it gives an impression of discovering something truly phenomenal! Besides, visitors can also grab a snack before heading to the Natural Pool.
4. Druif Beach – home to scenic soft sands and some great waves
Aruba is famous for its captivating beaches, and Druif Beach is one of the most lovely beaches on the list. It has a tranquil ambiance, and its crystal clear water makes it perfect for swimming and other water sports activities.
Other than that, the beach is nicely maintained and provides suitable spaces for lounging.
You can also enjoy a beach volleyball match with friends and family or observe the beauty of the place and relax under the sun.
5. Arikok National Park – an interesting and wonderful place to visit in Aruba
Well, to your surprise, this national park makes 20% of the entire island, yes really! It is spread across, making it perfect for exploring the flora and fauna it offers.
The park has many unique geological, cultural, and historical sites for its visitors.
It is advisable to hire a guide to understand the beauty of the place in-depth. Besides, a good range of educational and informative programs are available throughout the year. Book yours beforehand and relish the beauty of the park!
6. Oranjestad – the capital of Aruba and one of the best places to explore
Oranjestad is the capital city of Aruba. As it is the capital, it is evident that it will have various things to offer to you. Some of the major attractions are listed here.
The first being, the Butterfly farm for some fun with these colorful insects.
Next is the Bon Bini Festival, which happens every Tuesday at Fort Zoutman and presents cultural performances to make the tourists familiar with the culture of Aruba.
Further, look at the Indigenous artifacts dating from as far back as 2500 BC at the National Archeological Museum. Lastly, fill your belly at Gostoso Restaurant with some delicious meals.
7. De Palm Island – an exclusive beautiful place
Enjoy the charming private De Palm Island with its luxurious offerings.
The beach has it all covered for you, from luxury beach beds, refrigerators with beverages, sofa, dining area, towels, private shower, and concierge service.
Other than that, the island has numerous rest. Besides, the beautiful flamingos at the beach will grab your attention in no time!
8. Palm Beach – a gorgeous resort area on the northern coast of Aruba
Another fantastic beach on the list is Palm Beach. Its charming scenic views and calm waters become an ideal place for relaxing under the sun.
Moreover, clear waters make this beach a comfortable haven for swimmers and snorkelers.
The beach gets its name from the palm trees planted across the beach. Additionally, to have a fulfilling experience at the beach, there are plenty of hotels, casinos, water sports concessions, piers, beach bars, restaurants, and shops for you.
9. Manchebo Beach – another beautiful beach in Aruba
Another turquoise beach with pleasant scenery is Manchebo Beach. Besides, there is a famous resort and spa to give you a blast.
It is situated on Aruba’s quiet, intimate and beautiful Eagle Beach and offers a classic Aruban experience unlike any other. You’ll get a chance to experience the breathtaking setting as well as a thoughtful grasp of Aruba’s culture.
It is an ideal beach and resort for couples, honeymooners, wellness-conscious travelers, and beach lovers. It has something to offer for everyone. Enjoy your time splashing water and relaxing under the sun at this charming beach!
10. Arashi Beach – a great place to relax
A sparkling white sand beach at the north of Malmok Beach, Arashi Beach has a lot to offer for a day out by the soothing waves.
The snorkeling experience at Arashi Beach is second to none as there is abundant underwater life that leaves you spellbound. There are sufficient beach huts, a fun bar, and a large parking area for the comfort of the visitors.
Besides, the beach has recently added showers, lounge chair rentals, and occasional live music at the bar to add that extra crunch to your beach experience!
11. Boca Catalina – for beautiful and untouched nature
It is recommended by many to explore Aruba by riding on an all-terrain Segway X2 SE and take in Aruba’s famous white sand beaches, untouched nature, and beautiful sights.
One can visit Boca Catalina, which is another spot for snorkeling enthusiasts.
The vibrant underwater life and the clean, calm waters of the beach make it a perfect place for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing day out. You need to swim 40-50 feet underwater to experience the best aqua life you can!
12. Hooiberg – a volcanic mountain to explore in Aruba
Finally, the list has something other than beaches!! Yes, Hooiberg is a volcanic mountain in Aruba. The hill is tucked away in the center of Aruba, just about 2 kilometers northeast of Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba.
For those interested, it’s about 530 meters wide, and its height is about 165 meters, which makes Hooiberg the second highest mountain in Aruba!
You can climb the mountain and get that adventurous spirit out! Besides, you can also jog around as it is ideal for some morning workout sessions. Other than that, you can always visit a place to observe its beauty and splendor!
13. Casibari Rock Formations – an extraordinary highlight of Aruba
Another breathtaking place in Aruba is the Casibari Rock formations. To have a clear and splendid look at the island, you must try this out!
The fascinating thing about this place is its history of formation. Even scientists remain baffled about the geological event that could have created the formations.
These rocks seem to have fallen from the sky and hence are sometimes considered sacred by the locals. Therefore, it is always a wonderful place to explore and observe this unbelievable natural occurrence.
Besides, after climbing and exploring the site, you can fill your bellies at a BBQ Bar & Grill offering snacks, cold drinks under shaded seating.
14. Baby Beach – a beautiful protected man-made lagoon
As the name suggests, this man-made lagoon is perfect for kids and babies.
Parents can take their kids out and relax under the sun leaving the kids on their own as the sea is shallow enough for swimmers who like to wade out for a long-distance and still touch the sea bottom. So ideal for families with small kids!
Positioned in the southern part of Aruba, the famous Baby Beach is close to San Nicolas. It is a true Caribbean beach paradise with BBQs offering some tasty meals- seafood and light snacks!
15. Malmok Beach – a great spot for diving
Malmok Beach on Aruba is a long, narrow sandy beach that traverses the limestone and rock terraces of the Malmok coast. The nearby coral reefs and shipwrecks are perfect for diving in Aruba.
Other than that, the clear waters of this beach make it ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Apart from that, beaches are always great to spend some me-time or some fun time with family and friends!
16. The Donkey Sanctuary – a heartwarming attraction for animal lovers and families
This lovely animal sanctuary has been going since 1997 and here rescued injured or abused wild donkeys have a safe haven for life. It’s actually a great attraction to visit on the island and offers a gift shop and feeding (and hugging!) opportunities, so a great day out choice for families.
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Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/