On a grey, drizzling day, there's nothing quite like dreaming of a Caribbean holiday. And where better than Aruba? This delightful destination is nicknamed 'One Happy Island', and as soon as you land, you'll see why. Feel your worries melt away as you enjoy the world-class beaches, fabulous hikes, warm water and beautiful architecture. There's no better cure for the winter blues.
Aruba is not an independent nation. Instead, it's part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with five other Caribbean islands. It's known for its white sand beaches, laid-back lifestyle and impressive colonial architecture. Visitors often fall in love with Aruba's immense natural beauty. This is a true island paradise.
Flight duration: 12 hours from London
Main airport: Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)
Population: 110,000
Language: Papiamento and Dutch are official, but most people can also speak English or Spanish
Currency: Aruban florin
Socket type: Type A (USA standard)
Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4)
Before booking your trip to Aruba, think about what you're looking for. The island has very different vibes depending on where you stay. Yes, you're probably looking for a beach holiday, but do you want vibrant nightlife, great bars and luxury casinos or peace, quiet and natural surroundings?
Two areas of Aruba have a particular reputation for bars, restaurants, shopping and parties. The most famous is Palm Beach, known for its luxury resorts. Staying there isn't cheap, but you'll be close to the island's best eateries and bars. Alternatively, try Noord or the northern part of the island. This zone is well-known for its fancy casinos, which attract wealthy holidaymakers from around the globe.
There's more to Aruba than high-end resorts and glitzy casinos. You can still find relaxing island vibes. Peaceful areas like Eagle Beach, Manchebo Beach and Druif Beach are known for their spectacular scenery and quiet atmosphere. These are great choices if you're looking for a honeymoon in Aruba, where you and your partner can enjoy total relaxation.
If you want to experience the unique culture of the Dutch Caribbean, then head for Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. The city is known for its striking colonial architecture. You'll be enchanted by the rows of pastel-coloured buildings, wide boulevards and charming boutiques. Don't miss sights like Fort Zoutman, an 18th-century fortress built to protect the city from roaming bands of pirates.
Aruba boasts some of the world's best beaches, so you might just want to stretch out in a hammock and watch the world go by. When you feel like doing something a bit more active, though, you'll have plenty of options. Here are some unmissable activities for a great holiday:
Go hiking in Arikok National Park, known for its array of wildlife. Birdwatchers will be in heaven here, thanks to a number of unusual endemic species.
The Ayo Rock Formations are a major attraction in Aruba. These monolithic boulders have an eerie charm and are well worth visiting.
The Butterfly Farm and Donkey Sanctuary are dedicated to animal conservation and welfare. Marvel at the different varieties of butterflies and see how the islanders care for rescued donkeys.
Aruba is known for its scuba diving, particularly its collection of underwater wrecks. The most famous dive site here is the Antilla shipwreck, a beautifully preserved WWII vessel.
The trade winds make Aruba a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Year-round breezes mean you can try these activities in any season.
There are great hiking and mountain biking trails in Aruba's Arikok National Park. For a real adventure, you can even explore the park on horseback.
Forget your problems and take a trip to paradise! The pristine white sands and crystal clear waters of Aruba are waiting for you. Book your flight and hotel with our great offers today, and get ready for the island holiday of a lifetime.
A: Let's be honest: Aruba is never the cheapest destination in the world. However, savvy travellers can save some money by visiting in the low season. In general, it runs from May to November. Just remember that the low season can bring some unpredictable weather.
A: The Caribbean hurricane season generally lasts from June to November, with mid-August to mid-October marking the peak. As Aruba is south of the main hurricane belt, it does not usually suffer from direct impacts. However, hurricanes can cause storms in Aruba, even from a distance.
A: Many travellers visit Aruba in search of winter sunshine, so the peak season runs from December to April. In particular, you can expect large crowds of tourists and eyewatering prices over the Christmas period and again during the Easter holidays.
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