Aruba guide

Pink flamingos bathing
Windsurfing in Aruba
Amazing Carnival Festivities
Oranjestad architecture
Footprints in the Sand

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Aruba at a glance

About ARUBA...

Aruba is a mid-sized, user-friendly island that caters well for visitors. It has historic links to the Netherlands, which can be seen in the architectural style of the capital Oranjestad's buildings. Most hotels are along the seven-mile strip of Eagle and Palm Beach and generally quite American in style. There are a few smaller and more remote places to stay. Lots of activities, many restaurants, designer shopping, casinos, some natural life, horse-riding, golf, day sails, scuba, good windsurfing, considerable cruise tourism.

Read our guide about Aruba - with independent reviews, listings, and information from top travel journalists and Caribbean specialists.

Best for:: White sand beaches, restaurants, watersports
What for:: Beach, Culture & Heritage
Not for:: Corporate & Incentives, Cricket
How to get there:: Many direct flights from North America, most European flights are out of Amsterdam with weekly flights out of the UK.
Top tip:: Stop by the iconic Charlie’s Bar, which is full memorabilia from when it opened in the 1940s. Head to local fisherman’s bar Zeerovers for a plate of fresh fish and fried plantain.