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Aruba Travel Tips |
A long-time favorite |
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Aruba Travel TipsJust 15 miles from the coast of Venezuela, Aruba measures roughly 20 miles long and 6 miles wide. (See map of Aruba) Aruba is an island of stark contrasts where brilliant turquoise waters and white sand beaches surround dry windswept hills populated with tall cactus and the strangely twisted divi divi trees. Ironically, the beaches
here can only be described as blindingly gorgeous. Palm Beach,
one of the largest, is lined with high rise hotels convenient for lunch
and snacks. But you might prefer nearby Eagle and Manchebo
Beaches, less crowded and quieter, for cheap beach holidays. Like the
desert of the Old West, the barren terrain is strangely alluring and
harmonizes perfectly with Aruba's brightly colored Dutch-style
buildings. Modern, air-conditioned shopping malls are concentrated within a few square blocks (see shopping tips), interspersed with restaurants of every kind, including most major American fast food chains. But when in Aruba, don't forget to sample the local foods. Where many islands tend to close down at after dark, Aruba nightlife ranks among the Caribbean's best. In September, don't miss the The landmark red and white windmill located near Palm Beach may look brand new but De Olde Molen ("old windmill)" was built in Holland in 1804. It arrived here in the 1960s when it was shipped over and reconstructed as a restaurant. Arikok
National Park encompasses an astounding 25 percent of Aruba.
Easy hiking trails lead to ancient Indian drawings that depict people,
fish and strange unknown objects at Fontein, one of several caves. Unfortunately, the original, classic Natural Bridge is no more. Waves created it and also destroyed it. Like panoramic
views? One of the best views is atop Haystack
Mountain near the center of the island, but you'll have
to ascend 562 concrete steps to enjoy it.
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