Known for beautiful beaches and outstanding shopping, Aruba's most interesting places are out in the cunucu, or countryside.

Aruba                                    

Travel and Tourist Information

How safe is Aruba?

Aruba Natural Bridge Collapses

Just 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.

Yet like the desert of the Old West, the barren terrain is strangely alluring and harmonizes perfectly with Aruba's brightly colored Dutch-style buildings.

One glance explains why Oranjestad is such a favorite cruise port. It's clean, brightly painted and the people are efficient and friendly.

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. One hotel, the Divi Aruba, was just voted the Caribbean's best all-inclusive.

Modern, air-conditioned shopping malls are concentrated within a few square blocks, interspersed with restaurants of every kind, including most major American fast food chains. Oranjestad is a fun place to explore on foot. (Shopping & dining tips)

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.

The constant trade winds and continually pounding waves fashioned the famous 100-foot long Natural Bridge, one of Aruba's several unusual rock formations. The others are at Casibari and Ayo.

Unfortunately, the ordinal, classic Natural Bridge is no more.

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.

Another good perch is the observation tower overlooking Bubali Pond, a prime bird watching site.

Book Hotels in Aruba
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Aruba Background Facts & Map
Courtesy of the CIA

Aruba Arrival Briefing
What You Need to Know If You Go

Getting Married in Aruba
It can get complicated

Calendar of Events
For every day of the year

Major Attractions

Arikok National Park
Encompassing almost one-fourth of Aruba

Bubali Pond
Good birding within sight of beach hotels

California Point/Lighthouse
Good views with a historic shipwreck tale

Casibari/Ayo
Huge & strange rock formations

Fishing in Aruba
Plenty of offshore action

Frenchman's Pass
A countryside walk

The Haystack/Hooiberg
You'll never find a needle in this
huge haystack

The Natural Bridge
The island's most famous attraction

Scuba in Aruba
Wrecks are the most popular sites

Shopping in Aruba
Scores of well-stocked stores in a small area

Spanish Lagoon
Another good birding site

Aruban Saying:
"There are more days than weeks,
so don't rush time."