Aruba holidays

Beach bums: Whether it’s secluded coves wedged between limestone cliffs at Boca Prins or the azure waters of Baby Beach with its half-moon coastline and barbecued beachfront eats, each stretch is a little slice of paradise. But Palm and Eagle Beach are the top dogs of the island with fancy hotels decorating the backdrop, barefoot dining and chic cocktail spots housing the best sunset viewings in Aruba.

Watersports: Is any Caribbean holiday complete without snorkelling the clearest waters in the world? And Roger’s Beach is the place to do it with a local dive shop onsite should you want to venture deep into its underwater oasis. But when you want to catch the wildest waves, Hadicurari  is a paradise for windsurfers. 

Natural marvels: There’s more to this tropical spot than just beaches, including unique volcanic rock formations that hide plunge pools. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, a 4x4 adventure over its colossal sand dunes is a must. Or, hike into the wilds of Arikok National Park to discover a bay of turtle nests.  

Language: The official language spoken in Aruba is Dutch and Papiamento, but most Arubans speak a minimum of four languages including English and Spanish. However, learning a phrase or two of the native language will go a long way with the locals. 

Currency: Aruban Guilder (AWG) although US Dollars are also widely accepted

Local time: Aruba is four hours behind GMT/UK time

Fly to: Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), which is around 10.7km from Palm Beach

Flight time from UK: 9.5 hours

Tourist information: Further Prague tourist information can be found at the official tourism website for Aruba

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. 

Bike: When it comes to taking in awe-inspiring views, cycling is the way to do it. Not only is it great exercise and fun, but you’ll discover off-the-beaten-track mountain trails and get lost among tropical countryside landscapes.

Car hire: If you want the flexibility to explore this breathtaking island at your own pace, renting a car is the way to do it. The island is only 19.6 miles long and six miles across, yet there’s plenty to discover - from secret beaches to national parks and natural pools. And don’t worry about getting lost, Aruba’s signature divi-divi trees grow in the direction of the coast. 

Bus: As Aruba is small in size, buses are a very quick and inexpensive way to get around.  Services to and from downtown Oranjestad and the resort areas run every 15 minutes from 5:45am to 6pm. After dark, you can expect an interval of 40 minutes until they stop running at 11:30pm. 

Carnival season: January sees the beginning of carnival season with all-singing, all-dancing parades taking over the streets of Oranjestad and San Nicolas. Enjoy vivid costumes, delicious food stalls and live music as people from across the 70-mile long island come together to celebrate. Check out the carnival’s crown jewel, The Tivoli Lighting Parade, where twinkling lights shimmer from floats and costumes. 

Soul Beach Music Festival: Aruba’s annual Soul Beach Music Festival dials up the fun with beach parties, live music and comedy concerts taking over Palm Beach and Oranjestad. Regularly rated  as one of the Caribbean’s best music festivals, it’s common for international artists such as DJ Jazzy Jeff and Chaka Khan to make their presence felt. This sometimes coincides with the three-day Aruba Food & Wine Festival, now that’s a winning combination!

Hi-Winds Tournament: Watersport lovers this one’s for you! Wind and kite surfers descend on the island from around the world to compete in a contest powered by Aruba’s trade winds. Typically, the tournament takes place within sight of the luxurious resorts of Palm Beach and is the largest watersport event of its kind in the Caribbean. 

Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.