Looking for a true paradise vacation in the Caribbean with some European influence? Look no further than Aruba! It’s no surprise Aruba’s accepted slogan is “One Happy Island.” You will instantly fall in love with this sunny, breezy, laid back island full of good eats and beautiful beaches. As this was more of a true “vacation vacation” and less of an adventure trip, I thought I’d switch up my post to include fun facts and my favorite spots (more posts from Erik HERE). Pick and choose what interests you. Make it your own relaxing Aruban getaway! Hope you all enjoy! Thanks. Gracias. Bedankt. Masha Danki.
Aruban Getaway
Aruba Fun Facts
- There are 4 widely accepted and fluent languages on the island. Dutch and Papiamento (local Creole language) are the officially recognized languages while English and Spanish are widely spoken as well.
- They have their own currency, the Aruban Florin (AWG).
- $1 USD = approximately $1.80 AWG (at the time of this post)
- Aruba is a constituent country within the Netherlands. The education system is similar to that of the Dutch.
- On a clear day, Venezuela may be seen off the coast as it is roughly 15 miles away!
- There is an abundance of traffic circles and roundabouts on the island. I only encountered a handful of stop signs and 2 (non-working) traffic lights during our stay!
- Almost 20% of the island is made up of a National Park, Arikok National Park.
- Aruba Aloe is the oldest Aloe company in the world, dating back to the late 19th century. At one point, over ⅔ of the island was covered with Aloe plants for cultivation.
- Aruba’s tap water will be some of the BEST you’ve ever had. Their water tastes pure, clean, and simple. Distilled right on the island, it adheres to the highest quality standards set forth by the World Health Organization.
Aruban Getaway
Must See Attractions
- Located on the Southeast part of the Island, many refer to the region as the “Sunrise City”
- Previously home to a booming oil refinery which has been closed since 2012
- Gorgeous street art and art murals line many of the streets and buildings
- Charlie’s Bar (below) is a must stop while in the area!
- Great way to experience the Island and numerous spots with the help of a local tour guide
- Many “must see” stops including the Alto Vista Chapel and Bushiribana Ruins
- Awesome cliff and cave jumping into a water hole towards the end of excursion
- Multiple UTV sizes (we booked a 4-seater) are available in addition to ATVs
- Start/end at Philip’s Animal Garden, a large animal sanctuary (admission included)
- One of the most famous bars in Aruba, an island tradition since the 1940’s
- Located in the heart of San Nicolas
- Legend says divers would stop in for a cold one and leave behind their ocean treasures, adding to the trinkets seen throughout the bar
- *Check their facebook page for hours prior to going*
- Original Catholic church on the island, built in 1750 by the Spanish and Caquetio natives
- Deserted for quite some time; however, rebuilt in 1952
- Mass is still held here, mostly for major events and holidays
- *Many tours, including our UTV tour, will stop here. Easily accessible by private auto*
- Home of a prior Gold Mill with remnants and remains left behind adjacent to the ocean
- Permanently closed in 1899, as production shifted to a different area, now considered The Balashi Gold Mill Ruins
- Gold was initially discovered here in 1824, with more than 3 million pounds of gold eventually produced. Unfortunately, all was sold back to the Dutch at a fixed price
- Named after the S.S. California, a British steamship which unfortunately sank in 1891
- Completed in 1916, standing just under 100 feet high, majestic 360 views of Aruba including the coast with water and beautiful beaches
- Cost is $5/person at the entrance, reservation not required, credit card accepted
- **Of note, the staircase is VERY narrow. Not recommended for anyone claustrophobic**
- Comprises nearly 20% of the entire island!
- For non-residents of Aruba, cost is $20/person/day
- Open daily from 8AM – 4PM
- Much of the park may be viewed from your car while driving around if trail walking/hiking is not feasible. Guided tours are also available at the park
- Moderate hiking trail, roughly 0.75 miles out and back, from starting in the parking lot
- Considered the 3rd highest peak/point on the island
- Fairly steep stairs with just under 600 steps in total, all newer concrete and well marked
- Considered AMAZING sunrise views. Unfortunately, very cloudy and overcast for our morning hike
- *Pro Tip…continue hiking beyond the 2 radio towers at the top for more incredible views*
- Founded in 1890, considered by many to be the finest Aloe grown
- Back in the 1950s, around 30% of the world’s Aloe was from Aruba
- Free factory tour (approximately 30 minutes long) with very interesting history provided
- Multiple products and samples available throughout the gift shop and store
Aruban Getaway
Restaurants
**On your Aruban getaway, I recommend reservations for every restaurant. Some even require this. Many should be made far in advance, if possible, as they fill up quickly. Don’t miss out on beach dining! Consider family style ordering/sharing entrees. That way you’re able to experience more of the menu.**
- Incredible dining experience right on the beach, toes in the sand. Some tables near the water with others located under multiple Palapas. Tiki torches line the beach and tables
- A Palapa is an open sided thatched roof structure made of dried palm leaves. Essentially a large, sturdy umbrella for shade found throughout Aruba.
- A complimentary glass of champagne is provided to welcome guests
- The coconut crusted grouper and calypso shrimp were incredible
- One of my favorite restaurants this trip! The food, service, ambience, and views including sunset were all amazing. Would DEFINITELY return and recommend
- While making a reservation, you choose to eat with your table in the water vs sand
- Awesome setup including blues and white throughout, almost Mediterranean like
- I suggest any of their daily specials. Ours was the local Unicorn fish. 10/10 recommend
- Phenomenal menu with a blend of European and Caribbean flavors
- Almost feels as though you’re sitting within a treehouse with the outdoor seating
- Live music added the perfect touch to an amazing dining experience
- Recommendations:
- Hungarian Goulash
- Lobster Ravioli
- Almond Grouper
Fish House Island Bar and Restaurant
- AMAZING fish and shrimp tacos
- Casual dining outside, within a marina, multiple large Yachts and boats around
- Very friendly staff with incredible service
- Reasonable pricing with large enough menu and options for all
- *Near the airport. Possible quick meal before a flight*
- Must try for Dutch Pancakes while on the island
- Thin pancakes, similar to that of a crepe, with numerous sweet and savory options
Aruban Getaway
Quick Eats/Snacks/Drinks
- Plenty of outdoor seating across the street from multiple hotels and beach access
- Order a variety of tacos, the nachos, and Elote. You will not be disappointed
- Free, public parking lot is adjacent to the restaurant (to the right) for easy access
- *Pro tip…go on Tuesday, unlimited $1 tacos for Taco Tuesday!*
- Multiple fresh fruit cups and bowls along with Acai bowls, smoothies, drinks
- Right on the beach with some standing tables and Palapas nearby
- I would eat here every day if my wallet could handle it!
- Awesome, casual dining with fresh fish being brought right in the back
- Well worth the wait but be prepared to wait (we waited in line to order 45 min – 1 hour)
- Order at the counter and eat out back, right on the dock where the ships are
- You order by the lb/kg or by piece of fish. Sides are also available (fries, cornbread, etc.)
- Some of the BEST sunset views with a smaller, adjacent beach
- The food, unfortunately, was nothing to write home about. I recommend drinks and/or an appetizer just to experience the surreal sunset views and soak in the sun
- Down the street from Lola tacos (above) adjacent to smaller shops and boutiques
- Numerous flavors of gelato with some other desserts available
- Plenty of outdoor seating as well as seating up above (on the top of the bus!)
- Our final stop for a quick coffee before the flight home
- Indoor and outdoor seating. Great coffee with multiple other food and beverage options also available
Aruban Getaway
Beaches
- Routinely ranked the #1 beach in the Caribbean and one of the best in the world
- Widest beach in Aruba. Amazing views given more of the low rise hotels and condos
- Home to the majority of the turtles inhabiting Aruba
- Renowned beach, almost 2-miles long. Home to many of the high rise hotels and condos
- Home to Eduardo’s Beach Shack (fruit and Acai bowls, above)
- Many water sports, rentals, tours, catamaran rides available along the beach
**Of note, every beach in Aruba is public and accessible by anyone**
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