Aruba is just off the South American coast, in the deep southern part of the Caribbean and is known by most as “One Happy Island”. It boasts 20 miles of pure white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and as it lies outside the hurricane belt it offers great year-round weather. Aruba is mainly flat with the famous Divi-Divi tree and its numerous cacti making the landscape quite unique. The capital Oranjestad offers colourful buildings and dockside bazaars, which are ideal to explore on foot and the island really is an exotic paradise of stylish resorts and charming Dutch colonial architecture.
Things to see & do in Aruba
Attractions: If you fancy a break from lazing on the beach and catching the Caribbean rays, Aruba’s capital Oranjestad is a wonderful place to explore. This pretty city is named after the Netherlands’ first king, William of Orange-Nassau and perfectly reflects Aruba’s Dutch heritage in style, architecture and as well as name. The city is awash with colourful colonial buildings with traditional dutch tiles and is a great place to simply wander, taking in the pretty harbour, waterfront market and boutiques along palm-fringed streets. Nature lovers will enjoy a day trip to the Arikok National Park which serves as a sanctuary for many varieties of flora and fauna and also houses plantation house ruins, ancient Arawak painting and the native divi-divi trees.
Events/festivals: Aruba is far from a sleepy island and its calendar of events, festivals and celebrations is testament to that. Some of the major events include the annual carnival whose Grand Parade takes place on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday through Aruba’s capital city of Oranjestad – with spectacular costumes adorned with feathers and sequins, plus live music and stunning floats. In May each year, the island hosts its Soul Beach Music Festival where top acts including the likes of Chaka Khan and Lauren Hill perform for a 2-night concert. This event has recently been voted by American newspaper USA Today as one of the top five Caribbean Celebrations.
Sports: There is a hive of water sports activity along the west coast of the island, including sailing, deep sea fishing, kite surfing, waterskiing and parasailing. Aruba has a championship golf course at the island’s northwest tip at Tierra del Sol. Holidaymakers can also explore some of the island’s countryside and coastline on horseback, or if mountain biking is more your thing, hire a bike and try out some of the challenging 350km of mountain bike trails which cover the island.
Nightlife: Aruba’s nightlife is largely based around the hotels and resorts on the west coast of the island. Most bars can be found in the capital of Oranjestad, Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. There is something for everyone from beach bar shacks to more sophisticated bars and an couple of nightclubs.
Eating/Drinking: Aruban cuisine leans on its Dutch heritage with certain dishes such as keeshi yena, which is baked Gouda stuffed with meat, spices, cashews, raisins and capers. Fresh seafood is popular in many restaurants and you can taste some fabulously fresh grouper, snapper and crab on the island. Many dishes of the traditional dishes are flavoured with coconut and Caribbean spices and other popular favourites include stoba (lamb or goat stew) and sweets such as coconut candy. . It is safe to drink the tap water in Aruba and for drinks of the alcoholic variety, the aruba rum punch is one of the island’s firm favourites.
Shopping: If you like snapping up a designer bargain, you will love Aruba’s shopping centres such as the Royal Plaza Mall in downtown Oranjestad, which offer designer brands and labels at discounted prices. You will find hand-rolled cigars at the Cigar Emporium and local handmade crafts in boutiques dotted around the island.
When to go
Aruba enjoys a consistently warm and sunny all year round temperature of 24-29 degrees. As it is one of the ‘ABC’ islands situated just outside the hurricane belt, it is lucky to be very rarely affected by tropical storms.
One of the island's best all-round properties, catering for everyone and set in an ideal location next to Eagle Beach.
Learn MoreA large beachfront resort with great facilities, situated on the popular Palm Beach and catering for families and couples alike.
Learn MoreAn adults only property, with easy access to Eagle Beach. Perfect for honeymooners and couples seeking a relaxing romantic break.
Learn MoreThis luxury boutique hotel is perfectly situated on Aruba's best beach and is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and intimacy.
Learn MoreWhy choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Anne
I dealt with Laura who arranged an Italian city break (Venice, Florence and Rome). Laura very quickly understood what I wanted, came back with an in-budget quote, with dates and times that were very suitable. Everything was fairly straight forward and Laura was extremely personable and helpful. We are yet to go on the trip, so can't yet comment on the quality of the arrangements but so far so good.
Posted 13 hours ago -
Jacqueline
Rachel was so patient and helpful in helping us find our exact needs - after some to-ing and fro-ing, we booked to go to Greece! We were confident that Rachel got us a good price and the best deals. We would definitely book with eShores again, thank you!
Posted 2 days ago -
Susan
Dave was helpful and informative. He created a holiday package and adjusted it to suit all our requirements and desires.
Posted 3 days ago -
Melissa
Lynette has been very patient and extremely helpful in organizing a trip we are very much looking forward to! Thank you!
Posted 4 days ago -
David
An excellent service from start to finish! Rachel went above and beyond in finding us the exact holiday we wanted with regards to accommodation, flights and transfers at a very competitive price. Would definitely use eShores again!
Posted 5 days ago -
Anonymous
I am relatively pleased with the service provided by the eshore consultant.
Posted 6 days ago -
Natalie
Dave Felton is a guy that listens and cares. And has helped me create amazing adventures and continues to do so. I value his opinion and feel looked after as a customer. Eshores all the way.
Posted 1 week ago -
GlynnJohn
From initial contact through web surfing, to personal contact by Hannah, and thereafter Hannah searching for the holiday which we subsequently booked, our experience has been excellent. We needed a reprise of our first long haul holiday from years ago , to best celebrate our upcoming Golden Wedding, and this is what Hannah has sourced. Plainly we have yet to take our holiday, but our experience so far with eShores and particularly Hannah, gives us great confidence. Many thanks. Glynn and Joan Benson
Posted 1 week ago -
IainWilliam
Lynette was so helpful in planning our road trip. She listened to what we wanted and offered suggestions. I don’t think I’ll use anyone else for our holidays. The price for our trip was so competitive as she got us great deals. Definitely a 5* service
Posted 1 week ago -
Anonymous
Hi, I would just. Like to say that the lady that sorted a holiday complete with itinerary has sorted a very lovely break for us.
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