Just north of Venezuela sits the tiny Caribbean holiday destination of Aruba. At less than 75 square miles, Aruba is one of the smallest islands of the Caribbean, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do or see here. In fact, over three-quarters of Aruba’s economy is based in the tourism and hospitality industries.
“The Useless Island”
The first European to set foot in Aruba was Alonso de Ojeda, and he named it “la isla de los gigantes”, or “island of giants” because of the tall native Amerindians who inhabited it. But Spain didn’t find much use for Aruba or its tall inhabitants; the lack of rain made it unusable for sugar cane cultivation or other agriculture, and the Spanish didn’t find any gold. Aruba gained a new nickname, “la isla inutil”, or “the useless island”. In 1513, the Spanish kidnapped the entire native population of Aruba, turning them into plantation slaves in other Caribbean colonies.
The Dutch didn’t find Aruba nearly as useless. Warring with Spain for eight decades during the seventeenth century, they established Aruba as an important strategic naval base. Although the English briefly ruled Aruba during the Napoleonic Wars, Aruba was part of the Dutch empire until 1986, and Dutch is still the island’s official language. Today, the island of Aruba is known for its stability, peace, and prosperity.
Oranjestad (Orangetown)
Aruba’s capital city, Orangetown, dates back to the late eighteenth century. Holidaymakers should certainly make a point to wander through the city centre, where colourful buildings built in Dutch colonial style architecture line quaint brick squares.
Also in Orangetown is the popular Aruba Archaeological Museum, which preserves the Amerindian cultural heritage. The museum itself is housed in a series of beautiful buildings, nineteenth century mansions that used to belong to the Ecury family.
Outside Orangetown, stroll through the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a nesting area for over eighty species of migratory birds. Birdwatchers will especially appreciate the observation tower in the sanctuary that provides a great view of the whole sanctuary, with Orangetown rising in the distance.
Beaches of Aruba
Like all Caribbean islands, the beaches draw far more visitors than the migratory birds, and Aruba is no exception. The most famous beach in Aruba is Palm Beach, a two-mile strip filled with luxurious hotels, piers, water sports vendors, and nightclubs. The gentle waters don’t provide much thrill for surfers, but they’re perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Baby Beach, on the southeastern end of Aruba, is a protected lagoon with shallow water reaching far into the sea. Baby Beach used to be known simply as “The Colony” because of the wealthy families living in a secluded gated community. Although the oil that built The Colony has since dried up, the wealth has not. Baby Beach still has an air of exclusivity and privacy that Palm Beach does not.
On the opposite end of the island is Malmok Beach. A little rockier than Baby Beach and Palm Beach, Malmok is the place to go if you love scuba diving, snorkeling, or wind surfing. Scuba divers in particular enjoy the trips into the reefs and sunken ships not far from the shore.
Nightlife
After a day of lounging on the beach, what could be better than catching a live show, dancing to Latin beats, or trying your luck at the craps table? Whatever your preferred nighttime entertainment, Aruba has it. There are bars on the beach with tasty rum drinks, piano bars, and plenty of Vegas-style casinos. Even if you’re not into hard partying, you can visit the local drive-in movie theater in Orangetown for a quiet evening, or take a candlelit walk along the beach if you’re looking for something even more low-key.
Aruba packs more adventure into its 75 square miles than most places five times that size can offer. Between gorgeous beaches and a fascinating history and cultural heritage, your holiday in Aruba is one you’ll talk about for years to come.