Aruba Travel Guide

The Caribbean island of Aruba is 24km (15 miles) north of the coast of Venezuela. It is divided into the northeast and southwest coasts with the northeast consisting of rocky coastlines and rough seas while the calmer southwest features warm waters and beautiful white, sandy beaches.

After being discovered and claimed by Spain in 1499, and later acquired by the Dutch in 1636 the island is now a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Thanks to the rapid growth in the tourism industry the island's economy is prospering and construction is booming. Oil refining and offshore banking have also lent a hand to Aruba’s growing economy.

Aruba offers the traveller an ideal Caribbean experience with sunshine, sea and sand in abundance. The lifestyle on the island is a relaxed pace allowing you to fully enjoy the balmy ocean breezes or take in the abundant colorful marine life or the unique wildlife at Arikok National Park. The small capital, Oranjestad, also offers an interesting array of architecture displaying the island's historical ties with The Netherlands.

There are many resorts to choose from where you can sit back and take in some of the best beaches around and enjoy the endless sunshine. The people of Aruba are welcoming and hospitable making this a perfect escape to do a little as possible.