Reasons Why You Should Visit Aruba

Divi Divi Trees are found across Aruba and remain a symbol of the island
Divi Divi Trees are found across Aruba and remain a symbol of the island | © Jon Arnold Images Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Culture Trip

Aruba might be the most visited of the Caribbean islands, but there are reasons behind that: its glorious beaches, uninterrupted sunshine, compact capital and near-perfect kitesurfing conditions.

This long-celebrated paradise island may be diminutive in size but Aruba packs in a serious amount. With white sand beaches to spare, scuba diving and snorkelling spots you’ll remember for a lifetime, not to mention a lush national park and ever-present trade winds to give your new windsurfing habit a push in the right direction – Aruba has it all.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Relish the year-round beach weather

Natural Feature

Renaissance Marina Oranjestad Aruba with fleet of fishing boats next to LG Smith Blvd.
© M. Timothy O'Keefe / Alamy Stock Photo

A year-round tropical climate makes every day a good weather day in Aruba, with seawater that’s as easy to step into as a warm bath at any time of year. The waters off the capital of Oranjestad are never less than about 26C. The trade winds bring welcome breezes – meaning the heat is manageable – and the island sits fortuitously on the southern edge of the hurricane belt. With this winning combination of geographical factors, Aruba’s appeal is secure.

Swim at unspoilt beaches

Park

Eagle beach, Aruba
© Steve Photography/Shutterstock
Given that it features in the chorus of a Beach Boys song, it’s fair to say that Aruba is the opposite of undiscovered. Yet it is possible here to enjoy remarkably peaceful and unspoilt beaches. Eagle Beach, on the island’s northwest corner, is among its most celebrated and offers the convenience of beach bars and dive schools, while still being quiet enough to feel like you have it (almost) to yourself. In the south, try the smaller – and truly secluded – Savaneta Beach.

Soak up the unique history

Church

Alto Vista Chapel in Aruba
© Christian Offenberg / Alamy Stock Photo
Beyond its dreamy beach life, Aruba’s intriguing historic sites include the strangely atmospheric ruins of its gold smelters (where gold was extracted from ore), including Bushiribana and Balashi. It’s also well worth seeking out Alto Vista Chapel: a tiny, visually distinctive cliff-top chapel that dates from 1750. Its views across the Caribbean Sea would be enough to move anyone to religious experience. Another significant landmark is the over-100-year-old California Lighthouse, on Aruba’s northwest tip.

Eat fresh fish barbecued at beach shacks

Boutique Hotel Restaurant, European

The best beaches of Aruba: Boca Prins
© im Kaminski / Alamy Stock Photo

The carb of choice here is flavourful plantain, while fish you’ll see commonly on Aruban menus include red snapper, mahi-mahi and lionfish (the sustainable seafood at romantic beach spot Elements includes lionfish ceviche and red snapper fillet, for example). The island’s on-beach dining culture was pioneered by the well-liked Flying Fishbone restaurant (a fact of which they are keen to remind customers), where you can eat your seafood by the light of tiki torches, your toes in the sand.

Visit the cute capital city, Oranjestad

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA - JULY 25, 2017: Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard on a summer day.
© MIHAI ANDRITOIU / Alamy Stock Photo

If you hadn’t realised that Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the name of its capital, Oranjestad, is a big clue – as is the distinctive Dutch colonial architecture. This city of fewer than 30,000 people sits on the southern coast, near the western end of Aruba. As capitals go, it’s small but packs a punch, with a port, university and popular shopping mall all within touching distance of the airport.

Enjoy fantastic watersports offerings

Natural Feature

Kite surfer on Aruba island in the Caribbean at sunset
© devi / Alamy Stock Photo

Use Aruba’s reliably consistent trade winds to your advantage and try – or perfect – your windsurfing and kitesurfing while you’re here. Myriad watersports operators can help you do so and some hotels have their own team for this. If you’re looking for an operator who can enable you to scuba dive, the prime locations are the waters near Malmok, Spanish Lagoon and Commandeurs Baai. Notable wrecks to try to see for yourself include SS Antilla, a German cargo ship that sank in 1940.

Sunbathe with flamingos on Renaissance Aruba's private island

Natural Feature

Flamingos on Renaissance Island - Aruba
© Michelle Jirsensky / Alamy Stock Photo

Things don’t get more photogenic than the beach on Renaissance Island, an extraordinary destination where flamingoes wander the sands. Seemingly highly relaxed, they pick a path contentedly between the delighted beachgoers. Renaissance Beach is on the private island of the Renaissance Resort, which allows only limited-capacity access for non-residents. But it’s reliably possible to book a day pass, which also grants access to luxury cabanas. There’s a beach bar and grill here – to visit whenever the resort is at no more than 80% occupancy.

Snorkel with sea turtles

Natural Feature

Green Turtle Chelonia mydas Marshall Islands Bikini Atoll Micronesia Pacific Ocean
© Reinhard Dirscherl / Alamy Stock Photo

The best snorkelling sites tend to be on the northern and western sides of the island. As well as simply heading into the water on foot (or flipper), it’s worth taking a boat trip to a prime spot. Multiple operators offer boat trips from locations such as Malmok beach, on Aruba’s west coast, to a drop-off point just off the shoreline. But even in the shallows, it can be worth enlisting a guide here to help you find and swim safely and respectfully with sea turtles.

Witness diverse wildlife with a hike

Natural Feature, Park

Aruba Green Iguana Arikok National Park
© M. Timothy O'Keefe / Alamy Stock Photo

On Aruba’s east coast, Arikok National Park is a diverse landscape which, at 21sqmi (34sqkm) comprises around 18% of the island. The varied locations it spans include a natural ocean pool formed by volcanic stone circles, the turtle nesting site of Boca Prins beach and Caquetío Indian cave paintings. Inhabitants include Burrowing Owls, rare lizards and even a few bird and snake species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. You’ll never see it all, so choose a hiking trail and enjoy.

See all the way to Venezuela

Natural Feature

Group of tourists admiring the view from the top of the Casibari Rock Formations at Aruba
© Picardo Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

Aruba is characterised by flat terrain, but the few exceptions to the rule are something to behold. The site of Casibari, near the centre of the island, is a 172m (564ft) volcanic rock formation from the top of which you can, on a clear day, see all the way across to Venezuela. Elsewhere, the volcanic boulders of Ayo form a similar site that’s also worth a detour.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article