Planning a trip to Aruba and wondering what are the best places to visit in Aruba? 

Aruba is a small island country that belongs to the Netherlands. Situated in the Caribbean, it is home to tranquil beaches lined by swaying palm trees. In fact, its beaches are what draw tourists to Aruba, and keep them coming back. Have you seen photos of a pretty tropical beach inhabited by gorgeous pink flamingos? Yep, that’s in Aruba.

However, besides the beaches, there are a few other places to discover in Aruba.

So, check out our list of the best things to do in Aruba for some travel inspiration!

7 best places to visit in Aruba

The Dazzling Beaches of Aruba

Aruba has its beautiful white sandy beaches.

So, here are some of our favourite beaches on the island:

• Eagle Beach — considered one of the world’s top beaches;
• Manchebo Beach — a beautiful beach next to Eagle Beach;
• Arashi Beach — an amazing beach on the northwestern tip of Aruba, good for snorkelling; California lighthouse is situated nearby;
• Dos Playa — a unique double beach located in Arikok National Park;
• Palm Beach — a very popular and touristy beach, known for its high-rise hotels;
• Druif Beach (Noord) — a quiet beach with calm waters, located in the north of the island;
• Baby Beach — a shallow and sheltered beach;
• Malmok Beach — scuba dive and snorkel site; Antilla Shipwreck is located nearby;
• Boca Catalina — one of the best snorkelling spots in Aruba;
• Boca Grandi — windy beach perfect for windsurfing; a great snorkelling spot; there’s a chance to spot turtles.

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capital and largest city of Aruba.

It is a picturesque town known for its pretty Dutch colonial architecture. A number of those old buildings are colourfully restored, now attracting tourists.

Fort Zoutman, a military fortification, is a popular landmark in the capital. Built-in 1798 by African slaves, it is the oldest structure in Aruba. It is one of the “Places of Memory of the Slave Route in the Latin Caribbean” (a project of UNESCO).

Arikok National Park

Arikok is a large national park that comprises around 18% of Aruba.

The national park boasts varied landscapes, for example, beautiful rugged coastline, hills, caves and natural pools. It is one of the best places to visit in Aruba.

So, here are some of the highlights of Arikok National Park:

• “Conchi” Natural Pool — a natural pool formed by large rocks;
• Dos Playa — a unique double beach;
• Arikok Hilltop — a hill with beautiful views of the island;
• Jamanota — at 189 m it is the highest point of the island;
• Fontein Cave & Quadirikiri Cave — limestone caves.

Ayo Rock Formations

Ayo Rocks are unusual rock formations with ancient art.

All of these monolithic rock boulders have unusual shapes that resemble different animals and birds. The petroglyphs you can see on the boulders were created by the Arawak people, the earliest settlers on the island.

The most unusual-looking boulder in the area is the Casibari Rock Formation which is located some 3 km from Ayo Rock Formations. It also features prehistoric rock drawings.

Renaissance Island

Renaissance Island is a private resort island.

It is home to Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, and the popular Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach. Flamingo Beach is famous worldwide for its cute residents, pink flamingos. 

Iguana Beach is inhabited by… that’s right, Iguanas!

Renaissance Island has a dive site about 50 m offshore — two aeroplanes were sunk deliberately to create it.

There are two ways you can visit this private resort island, for example, you can stay at Renaissance Aruba Resort, or purchase a day pass for 125 USD.

Hooiberg

Hooiberg is a volcanic formation resembling a haystack (hence the name “hooiberg” — the Dutch word for haystack).

Situated in the heart of the island, the mountain is 165 m tall. 662 steps lead to the top of the mountain which offers panoramic views of the island. If you are lucky, and the day is clear, you can see Venezuela from the top. 

The Donkey Sanctuary 

The Donkey Sanctuary is a donkey rescue home for injured or abused wild donkeys.

It is home to about 100 donkeys which were used for transport. The sanctuary offers tours and information about the care of donkeys.

Visitors can feed and interact with the donkeys. 

The Donkey Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Aruba with kids. 

Aruba Travel Tips

1. Nationals of more than 80 countries and territories do not need a visa to travel to Aruba.
2. The best way to travel around Aruba is by renting a car.
3. The Aruban florin (AWG) is the official currency in Aruba, but U.S. dollars accept, too.
4. Unlike with other Caribbean destinations, you don’t have to worry about hurricanes, as Aruba sits outside the so-called “Hurricane Belt”. So, hurricanes in Aruba are rare.
5. The best time to visit Aruba is January to August, so the peak tourist season is January through May.
6. Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. The crime rate on the island is low, then making it a family-friendly destination.
7. Electricity outlets in Aruba are the same as in the USA (with the standard voltage of 127 V), but if you are coming from Europe, then bring a travel adapter.