One Happy Island - Aruba

The British invaded Aruba during the Napoleonic Wars, but the Netherlands regained control in 1816, and Aruba officially became part of the Netherlands Antilles in 1845. Today, tourism is the island’s major industry, with Aruba being famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant architecture. With constant sunshine and minimal rainfall, Aruba is an ideal year-round getaway destination. The population is a diverse mix, with people from over 130 countries representing 90 nationalities. Most Arubans speak multiple languages, including Dutch, Papiamento, English, and Spanish.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

White sand and turquoise water

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One of the many restaurant options

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Fodor's InFocus Aruba (Full-color Travel Guide)

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Sunsets and colorful skies

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Beach bars

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Aruba’s pristine beaches and clear, turquoise waters lure more than one million visitors seeking relaxation and fun under the sun every year.

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Alto Vista Chapel is a small Catholic chapel that stands on the hills above the north shore. The present Chapel of Alto Vista was completed in 1952 and stands in the same location as the original chapel, which was built by Domingo Silvestre, the Venezuelan missionary from Santa Ana de Coro, Venezuela, in 1750.

Inside the small chapel

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The California Lighthouse is the tallest structure in Aruba. It was first opened in 1916 and automated in 1970. It was named after the S.S. California which sunk in 1891 off of Aruba.

One of the colorful tour buses

You never know who you will meet. This is a fossil Megalodon shark tooth shown to us by a cab driver. This is one of many discovered while digging on his property.

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The cheerful facades in pastel colors on the Dutch colonial-style building in the capital, Oranjestad.

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One of Aruba's transportation options is the downtown streetcar/trolley which offers free transportation to and from the main street downtown area in a loop.

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In 1981, the National Archaeological Museum Aruba is an archaeological museum opened in Oranjestad.

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Playa Linda Resort

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Flip Flop Beach Bar at the Marriot

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Sunset

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The famous Divi Divi or Watapana tree is Aruba's natural compass, always pointing in a southwestern direction due to the trade winds that blow across the island from the north-east.

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Riu Hotel on the beach

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The Protestant Church in Oranjestad

This is a desserts only McDonald's

Playa Linda Resort

What you should know:

• Public restrooms are located on beach hotel grounds.

• Parking lot and on the street parking options available. Can be difficult to park in congested areas during high season.

• People are friendly and helpful.

• While Dutch and Papiamento is the official languages, most also speak English and Spanish.

• A valid passport is required along with an ED card if you are a United States citizen.

• Tipping is accepted for good service.

• The US dollar is accepted, but the Island currency is the Aruban Florin.

For more information: Aruba