Aruba
The island of Aruba has many idyllic beaches and a rich history, which makes it one of the most interesting countries in the Caribbean.
A thousand-year-old island
This small island in the Caribbean Sea, 33 km long and 9 km wide, was first settled around the year 1000 by residents of what is now Venezuela. These Indians were replaced by Spanish conquistadors, who were succeeded in the 17th century by Dutch settlers. This explains their ease in speaking Dutch and Creole.
A fascinating cultural diversity
Aruba's ethnic diversity is surprising given its small population. There are more than 90 different nationalities for a population of barely 100,000 people. There are Haitians, Dominicans, Colombians, among others. It has shaped the culture and gastronomy of Aruba.
A rich landscape
There are a wide variety of ecosystems to explore, including marshes rich in wildlife, volcanic coastlines, and vast sand dunes dotted with exotic flora. Arikok National Park occupies approximately 3,240 hectares of protected wilderness, including streams along the east coast, where you can swim away from the waves. Further north, the rock formations of Ayo offer panoramic views of the island. The Casibari rocks, in particular, were considered sacred by the Caiquetio Indians, whose rock drawings are still visible. Its capital is San Nicolas. Sunrise Side, on the other hand, is the island's unofficial cultural capital. The streets are covered with magnificent murals made by local and international street artists. Each year, the island hosts an international community of artists for the Aruba Art Festival.
A gastronomy of international renown
There is a plethora of restaurants in Aruba that offer the island’s culinary diversity. It ranges from Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine to Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. As in most of the Caribbean islands, seafood is in high demand.
