Aruba all inclusive
Dutch Caribbean Island
Located in the Caribbean Sea, the island of Aruba sits above the Paraguana Peninsula, part of Venezuela. Meaning in Spanish "red gold", Aruba will seduce you with its exceptional fauna, its white sand beaches and its tropical climate.
The history of Aruba
Aruba is the westernmost island of the Lesser Antilles, it was part of the Netherlands Antilles until 1986. Its state is now autonomous, dependent on the Netherlands. The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad, a city in the west of the island. It is in the port of this city that cruise ships dock all year round. Aruba has 130,000 inhabitants.
The island lives mainly from two economic activities: petrochemicals and tourism. In recent decades, tourism's share of Aruban's economy has increased, while petrochemical activities tend to decline over time.
Its tropical climate is hot and dry, softened by the wind from the Atlantic Ocean. The average temperature in Aruba is 29 ° C. It has an area of 193 km2 and its currency is the Aruban guilder. However, it is possible to pay in US dollars.
Culture
This Caribbean island is inhabited by Europeans, Africans and Arawaks who speak the local Creole language, Papiamento. This language was born from a mixture of African and European languages. The majority of the inhabitants are Catholic.
The “Happy Island” is very green: the inhabitants pay attention to recycling and waste so that the paradisiacal landscapes remain very clean. Besides, you don't have to buy plastic bottles thanks to a factory that treats seawater and makes it drinkable.
Best places to visit in Aruba
First, you can admire the architecture of the colonial buildings present on the island. You will also discover Mount Jamanota, the highest point of 200 meters.
Aruba’s must-sees are obviously its beaches. Between the coral white sand and the turquoise sea, the contrast is striking and wonderful. Our beach favorites:
• Eagle Beach in the West
• Catalina Beach in the North
• Arashi Beach in the North
• Baby Beach in the South
Finally, you can travel north of the capital Oranjestad to the island lighthouse.
The cost of living
It all depends on where you are going! In the north of the island, towards Catalina Beach and in luxury hotels, the cost of living is very high. In the rest of the island and in supermarkets, prices are relatively similar to those in France.
Most credit cards are accepted everywhere. Remember, however, that you cannot withdraw cash from an ATM with a bank card.
Activities in Aruba
As on any island, the activities are mainly oriented towards the sea! Aruba is no exception in this regard. It is therefore possible to practice snorkeling, fishing, Windsurfing, taking a glass-bottom boat ride to admire the seabed and 4x4 trips inside the island.
Finally, you can go to the restaurants of the hotels to enjoy the cuisine of the chefs, in the casinos and bars of the island. Nightlife remains fairly calm on Aruba. It is possible to have a drink in a bar, enjoy a Happy Hour like at Craft. To dance and party, the best is to head to Palm Beach where the High Rise Hotels are located. You will find in particular the Gusto Discothèque.