Aruba, West Indies
Pristine White Sands
Lying in the Caribbean Sea a mere 17 miles off the coast of Venezuela, yet an autonomous region of the Netherlands, beautiful Aruba boasts a prim colonial town centre, luxury resorts, miles of pristine white sandy beaches, 300 cruise ships a year... and one of the highest standards of living in the region.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Dutch | |
| Currency: | Aruban Guilder | |
| Time zone: | GMT -4 hours | |
| Flight Time: | 9 hours 5 | |
| Holiday type: | Beach | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 28°C Rainfall: 500mm a year |
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Must see:
Pretty Oranjestad, the island’s capital, is a highly photogenic picture postcard of a place, where brightly coloured colonial-era buildings nestle with more modern low-rises. A relaxed, easygoing spot to explore on foot.
Must eat at:
If you have a taste for the finer things in Caribbean life, bring your wallet to Pago Pago at the Wyndham Aruba Resort for some of the island’s best seafood.
Must be there for:
Time your journey in the late winter and early spring and you might just catch the local carnival, when, in the weeks running up to Lent, the island lets its hair down in no uncertain style.
Well-travelled tips:
If you’re travelling with your board (or can get one locally) head to Eagle Beach in June for the annual Hi-Winds Pro-Am Windsurfing Competition.
Like many Caribbean islands, you’ll find that the US Dollar is widely accepted in Aruba – although your change may come in Guilders and Florins.
Visa:
British citizens travelling to Aruba on holiday for less than 3 months do not normally need a Visa. As conditions apply, find out more here.
