Island Aruba, the westernmost of the Sotavento group, located 25 km north of the Paraguayan peninsula, northwest of Venezuela. Its economy is mainly based on tourism.
A perfect climate, where the breeze caresses the hair despite the raging sun, where it is possible to walk along very long beaches while the feet cool in the turquoise water or feel the softness of a sand that looks like talcum powder, where it is possible to dive in a natural swimming pool or dive among sunken boats without ever worrying about the arrival of a hurricane. Far from being a” useless island,” as defined by the Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda in 1499, finding neither good nor treasures, here are seven reasons why you should consider it if you are thirsty for the Caribbean.
- Because of its geographical location
This portion of the Caribbean escapes the clichรฉ of the deserted island (by depopulated) and the rainforest. Aruba is a true desert embraced by a sea of celestial neon, where more than one hundred thousand Arabians live together (who have European citizenship despite the fact that the island is not part of the EU); cacti that seem immense candelabras, Aloe Vera plantations, wild donkeys, goats, iguanas, and lizards.
- Because it has one of the three most beautiful beaches in the world
Or, at least, that’s how Eagle Beach was ranked among the 352 that exist on the planet according to the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for Beaches. Owner of an endless coast of white and soft sand-like corn starch and pristine waters, it is also the place to photograph the emblematic fofoti trees, with their tops combed to the southeast by the blowing of the trade winds and their trunks twisted like cables. It also offers free Wi-Fi. It should be noted that, from March to July, sea turtles spawn on its shores so that some areas may be closed to the public. One fact: during Easter, families usually camp on the beach.
- Because it offers beaches for all tastes
With waves, without waves, with the wind, with less wind. On the beaches of the south, the breeze is soft. In the north, only 10 km away, strong and warm winds blow, giving away a sea with waves to surf. Some of the beaches not to miss in Aruba are Palm Bach, on the northwest flank, with the air maiamescos, lots of palm trees, resort hotels, quaint shopping centers open to the sky, tank bars with live music and lovely restaurants. It is one of the preferred ones because it has four docks that have, besides soft sand and transparent sea, what any beach needs to be perfect: a good bar. At the end of each runway, there is a bar full of self-summoned people to make a chin-chin between strangers when the sun goes away. Another is Boca Prins, chosen for its agitated waters and for the friendly restaurant on the coast, where they serve typical Dutch cuisine with sea view. Finally, Baby Beach, due to its lagoon-like sea, with so little depth that it is ideal for families with children.
- To immerse yourself in a natural pool
It is called Conchi and is one of the main attractions of Arikok National Park, an impressive nature reserve occupies more than 18% of the island and protects a desolate, arid and virgin landscape, where giant blue waves hammer the rocky coasts of the North and show the other side of the Caribbean Sea. Conchi is protected from the tide by a fence of huge volcanic rocks. The waves explode like geysers on that natural wall while the water of the pool remains calm and invites to feel the protagonist of the Blue Lagoon. It is a completely different landscape from the white sand beach with palm trees and ironed sea. As you can only get there by jeep or horse, it is a destination to put a touch of adventure on the journey and escape the beach monotony.
- To dive among the Sunken Ships
It is said that if Muhammad goes to the mountain, the mountain goes to Mohammed. And some of that happened with diving, which is not exactly Aruba‘s strongest point. Colorful fish swim in its hyper transparent waters, but with not too many coral reefs, the aquatic scenario remains somewhat incomplete. The Arabian solution was to submerge some ships like the Antilla, a German freighter sunk by its captain in 1940 at Malmok Beach. It tells the story that the day Germany invaded Holland during World War II, the ship was swarming near the coast. When the Dutch government tried to confiscate it, the captain opened the floodgates and made it disappear. Today, this ship is lying at the bottom of the sea and is one of the best underwater landscapes on the island.
- Due to its infallible climate
It rarely rains in Aruba. Also, the island has the grace to be outside the hurricane belt. While the wind is blowing strong here, there are no risks of storms that are capable of ruining an idyllic holiday in the Caribbean. The best time to visit it has nothing to do with the climate, but with the prices: from April to August, it is a little more accessible.