Everything you’ve heard about Aruba holidays is true. The powdery sands, candy blue waters and seemingly endless hours of sun – they’re all there. The Beach Boys didn’t sing about this Caribbean island for nothing.

From start to finish, Aruba is a small island at only 30 kilometres long and 10 kilometres wide, but it’s packed from coast to coast with sunshine-driven activities. This island is technically under the rule of The Netherlands, so you’ll see Dutch influences like an old windmill and Dutch Colonial architecture paving the capital city, Oranjestad – which was named after Dutch ruler William of Orange. This is a city like no other in the Caribbean islands.

In spite of its European influences, holidays to Aruba are still rife with a Caribbean air. Part of the ABC Islands and placed conveniently outside of Hurricane Alley, it sees more sunshine per year than any other Caribbean island. Aruba calls itself ‘One Happy Island,’ and we have to agree. Spend even a few minutes on its show-stopping beaches and you’ll be one happy camper.

The world's best beaches

The beaches in Aruba are consistently named among the most gorgeous in the world. Take Eagle Beach, for example, found on the island’s western coast. It’s universally adored for its see-through waters, white sands and line of thatched umbrellas, not to mention the unrivalled silence and sense of tranquility.

Along Aruba’s west coast is a seven-mile strip of uninterrupted beach dotted with luxury hotels, restaurants and bars. The water here is sheltered from the wind, making the waves an incredibly safe place to wade. There’s even a beach called Baby Beach, because it’s so suitable for little splashers.

Aruba’s beaches might feel secluded, but they’re well-attended to by diving and watersport centres, along with hotels offering watersport rentals and lessons. Head to some of the more popular spots like Palm Beach and Oranjestad, and you’ll find submarine tours, catamaran cruises and snorkelling excursions too. Palm Beach offers the most magnificent view of the sunset from its pier – it’s the perfect spot for a romantic stroll.

For an authentic beach experience, head to Rodger’s Beach where you’ll rub shoulders with the locals as they gather here for their family picnics or a leisurely game of football. Nearby is where you’ll find the Seroe Colarod’s Baby Beach.

Many visitors choose to go All Inclusive in Aruba for that ultimate relaxation, but whether you’re lapping up the luxuries of All Inclusive, just indulging with Bed and Breakfast, or grabbing a bargain with one of our cheap holidays to Aruba, ultimate relaxation is just an all-round guarantee.

Out and about in Aruba

Activities in Aruba are all about getting in touch with the local scenery – the colourful reefs here make for amazing snorkelling trips, as do the array of spooky ship wrecks. You’ll find plenty of opportunity to get out with a snorkel, or start a new skill with some scuba diving lessons. Dive in from sites such as De Palm Island, Kantil or Barcadera for the opportunity to come face to face with the likes of neon parrotfish or giant manta rays. That’s not the only thing you can discover whilst down under, if you head to Antilla you can also swim your way around some of the Caribbean’s biggest shipwrecks from World War II.

If staying above sea level is more your style, head out an adventure to Arikok National Wildlife Park for a day filled with nature, wildlife spotting and admiring Mount Yamanota – Aruba’s highest point at 620 feet. It’s there where you can get up close and personal with the local flora at a butterfly garden, donkey sanctuary or petting zoo. In terms of wildlife expect the likes of Aruban parakeets and burrowing owls, plus there’s members of the reptile family running around like iguanas and whiptail lizards.

What’s more, nearby you’ll stumble across Fontein Cave – the only cave on the island and one of Aruba’s top things to see. Inside you can get a glimpse of the ancient artwork by the Arawak Indians who lived on Aruba long before the Dutch came along.

Explore Aruban cuisine

Aruba’s international influences might have something to do with why this tiny island is packed with quite so many delicious flavours and dishes. You’ll find everything from German food to American, French, Italian, Creole and, of course, a whole lot of Caribbean.

There’s too an abundance of restaurants around, and the settings range from Michelin star-rated establishments to tiny beach shacks, and the views aren’t half bad, either. Meals in Aruba usually come with a heaped portion of waterfront vistas – it really couldn’t get any better.

Of course, if you love seafood, then you’re truly in paradise. Lots of restaurants serve freshly caught seafood, marinated in an explosion of flavours. Arubans love their sweet treats too, so you’ll find a whole host of sugary delights, particularly those wrapped in pastry.

Even if you’re on an All Inclusive Aruba holiday, be sure to venture out for a night or two to get the full experience of Aruban cuisine – who knows, you might find your new favourite dish.

Chic bars and party cars

Nights out in Aruba can be as laid-back or upbeat as you’d like. You can grab a quiet cocktail from one of the ramshackle beach huts speckling the coast, settle in at your hotel bar with live entertainment, or dance until the sun comes up in one of the nightclubs.

The island is also big on casinos, so you can try your luck at the slots as you sip. Another rite of passage in Aruba is the mega-popular Kukoo Kanuku. They’re a fleet of hand-painted buses that cruise around the resort called Noord, picking up party-goers for an unforgettable night of dinner and bar-hopping – it’s pretty much a party bus!

Oranjestad’s nightlife offers a more downtown vibe with a bit less hustle and bustle, but still plenty of options for dancing. While Palm Beach is the lively and booming resort with most on offer come sundown. Wherever you choose to go, there’s tons of choice to suit all tastes and budgets, so your cheap Aruba holiday can remain wallet-friendly without missing out on any of the fun.

Diamond daze

Taking a souvenir home from any holiday is always a must, but shopping for a little slice of Aruba to take home with you isn’t your typical souvenir-searching experience. That’s because there are more diamond and jewellery stores in Aruba than other goods. You can get good quality pieces for affordable and reasonable prices, so it can be the perfect excuse to gift someone back hoe – or just a treat for yourself. You’ll also find a range of kitschy bits as well, with items like cigars, alcohol and clothing on offer.

Palm Beach is home to the largest shopping centre in Aruba, called the Palm Beach Shopping Plaza. Its designer stores are enough to send any fashionista’s brain into overdrive. Similarly, the Royal Plaza Mall in Oranjestad is another crowd favourite, drenched in the area’s classic Dutch Colonial architecture and a sugar-sweet bubblegum pink paint. Even if you are sticking to a tight budget, be sure to head out for a spot of window shopping – it is all really impressive to see!