Aruba

Quick Facts

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Capital

Oranjestad

Population

70,000

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Religions

Christianity (mostly Catholic, Protestant, Jew)

Languages

Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish

Calling Code

+297

Nationality

Aruban

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Introduction

natural bridge

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Formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba lies just north of Venezuela amongst a splash of Caribbean waters. Since its gold and oil industries have both come to a halt, Arubans have turned to tourism with a seemingly undying faith in the power of beaches, turqoise waters and the bright Caribbean sun to draw visitors. So far, their faith has been rewarded with large tourist numbers. Aruba's beaches are reportedly the best in the Netherlands Antilles; unfortunately, this translates into packed sands, making a private holiday experience in Aruba something of a fib. But for many travellers, the large numbers of tourists have actually been an added bonus, granting the island an energetic party vibe. For them, the chance to get down and dance to Caribbean music is enough to make this a destination they will come back to year after year.

Regions

• The Southeastern Coast is home to pristine white sand beaches and warm turquoise seas.
• The Northern Coast is exposed to the Atlantic and has a rocky coastline holding off the rough seas.

Towns

• Oranjestad is the capital
• Barcadera
• Noord
• Paradera
• Savaneta
• Sint Nicolaas

Getting there

Plane

Flights arrive and depart at Queen Beatrix International Airport (UAU). Aruban based Tiara Air has flights from Aruba to Curacao, Bonaire and Punto Fijo in Venezuela. Many other airlines serve Aruba from several countries in both North America and Europe. Martinair and KLM have direct flights from the Netherlands, while Condor flies there directly from Frankfurt. Air Canada has flights to and from Toronto, while a number of United States based airlines have flights to cities like Miami and New York. Aruba is well connected with neighbouring islands and countries like Suriname, Dominican Republic and Colombia.

Boat

Apart from flying, your only options are to get there by boat. Unfortunately there are no (more) ferry services between Aruba and any other island in the Netherlands Antilles, nor is there any connection with other countries like Venezuela, although there used to be services to both. Yacht and cruise (and maybe cargo) ships are your only option really.