No apologies for using the music of The Beach Boys or the song Kokomo, but when it comes to islands in the Caribbean its list a number of the main destinations.
Aruba is not on the majority of UK tourists list of islands to visit because it was a former UK colony, if fact is was and still is Dutch. Technically is one of the four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Unlike most of the Caribbean, due to the fact it lies a bit further south than most of the islands, it is drier and out of the main hurricane path. The result is that that tourists can expect to see cloudless clear skies all year round. It only gets 43 cms (18 inches) of rain a year and temperatures are between 21C and 26C (80F and 90F) all year.
The beaches are considered to be amongst the most beautiful in the region. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are hailed as amongst the best in the world. In fact Tripadvisor rates Eagle Beach as the third best in the world.
Due to the Dutch control of the islands, this is reflected in the architecture. This can be clearly seen in many of the buildings in the capital Oranjestad, especially aroundthe harbour. The building below is a great example of this influence. The house was first built in 1922 by Dr. Eloy Arends, a prominent Aruban physician. In the 1980s it was purchased by the state, restored and combined with the Hotel Colombia building to become a city hall and function spaces. You can opt to get married here.
Some of the sites that you will see whilst diving will take your breath away. Diving is especially popular on the southwestern coastline which is fairly sheltered. There a a number of reefs inhabited by a wide variety of tropical fish. All the other usual watersports including snorkeling and sailing are also available too. One sport or at least activity that we noticed was available was yoga on a paddle board!
Just of the coast of Aruba lies the largest wreck in the South Carribean. It is a very popular dive site, both night and day. The German frigate was confiscated at the start of World War Two, but rather than hand it over the crew opened its values and let it sink.
Although Aruba in now part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, various other Europeans have also put their mark on the island. The Spanish were the first Europeans to settle and colonise the islands, but the Dutch took over control in 1636. The British even took control of the island for a decade but handed it back to the Dutch in 1816.
If history is your thing then you must visit the Alto Vista Chapel, the oldest church on the island that dates back to the 1750s.brief period but returned them to the Dutch. Situated on high ground in the north of the country it offers great views. The church is a good starting point for walkers or mountain bikers.
In 1872 a large smelting works at Bushiribana on the North coast was built to process the gold that was being mined at Seroe Plat and its environs.The works were built to look like a fortress to deter pirates and although the smelting works were only operational for 10 years, The construction was so strong that the ruins still be seen today.
An impressive landmark on the island is the California Lighthouse that was built to a French design between 1914 and 1916. It was named after the steamship California that was wrecked nearby in 1891. The lighthouse stands approximately 30m (90 ft) high. Its location give superb views of the north coast and the sand dunes area in which it stands.
Accommodation wise the island has a wide range of options for travellers on various budgets. Maggie is waiting to help you with advice on hotels, flights and tours to make your trip to Aruba one to remember. Contact her today.
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