Aruba is an island of contrasts. Just look
around and you'll notice the contrast of the glorious blue Caribbean
waters, the deep blue sky and the brilliant greens and oranges of the
local birds. As you travel the island, you begin to notice the
extremes between the desert landscape of the island's interior and the
soft, white beaches that curve the western shores.
The island has a rich cultural heritage. You'll find a blend of Spanish, Dutch, English and Indian nationalities. This blended ancestry is noticeable in everything from the artwork and architecture to the welcoming faces of the Aruban people. In the heart of the southern Caribbean, Aruba is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point. Whether you choose to explore, shop or relax, Aruba has something to offer you. Try a little windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, deep-sea fishing or water skiing. If you love to shop or sightsee, visit Oranjestad, the old Dutch capital city. Here you can shop for luxury items or browse the marketplace for Aruban art and local handicrafts. Visit the oldest building on the island, Fort Zoutman, where a weekly Bonbini Festival is held to showcase local food, crafts, dancing and shows. Of course, if all you want to do is relax, just stretch out on a strip of pure white, un-crowded beach and indulge in the luxury of listening to the waves wash across the shore. |