Aruba
Holidays

Aruba is one of those rare destinations where the marketing actually undersells the reality. The local mantra — "one happy island" — sounds like a tourist board slogan, but spend a few days here and you'll understand why the Arubans say it with such conviction. This is a place where the sun shines almost every single day, the beaches are genuinely world-class and the people are among the warmest and most welcoming in the Caribbean.

The island sits just 15 miles north of Venezuela, which puts it firmly outside the hurricane belt. This is the key fact that sets Aruba apart from most of the Caribbean: while other islands are bracing for tropical storms from June to November, Aruba is basking in sunshine. The average temperature is around 28–32°C year-round, and the north-east trade winds provide a constant, cooling breeze that makes the heat entirely comfortable. There is genuinely no bad time to visit.

Eagle Beach is the crown jewel. Voted the best beach in the Caribbean and consistently ranked among the world's finest, it's a two-mile stretch of impossibly white sand with calm, shallow turquoise water. The beach is wide enough that it never feels crowded, and the iconic Fofoti trees — twisted, wind-sculpted divi-divi trees found only on this beach — give it a character unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Four species of sea turtle nest here, and if you're lucky you might spot hatchlings making their way to the sea.

Palm Beach, just north of Eagle Beach, is the island's main resort strip — three kilometres of sand lined with upmarket hotels, beach bars, restaurants and shops. It's busier and more developed than Eagle Beach, but the facilities are excellent and the atmosphere is lively. The water here is perfect for watersports: jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and paddleboarding are all available directly from the beach.

For something completely different, Baby Beach in the south of the island is a perfect family destination. A sheltered lagoon with crystal-clear, shallow water, it's ideal for young children and beginner snorkellers. The marine life here is exceptional — colourful reef fish, sea turtles and rays are regular sightings.

Inland, the Arikok National Park covers 20% of the island and is a world away from the beach resort scene. The park protects Aruba's unique desert landscape — cactus fields, aloe vera plantations, ancient cave paintings and dramatic volcanic rock formations. The Fontein Cave preserves paintings and carvings from the Caquetios Indians, the island's original inhabitants. The Hooiberg Hill offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the island from its summit.

The capital, Oranjestad, is a colourful and vibrant city with a distinctly Dutch character — pastel-painted colonial buildings, a waterfront promenade and excellent duty-free shopping. The Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, housed in the oldest building in the city, tells the story of Aruba's history. Every Tuesday evening, the Bon Bini Festival brings the museum's courtyard to life with traditional dancing, music and costumes.

Aruba's food scene is genuinely excellent. The national dish, Keshi Yena — cheese stuffed with chicken, tomatoes and olives — is a must-try. Wash it down with Balashi, the locally brewed beer, or the Aruba Ariba cocktail, the island's signature drink. Direct flights from London Gatwick operate to Queen Beatrix International Airport, with a flight time of approximately 11 hours 30 minutes. We search across Travelpack and JTA Holidays to find you the best deal, with the FIBI discount applied automatically.