Aruba - summer all year round

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the island. For example, one theory suggests that it may have originated from the fusion of two Native American words: oubao, which means island, and ora, which means shell.

 

The average temperature of Aruba is about thirty degrees and practically does not change from season to season. The climate is tropical. Local dishes are prepared from “gifts of the sea”, which are filled with greens, vegetables and butter. Meat is also widely consumed and beer is also produced here.

 

The main population of the island consisted of Venezuelan Indians and Spaniards, as well as visiting Dutch.

 

 

January begins with a stormy New Year celebration. In the same month, a parade of torches and old masks takes place, which ends with the burning of a stuffed local folklore king named Momito.

 

Perhaps the most famous event on the island is the annual Aruba Carnival, which includes masquerade, costumes, dance processions, various competitions, parties, the choice of the holiday queen and the funeral of the Carnival King (burning his statue). The carnival lasts several weeks between New Year and Lent.

 

In March, Flag and Anthem Day is celebrated, and the International Half Marathon is held. In April, the Summer Jam Jazz Festival, where orchestras perform. In June, the Deri Guy Harvest Festival takes place, during which there is a “funeral” of pumpkins, meaning the connection between death and rebirth. In July, the festival begins, where you can listen to Caribbean musicians - Heineken Music Festival. In August, participants gather for an international golf tournament.

There are also international windsurfing competitions throughout the summer.

 

In September there is a festival of food, in October – the open championship on golf, in November – racing on sailing yachts. In December, everyone is waiting for the day of San Nicolas (aka Santa Claus), during which candy and gifts are distributed to children in the central square of Oranjestad.

 

Arikok National Park

 

This is perhaps one of the most famous decorations of the island. Its territory is about eighteen percent of the total area of Aruba. The park is famous for its caves, such as the Tunnel of Love and Fontaine.

Caves

 

The cave of Juliba, known as the Tunnel of Love, has a heart-shaped entrance. And the cave called Fontaine is famous for the images painted on its walls by the very first inhabitants of the island.

There in the park is the highest point of the island, which is called Yamanota. Its height is about 188 meters. It is in Ariroka that most of the animal species inhabiting Aruba live.

 

Butterfly farm

 

It is a closed grid tropical garden with butterflies from all over the world. It is possible to see the entire life cycle of these creatures. There are guided tours.

 

Ostriches farm

 

Several dozen birds live here, and guides talk about the instincts and behavior of ostriches.

 

Bubali Bird Reserve

 

It was formed thanks to an oasis and two lakes, next to which migratory birds stop, for example, gulls, cormorants, ducks, herons (more than eighty species in total). In addition, there was built an observation tower from which you can watch the birds, but not interfere with them.

 

Donkey Reserve

 

One of the most favorite tourist places. Before its founding in 1997, many individuals were in danger due to lack of food. The creation of the reserve helped to save the animals.

 

California Lighthouse

 

Built in 1910 on a hill, it offers a panoramic view of all 360 degrees: you can see the west coast or a golf course. The lighthouse is named after the ship California that crashed in 1891. Near the lighthouse are the Arashi beach, restaurant, club and spa hotel.

 

National Archaeological Museum

 

It's in Oranjestad. It was founded in 1981, it includes about ten thousand exhibits.

 

 

Eagle beach (Igle Beach)

 

The most popular, famous and wide beach on the island. It is located on the west coast, near many hotels in Aruba. The white sand on the beach remains cool even in the heat, and the water in the sea is so clear that the bottom is visible up to twenty meters in depth. Divi divi trees grow along the coast, which are a symbol of Aruba. A few months a year on this beach turtles lay eggs, nests with which are marked so as not to damage.

 

Arashi Beach (Arashi Beach)

 

It is located in the north of the island, on the outskirts of the capital Oranjestad. It is a beach that meets all environmental standards.

 

Baby Beach (Baby Beach)

 

Located in the west of Aruba, famous for its landscapes. The water here is usually calm, besides it is the cleanest.

 

Palm Beach (Palm Beach)

 

A beach in the northwest of the island. It is known for huge palm trees, pink flamingos and excellent infrastructure.

 

On all beaches you can practice tennis, diving, water skiing and windsurfing.

 

 

The crime rate on the island is low, but personal belongings are stolen. Tap water is quite clean, but it is better to use bottled water for drinking. Natural hazards include the rattlesnake and some insects. It is also not recommended to swim in the open sea due to strong coastal currents.

 

You can pay in US dollars all over the island. Most hotels and shops accept credit cards and tourist checks.

 

 

Most hotels in Aruba are four- and five-star hotel complexes. And for lovers of a healthy lifestyle there are small cottages in the national style, made of environmentally friendly materials. Competition in the field of tourism is quite high, so hotel owners regularly arrange spontaneous actions to reduce prices to attract tourists. The cost of trips from April to December can be reduced by half.

 

Text by Valeria Smirnova

Photos: aviasovet, theoutlook