Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Aruba
Overview
Aruba is one of the most popular desti-
IN THIS CHAPTER
A Brief History
nations in the Caribbean. Although
it's the smallest of the ABC Islands (just
over 19 miles long and six miles across its
widest section), it has done the most to pro-
mote itself as a tourist destination. Visitors
have fallen for the hype and returned again
and again for the excellent beaches, perfect
weather, superb resorts, and lively night-
life.
The vivacious capital of
Oranjestad
(oranJUStat) is packed with boutiques,
restaurants, casinos, and nightclubs. Its
lovely Dutch architecture mixes with
bright Caribbean color to create a theme-
park-like downtown waterfront area.
Just to the north, a dazzling white beach
stretches up the west coast. A string of low-rise hotels and casual restau-
rants line up along the sand and directly across a narrow road. Less than a
half-mile farther north, the high-rise resorts, glitzy casinos, and chic res-
taurants begin. The landmark
California Lighthouse
stands at the
island's northernmost point.
South of Oranjestad, a good road leads to the fishing village of
Savaneta
,
the former capital, and
San Nicolas
, the second-largest town on the
island. Inland, the terrain turns rugged, good roads taper into rutted dirt
paths, and adventurous tourists discover a wild countryside full of cacti,
iguanas, and house-sized rock formations.
The wave-battered
east coast
features sand dunes, limestone cliffs, a
photogenic
Natural Bridge
, and a boulder-protected
Natural Pool
.
Arikok National Park
, just south and inland from the pool, covers
almost 20% of the island and protects a vast ecological wonderland of
exotic plants and animals.
56
Official Business
59
Unique Celebrations
60
Getting Here
62
Leaving Aruba
64
Getting Around
65
Touring the Island
71
Adventures on Water
84
Adventures on Land
99
Shopping
104
Where to Stay
109
Where to Eat
122
Nightlife
134
Island Facts
& Contacts
139
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