Are you looking for a place to relax and have some adventure simultaneously? Aruba is the perfect choice for this kind of vacation. We have been to Aruba in 2021 for 7 days. Our itinerary will help you find a way to enjoy a week in this paradise.
The best time to visit Aruba is mid-January to May. This is when temperatures are moderate (75F to 85F) and mostly dry.
From June to August, it gets pretty hot, hitting around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, from October to early January, it’s rainy in Aruba. We visited in mid May and weather was truly amazing!
But don’t let that stop you from visiting between June and December! The weather stays warm and breezy all year, making Aruba a great place to visit anytime. Even during the rainy season, the showers are short, so you can use that time to relax with a coffee or a drink indoors.
Our meticulously planned week Aruba itinerary guarantees a well-spent time in this beautiful country.
Day 1 is about relaxation and taking a beach vibe, which Aruba is famous for.
Once we landed at Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), we headed to a car rental to pick up the vehicle. If you plan to drive to Arikok National Park for adventure, I strongly suggest renting a 4 × 4 like a jeep. It may be a little expensive, but it is worth the experience. Refer to my blog for a more detailed Aruba car rental review.
A great way to begin your Aruba experience is by heading to the hotel and feeling Caribbean warmth and hospitality. There are many options for travelers, from budget to luxury. We stayed at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on the iconic Palm Beach. The property is right on the most popular beach in Aruba.
Enjoy the resort beach with a sip of cocktails under the sun, or head to the other famous beaches like Eagle Beach or Arashi Beach, which are very close to Palm Beach.
In the evening, make your way towards more bustling parts of town where street shops and endless dining options are available. We had a romantic beach dinner planned at Passion on the Beach on Eagle Beach. This area has many options, from high-end restaurants to street food and Pizzeria.
We stayed at a Marriott in Palm Beach and stayed there on the beach for most of the day. We head to Eagle Beach in the evening, a 6-minute drive from the hotel. All beaches in Aruba are well-equipped to entertain tourists. You can easily find beach chairs and umbrella rentals. Also, there are always stalls nearby for food and drinks.
In the evening, we took a sunset cruise. The journey started around 5:30 PM and took about 2 hrs. The open bar and dinner were included for about 70$ per person. We were glad we did this. Watching the sunset off the coast was a great experience.
If you plan to visit Artuba, I am sure you have heard of caves and natural pools. These are the iconic sites in Aruba, and one must visit them if time allows.
Arikok National Park is the ideal spot for an exciting getaway. It features a diverse landscape of coastlines, wild terrain, and stunning natural sights.
I suggest renting a jeep and driving to this location. The sites were worth visiting, but driving on a stony, unpaved road was an adventure.
There are many options for guided tours and transportation if you prefer to avoid driving here.
Our first destination within the park was Quadirikiri Cave. Within its depths, we’re enthralled by the stunning natural light that streams through from above, making it feel like something out of an adventure book!
Next, we visited Dos Playa Beach on Aruba’s eastern coastline. This scenic beach comprises two coves set in a natural environment – the south cove with its vast white-sanded shore that lures surfers and the north site for those wanting more privacy. It can be reached by traversing across from the southern part. .
Arguably, it is one of the most famous sites for adventure seekers. It’s a unique rock formation, especially if you drive yourself to this location; volcanic stone circles a slight depression, creating a tranquil pool. It’s large enough to get in, swim, and have fun. Wear water shoes for safety, as the rocks are slippery.
From the natural pool, we visited the Natural Bridge. This was a 25-foot high and 100-foot long stone, which actually collapsed in 2005 from the damage of Hurricane Katrina. The site is still worth visiting to see remnants of one of the natural wonders of Aruba.
On the fifth day, we explored San Nicolas, famous for its vibrant art culture. There were various murals and colorful galleries as we checked out unique prints and jewelry made by local artists. The marvelous Street Art Murals will leave a lasting impression on all visitors!
Next, we visited the Donkey Sanctuary while in San Nicolas. Since 1997, they have cared for this island’s donkey population, with more than 130 donkeys living there today. This lovely sanctuary is full of education about these adorable creatures, which have played a significant role throughout history here in Aruba.
Next, we visited Baby Beach, which is very close to San Nicolas. We just ended up going into the open water and taking the sun. Still, many water activities were here, like snorkeling, fishing, etc.
Flamingo Island is a private island owned by RENAISSANCE WIND CREEK ARUBA RESORT, located in downtown Oranjestad. The island is famous for its Flamingo population and Instagram-worthy pictures.
There are two ways to get to the island: one is if you are staying at the resort, and the second is to purchase a day pass. Visit our blog on Flamingo Island for a more detailed review.
We stayed here for 2 nights as this was our best and easiest option. We got to visit the island for free and enjoy hotel amenities. The resort is right in the heart of the capital, Oranjestad, close to major shopping and dining streets and also very close to the airport. The location is also perfect before you say farewell to Aruba.
Your Aruba itinerary should include exploring the capital city of Oranjestad, renowned for its Dutch-style buildings and traditional delicacies. Hop on a free trolley to cruise around town and witness all this vibrant area offers. We preferred walking around the city and found it really charming!
The local food and drinks here are excellent. Try pan bati pancakes or pastechi with Balashi beer. Try Wilhelmina if you want to try a fine-dining restaurant in Oranjestad. We loved the food and vibe here.
This was the last day before departure. So many activities are on our list, but we can only get to some. We ended up visiting California Lighthouse and Alto Vista Chapel.
We enjoyed ourselves in the resort and walked around Oranjestad for the rest of the day. We were thrilled by the history and culture of Aruba with delicious local food.
Are you looking for a vacation with relaxation, exciting activities, and culture all in one spot? Look no further than the Caribbean paradise of Aruba with its world-class beaches, natural wonders to explore, and welcoming locals serving delicious local cuisine. All this wrapped up in just seven days makes it easy to make lasting memories while visiting, so why not book your trip there soon!
My visit to Aruba was delightful. Its reputation for being one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean is well deserved, with both violent and petty crimes staying at low levels. The locals are amiable and make you feel welcome, adding an extra safety layer. As always, when traveling, people must remain aware – mainly if visiting beaches or other places where their belongings could be left exposed – but I never felt unsafe during my trip to this island paradise!
Communication can also be smooth as many residents speak Dutch, Spanish, or English, so learning a few phrases beforehand may enhance your cultural experience, too!
To sum up, Aruba offers a great atmosphere and safe environment. Making it perfect whether exploring day or night!
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