Aruba in 5 days

Constant sunshine, powder-white beaches, and pastel Dutch streets on the breezy 'One Happy Island'. Best time to visit: Year-round (outside hurricane belt). Average daily budget: $130 to $240 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Palm Beach, The high-rise resort strip: the liveliest beach, restaurants, casinos, and watersports.

Morning: Arikok National Park. Explore desert landscapes, caves, and the secluded Conchi natural pool by 4x4.

Afternoon: Explore Palm Beach, The high-rise resort strip: the liveliest beach, restaurants, casinos, and watersports.

Evening: Sunset on Eagle Beach. The famous fofoti trees silhouetted against a glowing Caribbean sky.

Eat: Fresh fish and seafood at Zeerover

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Eagle Beach, A wider, lower-key beach with the iconic divi-divi trees and softer sand.

Morning: Snorkel the Antilla shipwreck. A WWII German wreck teeming with fish, one of the Caribbean's best snorkels.

Afternoon: Explore Eagle Beach, A wider, lower-key beach with the iconic divi-divi trees and softer sand.

Evening: San Nicolas street art tour. Bold murals turn the southern town into an open-air gallery.

Eat: Keshi yena (stuffed cheese, Aruba's national dish)

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Oranjestad, The pastel Dutch-colonial capital: shopping, museums, and a cruise harbour.

Morning: Fresh fish straight off the boat at the Zeerover food shack in Savaneta.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Oranjestad, The pastel Dutch-colonial capital: shopping, museums, and a cruise harbour.

Evening: Baby Beach, a shallow turquoise lagoon perfect for relaxed snorkelling.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Pastechi (savoury fried pastries) for breakfast

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: San Nicolas, The southern 'Sunrise City': vibrant street art, murals, and local culture.

Morning: The California Lighthouse at the windswept northern tip for sweeping views.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore San Nicolas, The southern 'Sunrise City': vibrant street art, murals, and local culture.

Evening: A food-truck dinner of Aruban pastechi and local stew away from the strip.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Balashi, the local Aruban beer

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Arikok / Northeast Coast, The wild side: desert national park, caves, dunes, and the natural pool.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Arikok / Northeast Coast, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Arikok / Northeast Coast, The wild side: desert national park, caves, dunes, and the natural pool.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh fish and seafood at Zeerover, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Arikok / Northeast Coast.

Eat: Fresh fish and seafood at Zeerover

Hidden gems

Fresh fish straight off the boat at the Zeerover food shack in Savaneta.
Baby Beach, a shallow turquoise lagoon perfect for relaxed snorkelling.
The California Lighthouse at the windswept northern tip for sweeping views.
A food-truck dinner of Aruban pastechi and local stew away from the strip.

Getting around

Queen Beatrix Airport is a short drive from the resort strip. Aruba has a reliable public bus (Arubus) connecting Oranjestad, the beaches and San Nicolas cheaply. Taxis are plentiful but unmetered, so confirm fares first. Renting a car or jeep is the best way to explore the wild northeast coast and Arikok National Park. The island is compact, so distances are short.

Safety

Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands, with low crime and a stable, tourism-focused economy. Standard precautions apply: lock valuables in the room safe and don't leave items unattended on the beach. The trade winds can create strong currents on the windward coast, so swim on the calm leeward beaches. The sun is intense, so hydrate and use plenty of sunscreen. Tap water is safe to drink.

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