Country's codes
International phone, Aruba: +297
3 letters: ABW
2 letters (internet domain): . AW
Digital country code: 028
Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): Not assigned
Olympic country code: ARU
Aruba’s Top Attractions for Tourists
Aruba blends powder-soft beaches with rugged desert coastline and Dutch–Caribbean charm. These highlights will help you plan a balanced, memorable visit.
Best Time to Visit Aruba
Aruba is a year‑round destination thanks to its dry climate and steady trade winds. Still, certain months offer distinct advantages:
- December–April (Peak Season): The driest, breeziest months with perfect beach weather. Expect higher prices and early booking for tours.
- May–August (Shoulder Season): Warm, sunny, and less crowded. Great value for hotels and activities.
- September–November: Still outside the hurricane belt, but slightly hotter and more humid. Ideal for travelers seeking quiet beaches and deals.
Tip: Aruba’s trade winds make the heat comfortable year‑round—just pack reef‑safe sunscreen and stay hydrated during outdoor adventures.
Iconic Beaches
- Palm Beach: A lively 2‑mile arc with calm water, water sports, and boat departures.
- Eagle Beach: Wide, scenic sands ideal for strolling and swimming; often ranked among the Caribbean’s best.
- Baby Beach: Sheltered, shallow water at the island’s south—perfect for families and easy snorkeling.
Nature and Adventure
- Arikok National Park: Dramatic desert landscapes, caves, and coastal trails; explore by jeep, ATV, horseback, or guided tour.
- Natural Pool (Conchi): A wave‑carved volcanic basin on the wild northeast coast—best reached via guided off‑road tours or hiking.
- Snorkeling & Sailing: Catamaran trips, reef snorkeling, and turtle‑spotting excursions are widely available, with sunset sails a favorite.
Landmarks and Culture
- Oranjestad: Colorful Dutch colonial architecture, shopping, dining, and museums in the island’s vibrant capital.
- California Lighthouse: A classic viewpoint for sweeping coastal panoramas, especially at golden hour.
- De Palm Island: A small all‑inclusive island for snorkeling, slides, and beach time—reached by a short boat transfer.
Practical Notes
Aruba is considered a safe, welcoming destination with strong tourism infrastructure. Standard travel awareness applies in urban areas at night.
Useful country information
Total area: 180 km² (69 sq miles
Capital City: Oranjestad. It has a population estimated at 30,000 in 2022
Oranjestad: Capital City Profile
Other Cities: San Nicolaas (St. Nicolaas)
Climate: Tropical marine.
Monetary unit: Aruban florin
Population: 110,000 (Dec. 2015)
Ethnic Groups: mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%.
Religions:Christian 90%, Hindu, Muslim.
Languages: Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish.
National Holiday: National Anthem & Flag Day March 18th
Literacy rate: 97%
Background:
Aruba is one of the four countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba's political system is a unitary parliamentary representative democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Aruba has its own constitution, currency and government. The island enjoys complete inner autonomy.
The flat, riverless island in the Caribbean Sea, is located just a short distance north of the Venezuelan Peninsula Paraguaná. Aruba is renowned for its white sand beaches, its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit).
