By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-10-12 09:50:53 | Word Count: 583
Attractive resorts, peaceful surroundings, and enjoyment collectively describe this little paradise called Aruba. Aruba has a subtropical climate suitable for many fun activities.
Aruba is a little, popular island resort of the Netherlands Antilles situated just north of Venezuela. It has been a favorite getaway place for many people from different walks of life because of its beautiful tourist attractions.
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Unique and attractive scenic cites are abundant, such as the Indian caves, parks, and a natural rock bridge. Its white sandy beaches are good for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling adventures.
It has many accessible and luxurious vacation hotels with best room and kitchen amenities. If you are not yet familiar with Aruba, learn the many exciting tourist spots you can go to when you vacation here.
Oranjestad
Oranjestad is the capital city of Aruba placed in the southern coast of the western island. This is a tremendously picturesque city featuring Dutch Colonial architectures. Shopping malls are mostly located near downtown.
Dive Sites
There are several areas in Aruba ideal for diving and snorkeling activities because of its lagoons, rifts and base. The Jane See and Antilia wreck between Malmok and Arashi are two of the famous dive sites. The Bird Roof, Commanders Bay, Little Lagoon, and Bachelor Point Reefs are also alternative diving sites.
California Lighthouse
This is one of the best landmarks of Aruba established in 1914. Accordingly, its name is taken from the ship called California that navigated around the Northwest coast of Aruba in September 1891. It has superb, beautiful white sandy beaches around.
Boca Prins
The trade winds constantly altered these massive sand dunes. Dune sliding is one of the well known sports in Aruba.
Natural Bridge
Constant wave erosion caused the formation of this 30 meters (100 feet) bridge. This area is convenient for picnics but not swimming.
Alto Vista Chapel
Alto Vista Chapel is one of the legendary historical places of Aruba. A Spanish missionary, Domingo Antonio Silvestre was said to be the proponent of this chapel known as Pilgrim s Church in 1750. The Stations of the Cross serve as the landmark going to the chapel.
Archaeological Museum
Aruba is home to some olden relics being preserved and displayed in this archaeological museum. Stone tools from 2000 B.C, pottery, sling stones, funeral artifacts and skeletal remains from 500 A.D are also presented.
Wilhelmina Park
Wilhelmina Park was built in honor of Prince Bernhard and Queen Juliana of Netherlands in 1955. A marble sculpture of the queen mother, Wilhelmina, a masterpiece of Arnoldo Lualdi of Italy is also there.
Amerindian Caves
The Caribs and Arawak Indians were once the settlers of these caves. Pre Columbian petroglyphs, stalactites and stalagmites can also be seen here. A small museum with native wildlife and a Chinese garden are situated nearby.
Hooiberg
A historic volcanic eruption caused this 165 meters high hill into existence. There are concretely 562 steps leading to the top in order to have a panoramic sight seeing of the island.
Beaches
Beach outing is a very popular hangout among tourists. 11 kilometers to 7 miles continuous white sand beaches and calm waters are found in the northwest coast of Aruba such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.
The beaches situated in the east coast such as Boca Grandi, Dos Playa, and Boca Andicuri have stronger currents and bigger waves, and are not recommended for swimming.
More advanced wind surfers can enjoy the strong waves in this side. Inexperienced swimmers can explore the less populated with shallow basin and calm water of baby beaches in the southeast side.
