Aruba

Aruba is a foodies paradise, with plenty of delicious local specialities and traditional dishes to send your taste buds into raptures. The island boasts a sophisticated culinary scene which is influenced by a multitude of international cuisines, with fabulous fare waiting to be sampled in a myriad of beachfront cafes, gourmet restaurants and lively street food trucks.

Seafood dishes, comprising catches of the day are hugely popular, with mahi mahi, grouper, red snapper, prawns, lobster and conch among the featured fresh delights. Sopi mondongo is flavoursome traditional tripe or bone marrow soup, served with potatoes, bell peppers, West Indian pumpkin, celery and other vegetables. Stoba is a hearty stew featuring goat, beef or conch as a base, combined with tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, spices and stock. Keshi Yena is a scrumptious traditional dish, consisting of a large ball of Gouda cheese which is stuffed with minced meat and then baked or grilled.

 Bolo Borracho, which translates as 'tipsy Rum cake' is a popular Aruvan dessert, while cocada is a sweet treat made with grated coconut, brown sugar and lime juice. A much-loved local cocktail is Aruba Ariba which is made with the island's traditional liquor, Coecoei which is mixed with creme de banana and vodka or rum.

Aruba has a tropical climate, with a dry and rainy season, and plenty of sunshine all-year-round. The island's rainfall usually comes in short and heavy showers which often provide a welcome break from the sun.
 A great time to visit Aruba is between December and March where temperatures and sunshine levels are best and rainfall is minimal. April to August is the time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and maybe bag a cruise holiday bargain. September is the hottest month of the year, with an average daily maximum of 33°C and an average low of 28°C. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average daily maximum of 30°C and an average low of 25°C. April is the driest month, with around 1mm rainfall, while November is the wettest month, with around 25mm or rainfall. Sea temperatures in Aruba are perfect for swimming throughout the year, ranging from 26°C in the January to April period to 29°C in October.      

Couples, families and groups of friends will be treated to a fun-packed adventure in Aruba, with an abundance of wonderful things to see and do. Aruba Butterfly Farm is a delightful attraction where a guided tour will introduce you to thousands of butterflies, moths and plants, while the National Archaeological Museum is based in a restored colonial home and features enthralling artifacts dating back to 2500 BC. Bon Bini Festival is a must-see weekly attraction, with traditional dances, folklore and local art. Young holidaymakers will enjoy feeding the loveable residents at the Santa Cruz Donkey Sanctuary and trips in a Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine. Arikok National Park is a fascinating place where you’ll discover ancient cave paintings and indigenous reptiles, snakes and birds.
 Other superb attractions include the Ayo Rock Formations, San Francisco di Asis Pro-Cathedral, Wilhelmina Park, Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store, Bushiri Karting Speedway and Glitz Casino. Aruba boasts some of the most impressive beaches in the world. Eagle Beach has extensive white sands which gained it the status as one of the best beaches on the planet, while Palm Beach is one of the liveliest beaches on the island, with banana boat rides, paddleboarding, restaurants and bars among the delights. Other wonderful sandy expanses include Arashi Beach, Hadicurari Beach and Baby Beach. Popular outdoor activities in Aruba include scuba diving, hiking, skydiving, cliff jumping, jeep safaris, horse riding on the beach, mountain biking, caving, birdwatching, parasailing, fishing trips and ziplining.