World Travel Photos

Aruba is a small island located in the southern of the Lesser Antilles near the coast of Venezuela. The island with elongated shape has an area of 193 km2 (approximately 10 km x 30 km).

Previously Aruba belonged to Netherlands Antilles. In 1986 the island gained its independence and became a state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands whose capital is Oranjestad.

Aruba was discovered in 1499 by Alonso de Ojeda (Spanish explorer) and initially had a population of American Indians (the Caiquetos: Arawak).

The climate is hot and dry (semi-desert climate) as opposed to tropical hot and humid from other Caribbean islands. There are only thirty days of annual rainfall and average temperatures of 30 ° C. With this very favorable climate, beaches of white sand and a sea of azure, Aruba became an island that lives off tourism. Many American and Dutch ... little French.

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capital of this small country. Built by the sea in 1796, it has 30 000 inhabitants.

Oranjestad has very little historical attraction. Just a few buildings with colonial architecture. Otherwise, you will find all the luxury shops (Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Dior etc..), Nightclubs and of course casinos.

Eagle Beach

Located between the capital Oranjestad and the major hotel zone Eagle Beach is the longest beach in Aruba and also one of the most beautiful. Sand white and blue sea.

Not being in direct proximity of the large hotel area (most tourists prefer residing Palm Beach), Eagle Beach is not crowded and you have large spaces for basking quietly on the beach.

California Lighthouse

California Lighthouse which is named after a wreck is located at the northeast tip of Aruba.

Being atop a small hill, is an excellent perspective on a major part of the island.