Ah, Aruba—the gem of the Caribbean that’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the coast of Venezuela, a mere 17 miles to be exact. Nestled in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, Aruba is like the sassy little sister of the ABC Islands (that’s Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao). But, fun fact: if you’re looking at a map, they actually line up as ACB. We’ll let you decide if someone at the cartographer’s office got their alphabet mixed up!
Just like its sister islands, Aruba is tucked safely outside the hurricane belt. So while your weather app might warn of storms elsewhere in the Caribbean, Aruba just laughs it off. The last hurricane to even graze the island was Hurricane Felix back in 2007, and it only managed to stir things up a bit with its 105 mph winds—nothing the island couldn’t handle.
Map Caribbean
Small But Mighty
Aruba might be the smallest of the former Netherlands Antilles, but don’t let its size fool you! This island packs a punch with its 69.1 square miles of pure paradise. From its northwestern tip to its southeastern end, Aruba stretches for 20 glorious miles, with a cozy 6 miles width at its widest point. Oh, and if you’re into hiking, don’t miss out on Mount Jamanota, the highest point on the island, standing proud at 505 feet.
A Caribbean Jewel with Dutch Flair
Aruba is a proud constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its own government and parliament. But here’s a little-known tidbit: while most people think of Aruba as purely Caribbean, it’s also geologically connected to South America. Yup, along with Curaçao, Bonaire, and Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba sits on the continental shelf of South America. Talk about a diverse identity!
A Melting Pot of Cultures
With a population of over 170,000, Aruba is a true melting pot. The island’s rich tapestry of cultures includes Caquetio Indian, African, and European influences, and the locals are immensely proud of their international flavor. In fact, you’ll find over 90 different ethnic backgrounds living harmoniously on this tiny island.
Pariba di Brug vs. Pabou di Brug
Locals like to divide the island into two parts: "pariba di brug" (up-side the bridge) and "pabou di brug" (down-side the bridge). The northwestern "pariba di brug" is where all the action is—think bustling hotels, vibrant nightlife, and white sandy beaches. On the other hand, the southeastern "pabou di brug" is a more laid-back, rural area where you can explore the island’s natural beauty, including the stunning Arikok National Park and the charming town of San Nicolas.
Aruba map
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Aruba or you’re a returning visitor, Aruba Island Vacation Rentals is here to make your stay unforgettable. With our selection of beautiful vacation rentals, you’ll have the perfect home base for exploring all that this incredible island has to offer.
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