Aruba: Top 10 Things To Do In 2013

Jan. 8, 2013 - PRLog -- Discover the romantic allure of Baby Beach: The seven-mile strip of the Eagle and Palm Beach has been voted as one of the top three beaches in the world by TripAdvisor, however locals will head towards the southeastern end of the island. Baby Beach has taken its name from its shallow waters which are safe enough even for a baby – although many may argue that it is actually because the beach is so romantic that a lot of babies are conceived there!

Explore Aruba's untouched environs in Arikok National Park: Making up nearly 20 per cent of the island’s total landmass, Arikok National Park is home to a number of indigenous species of wildlife, flora and fauna, as well as historical caves, which feature ancient Indian paintings. For a truly unique experience, you can have a moon walking tour through the park once a month, when it is full moon.

Enjoy an Ariba Aruba at the famous Charlie’s Bar: Head to San Nicolas, Aruba’s second largest town, for one of Aruba’s oldest institutions. Charlie’s Bar is encrusted with all kinds of memorabilia since 1941, when it first opened its doors. Here, try an Ariba Aruba, the island’s best-known cocktail made with Coecoei (a crimson liquor unique to Aruba) – or quench your thirst with an icy bottle of Balashi, Aruba’s very own beer.

Get on an off-road Jeep adventure: Discover Aruba’s desert-like landscape tearing across rocky tracks and through cacti forests. Explore the ruins of 18th Century Spanish gold mines, admire the beautiful natural bridges, take in magnificent views – and after the dusty journey, cool down with a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Natural Pool.

Make a wish... In the north of the island you will find the surreal ‘wish-stone garden’, a stretch of coastline covered almost entirely by small piles of rocks. Legend (made up by a clever tour guide) has it that you can have as many wishes as rocks you can pile on each other – but if the tower falls down, your dreams disappear with it!

Sail away on a sunset cruise: Take Aruba’s most idyllic aspects and set sail with them, as you watch the pristine beaches skim by. Under the rays of the setting sun, lounge below by the open bar, enjoying tasty tropical snacks and assorted cool cocktails, or stay on deck, taking in a refreshing breeze and the sights along the shoreline.

Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment: Did you know that Aruba used to be the biggest exporter of aloe vera in the world? Aloe vera thrives in the island’s desert-like environment and is used extensively by a number of spas across the island. For the ultimate indulgence – and if you are lucky enough to be staying at the Renaissance Aruba – head to their private island for a luxury spa on the secluded Spa Cove.

Treat yourself to a moonlight dinner on the beach: It will not take long to find the right ambiance for a romantic dinner in Aruba… Built on a rustic pier and with only 11 tables, Pincho’s Grill and Bar is hovering over the ocean like a glowing lantern. Alternatively, stay on shore and sample exquisite dishes at Passions on the Beach, with the soft light of torches all around and sugary white sand between your toes.

Go for a quiet horseback ride: Aruba's topography offers a variety of exotic locations for adventurous visitors (and not only): from the challenging sand dunes to the desert-like plains that will make you feel like the star of your own western motion picture... Riding experience is not required, but suntan lotion is recommended!

Head for picture perfect views at the California Lighthouse: Although it is one of Aruba's most scenic trademarks, the story of the name behind the California Lighthouse is far than happy: it is said that it was named after a ship called the Californian, which had received distress signals from the Titanic as she went down in 1912. The radio operator was off-duty at that time and this small piece of bad karma perhaps sealed its fate, as it went down in rough seas off the Aruba coast a few years later.