Experience a natural high in the island paradise of Aruba
Plenty of people agree too: this palm-dotted four-mile-long stretch of sand is the No 1 beach in the Caribbean according to TripAdvisor users. But it's just one small corner of an island that is brimming with breathtaking landscapes – from beautiful swathes of sand and safe swimming spots to fascinating inland landscapes, where you'll find cacti, caves and unforgettable vistas.
So where should you begin? Eagle Beach is just one of dozens of beaches in Aruba that are worthy of the top spot on any lists of the best beaches. Baby Beach, on the southern tip of the island, is another. The half-moon shaped bay is perfect postcard fodder – the palms trees provide the perfect place for relaxing in the shade and its dazzling white sand and neon-turquoise water are safe and shallow for children, yet deep enough for a cooling dip or long float on your back soaking up the rays.
You may prefer to spend sleepy sun-kissed days on the shore, but if you're more interested in seeing what's in the water then you're in the right place. The clean, calm waters of Aruba are teeming with marine life, making it a hotspot for casual snorkelling sessions along the pristine shores of Boca Catalina or Arashi Beach, or longer scuba diving adventures in deeper water. Around the island are several dive sites that make the perfect habitat for larger fish species, while the colourful coral reef of the coast and coves is the place to spot sapphire-blue damselfish and turquoise parrot fish. There are plenty of other ways to appreciate the water – whether taking a leisurely stand-up paddleboarding session, skimming along the shoreline or simply floating in the water taking in the view of the coast.
You may prefer to hop in a kayak, paddling over pristine water or through the peaceful mangroves, learning about the fascinating ecosystem of the skeleton-like trees. Aruba's commitment to responsible tourism means that the water and beaches are meticulously maintained, with thought always given to the environmental impact on the island and the surrounding reefs.
Inland, Aruba is ripe for exploration, and the best place to take in the breathtaking landscapes is Arikok National Park, a protected nature area that covers around 20 per cent of the island. It's here that you'll find head-clearing hiking trails and huge caves such as Quadirikiri, a vast space where light streams through the roof and bats hang out in the shadows. At Fontein Cave you can see ancient drawings and art across the ceilings, giving a sense of the centuries of history the island holds.
Aruba is a place of exceptional natural beauty, thanks to the many considerate visitors it attracts, who respect the environment and wildlife to help preserve it for future generations. You may choose to take in this spectacular scenery of Aruba on foot, hiking to the top of Hooiberg mountain for far-reaching island views, past sand dunes and rocks to the sea-edge California Lighthouse; soaking up the heart-stopping scenery of the secluded shores of Mangel Halto; or a three-hour round-trip route to the natural pool at Conchi for a refreshing swim in the sea water. Add a stroll to the secluded bays of Moro, Boca Prins and Dos Playa to your list – three more of the many must-see beaches.
There's a lot to see so a scenic open-air 4x4 jeep tour could be your best bet. It's something that every age adores and provides the perfect introduction to the island, with fun facts and fascinating intel shared as you take in the surrounding landscape, stopping off for a swim and some photo opportunities.
For accommodation that's equally photogenic, and really makes the most of the natural setting, you'll have your pick of hotels. Take Aruba Ocean Villas, where luxury over-water villas are crafted using eco-conscious materials that prioritise the delicate balance of the natural environment – the perfect hotel in a destination that's committed to responsible tourism. Palm-leaf roofs, bespoke hardwood bathtubs, private seawater pools (although you may choose to slide into the sea directly from your private deck) and even in-villa tiki bars all feature. The beach bungalows are nothing short of charming, with canopy beds draped in floaty white muslin fabric, bamboo walls and freestanding tubs.
The Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort is another resort that has something for everyone. It has access to a private island, as well as a choice of adult-only and family-friendly hotels. Cabanas sit on the water's edge, hammocks swing in the breeze and the turquoise waves lap at your toes as the sun sets on the horizon – just one of the many scenes that proves that Aruba is pure paradise. Wherever you choose to stay, you'll find that Aruba is a hospitable island where every type of visitor is warmly welcomed, whether travelling as a family, solo or a couple.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The picture perfect village dubbed 'Venice of the Cotswolds' under siege by day-trippers who gridlock the streets and make locals' lives 'hell'
It's known as 'Venice of the Cotswolds' due to the winding river flowing through its picturesque village centre. But Bourton-on-the-Water has more in common with the Italian city than just its name as it is also heaving with tourists - much to the dismay of permanent residents. Its small population of around 3,500 people is unmatched by the hundreds of thousands of tourists who flock to its riverside every year. The influx of visitors is partly driven by so-called influencers promoting the village as a perfect day trip destination away from big cities such as London on social media. Footage posted on TikTok shows the grass verges on either side of River Windrush completely flooded with tourists snapping photos or sitting down to enjoy a picnic. Holidaymakers are also seen pushing their prams along the water, while others have to wait in line for a spot to sit down and enjoy the view. An annual duck race on July 20 completely packed out the area as people gathered to watch the yellow plastic animals get carried along with the current. The event, which attracts locals and tourists, also featured a Tombola and 'Play Your Cards Right' and was advertised on the North Cotswolds Rotary. Children and adults were filmed splashing about in the shallow stream in footage posted on TikTok to show off the 'beautiful English village'. But in reaction to the video, one person replied: 'Yes a beautiful English village ruined by marauding tourists.' Under a different clip showing similar scenes of the village, someone penned: 'Overrun and ruined by tourists. What used to be a quiet, tranquil little village is now ruined by social media.' A third added: 'I feel so sorry for the residents.' July and August are understood to be the busiest months in the village, with weekends and bank holidays particularly crowded. In January, Bourton-on-the-Water was voted the 17th top staycation destination in the country, just behind Torquay, Harrogate and Newquay. A poll, of 2,000 adults revealed where people most want to go for a 48-hour getaway in 2025, with York, Edinburgh, Bath, Oxford, Isle of Skye, and Brighton proving popular. Other destinations ranked highly were Windermere, Whitby, and Bournemouth. Bourton-on-the-Water is not the only Cotswolds area being blighted by tourists - as people living in Bibury, Gloucestershire, say it has become increasingly inundated with visitors. Bibury is one of the many quaint British villages under siege from tourists all year, particularly over Bank Holidays and the summer holidays, where coach loads of visitors arrive and frustrate residents. After Bibury villagers called for action and formed a working group that included councillors and the police, Gloucestershire County Council in March announced plans to tackle the problem. Coaches could, in the long term, be banned from stopping and parking in the village although less drastic measures would be adopted initially, the council said. Long-term recommendations include looking into prohibiting coaches from stopping and parking in Bibury completely and improving signs to direct them away from its narrow lanes. The group wants to see if there might be areas outside of the village where coaches could park. It also wants to encourage tourists to use other ways of visiting Bibury, such as walking, cycling, using public transport or minibuses. Councillor Stephen Davies, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said previously: 'We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Bibury residents and visitors. 'The proposed measures will help manage traffic more effectively and enhance the overall experience for everyone. 'We appreciate the community's support and cooperation as we implement these changes. 'We also understand that these proposals may not be popular with coach operators, however we are determined to work to find a solution for coach tourists to be able to visit Bibury but this will take time. 'Therefore, we have attempted to find compromise solutions that offer outcomes which continue to welcome visitors in a managed way, whilst also addressing safety and congestion concerns of the village.'
Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Telegraph
Portofino banned tourists from picnics, going barefoot or lying down. I found the rulebreakers
Sailboats bob gently in the water, overwhelmed by the massive superyachts squeezed in beside them. The early morning sun is already bouncing off the pastel-coloured buildings that frame the charming horseshoe-shaped bay. An Italian flag flutters above my head and church bells toll from a hidden location. It's just gone 8am and there's barely a tourist in sight in the main piazza of Portofino as I take a sip of my first cappuccino of the day with a spectacular view of the water. The tranquillity tastes nearly as good as the coffee. But it won't last. Portofino has been transformed from a sleepy fishing village into the biggest drawcard on the Italian Riviera. Once an exclusive playground for the world's rich and famous, it now attracts thousands of day-trippers and Instagrammers who pour through its piazza and cram its narrow alleys in the summer season. Today, the temperatures are steamy when the cruise ship passengers start spilling out on to the wharf and racing to the gelaterias for their first ice cream of the day. Some of the tourists kick off their shoes and dip their feet in the bay, others stroll around in their bathing costumes or strip off their shirts altogether. But in doing so, they are breaking Portofino's anti-tourist rules. Under its tight restrictions, picnics are also banned, and dogs must be kept on a leash. And sitting on a bench with a beer in your hand or taking an afternoon snooze in the wrong place might also cost you. Yet most visitors have no idea they are liable for fines from €25 (£22) to €500 (£435) for violating the strict new laws, which were recently approved by the local council. Portofino's mayor, Matteo Viacava, has banned bad behaviour in a bid to restore decorum to one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It has a weighty reputation to uphold. Over the years, Portofino has welcomed Hollywood A-listers from Charlie Chaplin and Ava Gardner to VIPs such as Princess Grace of Monaco, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Winston Churchill. In recent years, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Madonna have holidayed here, and the quaint town's luxury boutiques and designer stores are testament to the well-heeled clientele it continues to attract. Perhaps that's why poor behaviour can no longer be tolerated by the town's 350 permanent residents – unless you are lodging in a five-star hotel or on a private yacht of your own. But while I find one sign banning bare chests and bathing suits, there is no signage advising tourists of the entire list of the new restrictions, and no one in uniform seems to be patrolling the alleys or the pristine piazza enforcing the new rules. On top of that, the mayor is not available for comment and not responding to my calls ('He spoke to the press a few weeks earlier and has nothing further to say,' a council employee tells me). The chief of police is also away from the office during my visit. If anyone is curious about checking the finer details, it takes quite a bit of research to find the new ordinance on the council website. When I ask for help, one council employee tells me he can't find it either. Finally, I root it out… and, of course, it is in Italian. There's no clarity on which misdemeanour warrants a mere €25 fine and which will see you slapped with a €500 one. Back in the piazza, Danny, Harry and Otis have just landed from Huddersfield, and have immediately stripped off their shirts to soak up the sun. The bare-chested 20-year-olds are taken aback when I tell them the move could cost them a few hundred euros if they're caught. 'We got a few funny looks, we didn't know that,' says Danny, a maths student at Leeds University. 'I don't think I could even afford that,' he adds with a grin. Nicole, a 22-year-old cruise ship passenger from St Louis, Missouri, is also surprised she could be fined for taking off her shoes and putting her feet in the shallows. 'I am not interested in a fine,' says Nicole, as she rubs the sand off her feet. 'I think we need to cut this short and put our shoes on,' says her now-panicked mother, Julie. The following morning, local police are spotted patrolling the streets and stopping for coffee, but there is no indication of whether they intend to fine any of the tourists for flouting the rules. 'I am not authorised to speak to you,' one police officer tells me. 'But are you issuing any fines?' I ask. 'You have to go to the town hall. I can't say anything.' Outside Gepi, one of Portofino's most popular gelaterias, tourists are lining up for their favourite flavours, which are sold at a premium. In keeping with the mayor's sentiment, local residents have taken the initiative and placed their own signs saying 'Do not sit here' to deter ice-cream lovers from any errant licks or loitering. 'They were put here by my neighbours because they are annoyed by the mass influx of people,' says 29-year-old Gianluigi Mariotto Rocca, who opens the doors of his ice-cream parlour from 7am to midnight in the summer. He's unapologetic about the enthusiastic ice cream lovers. 'I sell gelato, I don't sell big-name designer brands. There are a lot of people so there's plenty of business.' Mariotto Rocca thinks the council is doing a good job representing the best interests of Portofino and insists bad behaviour is not confined to the tourists who visit the town. 'They're everywhere. It has nothing to do with the tourists here. There are badly behaved people all over the world. It's not just here.' As the sun goes down, the day trippers return to their cruise ships docked in Portofino Bay, the streets empty out and the town recaptures its quiet equilibrium and timeless elegance. Cocktails are being served at the Splendido Mare Hotel overlooking the square and the superyachts have switched on their lights. The aroma of fresh fish and garlic wafts across the alleys from the windows of the restaurants in silent anticipation of their guests. Michela Nicosia, the manager of the Splendido Mare, has worked in Portofino for 30 years and insists the town has lost none of its charm. And no amount of restrictions is going to stop tourists from making the most of their experience. 'Portofino is special during the day, but when you see the VIPs coming down from their mega yachts in the evening, you can still feel la dolce vita because at the end of the day, this is la dolce vita. This is what people are here for.'
Scotsman
10 hours ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh tourist attraction Camera Obscura wins TripAdvisor award after more than 11,000 5-star reviews
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has been awarded a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award for 2025, after receiving more than 11,000 five-star reviews. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Travellers' Choice award celebrates businesses that have received great reviews from visitors around the globe over the last 12 months. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences, and to reach 11,000 five-star reviews alongside the award is a huge achievement. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh Andrew Johnson, general manager at the Castlehill attraction, said: 'We're absolutely delighted to receive a Travellers' Choice Award. Every single review on TripAdvisor is read and responded to and our visitors' feedback really matters to us. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We regularly adapt what we do based on these comments, and we believe that's a big part of why more than 11,000 of our guests have rated us a five-star attraction. 'It's a brilliant reflection of the fun, interactive, and memorable experiences we strive to deliver every day.' Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a 5-star VisitScotland rated visitor attraction in the heart of Edinburgh at the top of the Royal Mile in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle, and last year it was the eighth most visited paid attraction in Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Housed in an historic building, it offers visitors the chance to get hands-on with over 100 interactive illusion exhibits and see a demonstration of the 172-year-old Camera Obscura and outstanding panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace.
