Experience a natural high in the island paradise of Aruba

Telegraph

24-06-2025

When you consider where the best beaches in the world may be, the Caribbean is likely to be one of the first places that come to mind. But if you're looking for the very best beach in the Caribbean – the one with powder-soft sands and gentle waves in vibrant aquamarine hues – that would be Eagle Beach on Aruba, a small island in the southern Caribbean sea.
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.