WIN a holiday to Aruba!

Most Romantic things to do on Aruba – plus WIN a holiday!

The chances are you’ve heard of Aruba. A tiny Caribbean island with swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches and as many cocktails by the pool as you can manage. But did you know it also boasts an intriguing rugged interior where the landscape wouldn’t be out of place on the moon?

Located just off the coast of South America and not far from Curacao (together with Bonaire these islands are known as the Netherlands Antilles), Aruba is the perfect place for a honeymoon, or romantic holiday in the sun. It’s super easy to reach via Europe too, so even a long weekend isn’t beyond the realms of reason. The weather is gorgeous, the cuisine exotic and the colonial architecture colourful. The island is Dutch so there’s a distinct European feel, with a Latin vibe that gives Aruba its tropical atmosphere.

There’s so much to see and do on Aruba you’ll be forgiven for forgetting that it’s a relatively small island. You could stay for a couple of weeks, but if you only have a few days, here’s what we recommend you do.

Barefoot Beaches and Tropical Seas

Of course you can’t visit Aruba without spending time on some of the island’s beautiful beaches, which cover 9 miles of coastline and are everything a Caribbean beach should be! There’s also snorkelling over shipwrecks (where else can you do that in the world?), meeting the fish that live in the colourful coral reefs, and swimming in sheltered bays. Diving here is incredible too, and one dive site even includes a plane wreck! For those with energy to burn why not try stand up paddle boarding, water-skiing or parasailing. Yet maybe the best way to enjoy the shores of Aruba is to watch the sun go down whilst strolling along a secluded spot with your other half, does it get any more romantic than that?

Explore Arikok National Park

If you’re into hiking and want to explore a land unlike anywhere you’ve been before, then head to Arikok National Park, which covers a fifth of the island and has 29 miles of trails snaking through the rocky desert. Arikok is home to some unique wildlife, and you’ll see lots of the famous cacti. To avoid the heat of the day (it gets pretty hot here) make sure you head out early in the morning, and take plenty of water with you. Guided tours are available for those who want to find out more about the incredible scenery, and don’t forget to check out the caves and indigenous Indian paintings whilst you’re there. The most romantic walk has to be the “Full Moon hike”, which is done with an experienced naturalist, to show the national park in a rather unique light.

Off-Road Adventuring

Aruba is an amazing place to explore by quad bike (ATV), which gives you access to the wilder side of the island. Ride at your own pace with a qualified instructor through the rugged landscape, along the tropical shores and through colourful towns. There’s even a gold mine to explore. And if you’re a confident ATV driver, you can even explore independently. It’s a fun way to explore the outdoors a little differently, and you’ll cover a lot more ground than you would on a hike alone.

Cruise into the Sunset

Is there anything more romantic than going out sailing as the sun sets on another wonderful day in the Caribbean? In Aruba there are several sailing excursions, ranging form banana boats and pirate ships to dinghys and luxury catamarans. You can snorkel straight from the boats and have picnics and cocktails whilst sunbathing up on deck. Make sure you keep an eye out for dolphins! As night falls enjoy a sunset dinner cruise and plan the next day’s adventures.

Exotic Dining

Did you know that Aruba is one of the best foodie destinations in the Caribbean? There are over 250 restaurants to choose from on this small island, with everything from freshly caught seafood, straight from ocean to table, to curried goat. The diversity of the culture here is reflected in the food, so expect dishes from all over the world. The blend of Latin, African and Asian flavours is quite incredible, and not something you’ll find anywhere else! Favourites include red snapper with vibrant creole seasoning, Dutch pancakes, and even Argentinian steaks. Whether you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, or prefer to stick to old favourites, there’s something here for everyone.

Competition Time – WIN a holiday to Aruba

Does all this sound good?

Well you’re in luck, because Aruba Tourism are running an incredible competition. The prize is an amazing trip for two, including return flights, airport transfers and a 7-night stay (on a bed and breakfast basis) at the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. The winner will also enjoy a Palm Pleasure’s sunset sail on board a luxury catamaran with De Palm Tours.

Enter the Competition Here

Good luck!