Aruba is a Caribbean island that is a popular destination for romantic holidays, and it has plenty to offer that makes for a special kind of experience you won't find elsewhere. You and your partner can enjoy unrivalled relaxation or thrilling adventures here.
While Aruba may be relatively small, you'll find a large variety of exciting things to do and see, from obvious points of interest like beaches and restaurants to more unusual spots like animal farms and historical sites. Plan the ultimate romantic trip with the 10 best things to do for couples in Aruba.
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California Beach
Find an oasis of tranquility
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California Beach, or the California Dunes, is home to a landscape of soft textures that let you relax and get away from the crowds while taking in stunning sights. Amongst the dunes, you'll find white sands along with the gentle greens and browns of aloes and cactuses scattered about.
When you visit this beach, you and your partner can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city at a spot where even locals and other travellers rarely visit en masse. Just keep in mind that these dunes must be explored on foot, as all vehicles are prohibited. You'll find them in Arasji on the northern tip of the island.
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Arikok National Park
Explore the island's largest park
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Arikok National Park is packed full of adventures that you and your partner can enjoy, with hiking trails, historical sites, and extensive native plants and animals. It encompasses 7,907 acres in total, so you can easily find yourself spending the entire day here seeing how many animal species you can spot.
If you're more interested in human history, be sure to check out the park's cave systems. Inside, you'll find petroglyphs and drawings from natives that offer valuable insight into their history. See it all for yourself southeast of Santa Cruz.
Locatie: San Fuego 70, Santa Cruz, Aruba
Openingstijden: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Telefoonnummer: +297 585 1234
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Aruba Ostrich Farm
Meet ostriches and emus
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The Aruba Ostrich Farm is a fascinating animal farm that's home to massive flightless birds that you can get up close and personal with. Both ostriches and emus make their home here, and you can learn all about their instincts and mannerisms from knowledgeable staff.
The birds at this farm are remarkably friendly, so you can safely interact with them directly. You can even feed them if you like. Don't forget to check out the farm's photographer if you're looking to capture a record of this experience to keep forever. You'll find this farm near the eastern coast of the island around Matividiri.
Locatie: Matividiri 57, Paradera, Aruba
Openingstijden: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Telefoonnummer: +297 585 9630
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Bugaloe Beach Bar
Immerse yourself in the Caribbean atmosphere
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Bugaloe Beach Bar is a Caribbean establishment where you can enjoy satisfying drinks as well as karaoke experiences on certain nights. At night you'll find cold cocktails and plenty of beer available on the menu, but you can also visit earlier in the day for some coffee and fruit smoothies.
Music always plays a big role at this bar, but it's especially important on Wednesday and Saturday nights when karaoke is available. The waiters themselves tend to sing a bit during happy hour every night. This bar is in the Palm Beach area on the western coast.
Locatie: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, Noord, Aruba
Openingstijden: Daily from noon to 10 pm
Telefoonnummer: +297 586 1000
Kaartfoto door TravelingOtter (CC BY-SA 2.0) bewerkt
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De Palm Island
Relax in an island paradise
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De Palm Island is one of the most popular spots for couples to visit on the island thanks to its relaxing beaches and spa services coupled with fun adventures. The white-sand beach is perfect whether you're looking to simply relax onshore or swim around in the waters. Premier relaxation can be found with the massage and spa services.
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you may want to try out the local banana boat rides. The water around this island is notably clear, so snorkelling is a popular activity as well. You can explore it all for yourself on the island just off the coast of Aruba's western shore south of Oranjestad.
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California Lighthouse
Take in picturesque views
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The California Lighthouse offers one of the most unique viewpoints on the island where you and your partner can take in the sights from a historic tower. At the top of this lighthouse, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the top of the tower that you're welcome to climb up to.
The lighthouse dates back to 1910, so you'll be standing in a historical monument when you visit. While it's open virtually all day long, you might get the most out of your visit if you stop by during sunset. You'll find it all in Arasji on the island's northern side.
Locatie: Hudishibana 2, Noord, Aruba
Openingstijden: Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Wednesday from 9.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm
Telefoonnummer: +297 699 0995
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Flamingo Beach
Visit a beach on a private island
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Flamingo Beach is a welcoming beach on Renaissance Island where you'll find a local population of friendly pink flamingos roaming the white sands. You and your partner can relax at this charming beach as the flamingos walk around nearby with their pink feathers offering a picturesque contrast with the white sand and blue waters.
When you visit this beach, you'll have the opportunity to feed the flamingos if you like. They're remarkably friendly and very used to interacting with people. Just make sure you schedule your visit in advance, as space here is limited. You'll find this island beach just off the western coast near Camacuri.
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Spa del Sol
Enjoy a Balinese-style spa
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Spa del Sol is a stunning Balinese-style spa that lets you and your partner relax with a variety of treatments in a picturesque setting. Balinese spas are designed to let guests relax amongst welcoming, nature-inspired environments with options for massages, skin-care treatments, and mani-pedis.
When you visit this spa, you'll find refreshing open-air environments where you can take in the crisp sea air and teakwood furnishings. There's even a steam room and whirlpool on-site to enjoy. You can get to this spa by heading towards the westernmost point of Aruba.
Locatie: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 55, Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, Aruba
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Red Sail Sports - Sunset Sail
Take a boat tour
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Red Sail Sports - Sunset Sail is a stunning boat tour that not only shows off the local natural attractions and sunset, but it also lets you explore on your own. The boat tour is relaxing and comes with a comprehensive menu that lets you enjoy sweet treats, local delicacies, pasta, and salad.
During certain parts of the tour, you'll be free to depart the boat and enjoy a bit of snorkelling to explore local shipwrecks and colourful marine life. You'll find this tour available on the western coast of the island near Palm Beach.
Telefoonnummer: +297 523 1600
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Papiamento Restaurant
Eat at an upscale restaurant
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Papiamento Restaurant is a high-end restaurant located in an Aruban manor that lets you enjoy delicious fresh meats and seafood that combine Caribbean and Dutch tastes. The house is 175 years old, so you'll find yourself within a piece of history as well.
On the menu, you'll find an array of upscale options including keshi yena, which is a stuffed Gouda cheese, oyster soup, mahi-mahi, tenderloin, and Caribbean shrimp. You can try it for yourself in the Washington area in Noord.
Locatie: Washington 61, Noord, Aruba
Openingstijden: Monday–Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefoonnummer: +297 586 4544
Kaartfoto door Christina Leigh Morgan (CC BY 2.0) bewerkt