Aruba

Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean, about 29 kilometres north of Venezuela, known for its near-constant sunshine, white-sand beaches and relaxed Dutch-Caribbean character. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it combines Caribbean warmth with European influences and draws leisure travellers and cruise visitors throughout the year.

Its capital, Oranjestad, features colourful Dutch colonial architecture, shopping streets, museums and the island's main port. North of the capital, the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach area forms the main hotel zone, while San Nicolas in the south is known for its street art and local culture.

Beyond the coast, Aruba surprises with a dry, cactus-dotted interior partly protected by Arikok National Park, which includes caves, limestone hills and the Natural Pool. Local culture blends Caquetío, Dutch and Caribbean influences, with Papiamento spoken alongside Dutch, English and Spanish, and events such as Carnival and food festivals marking the calendar.

Tourism is the backbone of the economy, supported by hotels, restaurants, water sports and cruise arrivals. The island also hosts conferences and destination weddings, and its stable, well-developed infrastructure makes it one of the most visited destinations in the Dutch Caribbean.

Queen Beatrix International Airport near Oranjestad connects Aruba with cities in North America, Latin America and Europe. A paved road network, public buses, taxis and private transport options make it easy to travel between the airport, hotel districts, beaches, business venues and attractions across the island.