Aruba has many attractions that are definitely worth a visit!
Gold mines from Bushiribana. Aruba owes its name to the legend that wanted to find oro ruba (Spanish for ‘red gold’) on the island. Red gold was never found, but yellow gold, in 1824 to be exact. Now only relics, but at the time accounted for more than 3 million pounds of gold.
The Natural Pool is certainly also an attraction. Along the rocky north coast of the island is an isolated piece of sea protected by rocks. Because of the high waves breaking against the rocks, the Natural Pool is filled with water directly from the sea. The Natural Pool can only be reached with a good Jeep or on horseback.
Another attraction is the Alto Vista Chapel. The location for the chapel is at least remarkable: a more than 70 meters high limestone hill on the rugged north coast. They were Indians who laid the first foundations for the church, after which it underwent various metamorphoses over the years. Nowadays, the building with its characteristic yellow chapel is more beautiful than ever and is known as the pilgrimage chapel. You reach the place of peace and meditation via a winding road, which is flanked by white crosses as a symbol of the Way of the Cross. The view from the hill is definitely worth it.
The Ayo Rock Formations is one of the biggest mysteries of Aruba, once the home of the original islanders, the Arawak Indians. As if some magic force ever stacked the rocks in this otherwise sandy environment. To this day, scientists must remain indebted.
Once in the caves of Aruba there is little imagination necessary to imagine that these were once the hiding place for pirates. There are several. There is the sacred Lourdes cave in Seroe Pretu near San Nicolas. Anyone who dares, enters the Guadirikiri cave, where two sunlight-acclaimed rooms are responsible for one of the most photogenic places in Aruba. The small fifty-meter-long tunnel here is also the domain of hundreds of bats. The most popular cave, however, is the Fountain, because of the rock drawings of the Arowak Indians, the earliest inhabitants of the island.
Fort Zoutman is also well worth a visit. In ancient times people never knew which threat could emerge from the sea. As a defense, the Arubans built Fort Zoutman in 1796. The fortress – the oldest building in Aruba – was joined by the William III Tower in 1868 and after a thorough restoration in 1974 also housed the Historical Museum.
The Hooiberg on Aruba is a popular attraction because of the phenomenal view. If you want to enjoy the view, you must first defy the 562 concrete steps. The hill is located in the middle of the island and about 10 minutes drive from Caya Luna Apartments and can be seen from virtually anywhere on Aruba. On a clear day you can see Venezuela from the top of the Hooiberg.
California Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the island and is located on the northwestern tip of the island. The lighthouse is named after the steamship California, which sank on the 23rd September 1891. The lighthouse is built of stone and has a height of 30 meters. From the spot where the lighthouse is located you have a beautiful view. Next to the lighthouse is the restaurant La Trattoria el Faro Blanco located in the old lighthouse keeper’s house.