You’ve just arrived at the world-renowned JOIA Aruba resort and you’re looking to explore the island and its many attractions.
The good news is that Aruba has tons of stuff to do and the resort is a great place to kickstart your island adventure!
In this blog post, we’ll talk about all the great places you can check out during your stay in JOIA Aruba.
Aruba: One of the Caribbean’s Crown Jewels
Despite being just 70 square miles in size, Aruba boasts some of the most beautiful white sand beaches and most stunning turquoise waters in the world! With a population of just over 106,000, this is a small island nation, but it has more to offer than meets the eye.
1. Explore Oranjestad
After you’ve settled into your suite, it’s time to go out and explore the island’s many wonders, the first of which should be the capital, Oranjestad. This city is a hub for Aruban culture, offering local boutiques, Dutch architecture, art galleries, and a selection of cafes for coffee lovers.
While you’re in the capital city, don’t forget to visit the famous Renaissance Marketplace. This is a massive open-air marketplace that has dozens of unique stores and restaurants.
Now, if you want to learn more about Aruba’s rich history, you should check out the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba. This museum houses artifacts that showcase the island’s Arawak heritage, as well as those from the colonial period.
Also, don’t forget to take a look at the museum’s collection of ancient petroglyphs, some of which are nearly 2,500 years old! These are rock carvings that tell stories of the island’s earliest inhabitants.
2. Hike at Arikok National Park
If you’re planning on getting out of your comfort zone in your suite and doing something a bit more adventurous, head over to Arikok National Park.
This national park is huge, covering about 20% of the island itself and unlike the rest of the island, the park has a more rugged and rocky terrain—a stark contrast to Aruba’s tropical aesthetic!
If you love offroading, you’ll be happy to know that you can explore the park on a UTV or any four-wheel drive vehicle. The park also has some stunning rock formations, like the Ayo rock formations, and three publicly accessible caves that you can explore.
Also, if you’re looking to take a dip, check out the pool of Conchi—a natural post carved out of volcanic rock. That’s not all, Arikok National Park is also home to many animal species, including the country’s national bird—the adorable Aruban burrowing owl!
3. Dive Into the Gorgeous Waters
Aruba has some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world and it boasts a myriad of marine life, such as tropical fish and sea turtles.
This makes Aruba an amazing place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, you can explore the Antilla, which is a 400-foot German freighter that sank near Aruba during the Second World War.
4. Chill at Eagle Beach
If you’re staying at JOIA Aruba, you’ll want to go down to Eagle Beach, which is ranked as one of the best beaches in the world! The beach has calm waves, and palm trees that provide ample shade and you can also get beachside massages.
It also offers several designated swim zones and you can enjoy boat rides and a selection of water activities like jet skiing and snorkeling. The powdery white sandy beaches and the crystal-clear waters offer a gorgeous backdrop for family and couple photos.
5. Observe Local Street Art
If you’re an art lover, Aruba has a lot of beautiful street art to offer, especially in the city of San Nicolas. The city features giant, colorful murals showcasing images of marine life and more, all created by local and international artists from countries as far as Portugal!
You can also find a few art workshops in the city where you too will be able to leave behind your creative mark. Also, you can browse for local art supplies at San Nicolas’s many artisanal stores.
6. Savor the Local Delicacies
No trip to Aruba would be complete without trying out some of the local delicacies.
JOIA Aruba offers 3 world-class restaurants but you could also try some of the local eateries in Oranjestad, where you can find a selection of Aruban, Dutch, and Latin American flavors.
Also, make sure to sample some local dishes, like keshi yena, fried plantain, sopi mondongo, and cabrito stoba. Don’t forget to wash it all down with Aruba’s most popular brew, Balashi beer!
7. Discover What JOIA Aruba Has to Offer
You won’t even have to leave the resort—there’s so much you can do and see here; from 3 restaurants and 5 bars, where you can enjoy all kinds of local and international cuisine and delicious drinks to spas with a variety of treatments and even a golf course just a hop and skip away.
Also, since the resort is located right on Eagle Beach, you’ll have beach access all the time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions from our customers:
1. Do I need a visa to visit Aruba?
Most visitors, including those from the US, Canada, and EU countries, do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days.
2. Do I need to rent a car in Aruba?
Renting a car is recommended if you want to explore the island at your own pace, but taxis and public transportation are also available
3. Are there any cultural events or festivals in Aruba?
Yes, Aruba hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Carnival, the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, and the Aruba International Film Festival.
JOIA Aruba—a great place to start your island adventure
Aruba is an amazing island nation with a unique culture and immense natural beauty. With a reputable resort as a place to go back to after your island adventures, you can make the best out of your vacation and make some unforgettable memories!
So if you’re looking to go on an amazing adventure, find a great deal today!