• Oranjestad

Aruba

Aruba's natural attractions are unique for a caribbean island. You'll find historic gold mills, unusual megalithic rock formations, bird sanctuaries, and much more, Select the "Attractions" menu above for a complete listing of the places you can visit.
CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSE ("Hudishibana") The old stone California lighthouse is within sight of the Tierra del Sol golf course and is popularly named for the off-shore wreck of the famous ship, "California." Perched on a high seaside elevation, the lighthouse has become one of Aruba’s scenic trademarks and offers a picture perfect view of the island's western coastline of sandy beaches. There is a restaurant nearby that offers refreshments by day and fine dining at night. The isolated northwestern tip of the island is known as "Hudishibana" and features some of the island's most spectacular scenery characterized by large rolling sand dunes and rocky coral shorelines.
CHURCHES The picturesque Chapel of Alto Vista, the first chapel of Aruba, exudes tranquility on its dramatic setting above the sea. The chapel was built by the Indians and Spanish and is often referred to as the Pilgrim's Church. QTVR The bright yellow chapel is reached by a winding road lined with white crosses marking the stations of the cross. For local Arubans especially, it is a special place for peace and contemplation.
CAVES Colorful tales of pirates and buried treasure have a long tradition of being circulated by the locals of Aruba. The island's name of Aruba means "red gold" in Spanish, and exploring the caves along the southeast coast can be a swashbuckling experience in getting a feel for Aruba's golden history. The Guadirikiri Cave (QTVR) is famous for its two chambers where sunlight shines through and is the perfect backdrop for unique pictures. Be adventurous and dare to go down the 100 foot long tunnel, home of hundreds of harmless bats. Although its exact history is not known with any certainty, caves like this one are said to have been the hiding places of pirates! The Fontein Cave (QTVR) is the most popular of the caves as it is the only one that has the drawings of Arawak Indians on the ceilings, providing a real sense of island history to this cave. The Huliba Cave is also known as the Tunnel of Love because of the heart shaped opening at its entrance. You will need flashlights to explore the 300 foot long passage way.