8 Fun Facts about Aruba

Here are 8 Fun Facts about our beloved island of Aruba, that you may or may not already know.

1. Rainfall: 

Aruba receives only about 16 inches (400 mm) of rainfall annually, resulting in a desert-like landscape. On average, Aruba receives approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places in the world.

2. Eagle Beach Tops the Charts:

Eagle Beach ranks No. 1 in the Caribbean and No. 2 in the World, according to TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2023, as voted by travelers. This Beach is renowned for its soft white sand and turquoise waters.

3. The Arikok National Park:

This park covers nearly 20% of the island’s land area and features unique desert landscapes, caves, and indigenous flora and fauna.

4. Autonomous country:

Aruba became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on January 1, 1986. It is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands but has its own parliament and government.

5. First female Prime Minister of Aruba:

Evelyn Wever-Croes who took office in November 2017, making her the first woman to hold this position in the country’s history.

6. Natural Pool:

Aruba boasts a captivating Natural Pool, known locally as “Conchi.” This unique geological formation is a secluded pool of crystal-clear water surrounded by rugged volcanic rocks, providing an idyllic and adventurous spot for swimming and snorkeling, away from the usual beach scene.

7. Hurricane belt:

Aruba is known for its constant trade winds, which provide a pleasant breeze throughout the year. But the island is located outside the hurricane belt, making it the ideal destination during hurricane season.

8. Mount Hooiberg’s Geological Secret:

On the Mount Hooiberg, also known as Haystack Mountain, you can find a distinctive variety of quartz diorite, a type of granite found exclusively on the island of Aruba. Standing at a height of 547 feet, Mount Hooiberg beckons adventurers with its 562 concrete steps artfully carved into its side, offering a manageable climb.