When you think of Aruba, there’s a good chance that stunning shorelines, towering palm trees, and endless days on the waves come to mind. While this would be an accurate vision of what could be when you head this way, Aruba is also a vacation destination rich in stories of the past, making it a great place for history buffs to come and get their fill. When you’re excited to spend three days of history-focused fun in Aruba, the following itinerary has you covered for plenty of Aruba history.
Day 1
The first day of your historic journey to Aruba begins after breakfast in your Casiola Aruba vacation rental. You’ll head straight to Oranjestad which is the capital of the island and a hub brimming over with fantastic shopping, dining, and of course, historic architecture too. As you stroll through the city, you’ll encounter stunning and fully renovated landmark buildings featuring a Dutch Colonial style that’s truly impressive. Don’t miss out on walking by the Stadhuis which hosts City Hall or Fort Zoutman which is the oldest building in the area and dates back to 1798.
Moisturize in Historic Luxury
After lunch on your Aruba trip, you’ll make your way to Aruba’s Aloe Vera Farm and learn more about how this healing plant has become the island’s primary export product over time. It was introduced to Aruba in 1840 and today, covers two-thirds of the landscape. When you take a tour of the farm, you’ll have a chance to learn about the plant’s history and influence while also checking out the gift store for a great keepsake.
Adventure Through Aruba History Underwater
By late afternoon, you’ll want your dive gear on as you set out to explore an amazing historic stop below the waves. Diving the SS Antilla Reck from 1940 off the coast of Aruba is a must for those who love to pursue the past and have a passion for military history in particular. Seeing the wreck is unforgettable but so are the colorful collections of tropical fish that inhabit it today as well.
Day 2
The second day of your historic journey to Aruba takes you to the Bushiribana Gold Mill. Here, history uniquely comes to life as visitors are invited to stroll among the old stone ruins of a place that once played a pivotal role in the island’s economy during the gold rush. If you’d like, you can pair your sightseeing here with a horse trail ride along the nearby paths—giving you a feel of what it would have been like to live and work in the area in eras past.
Take in a Historic View
Once you’ve refueled with a delicious lunch, make your way to the Alto Vista Chapel near Noord. This charming yellow chapel was the first Catholic church built in Aruba and today, still mesmerizes visitors from its hilltop vantage point. It’s easy to spot thanks to its yellow face and it can be toured through 7:00 pm each evening.
Enjoy the Grotto
Your last historic stop of the day takes you to Aruba’s Lourdes Grotto. Built in 1958, the grotto pairs unique rock formations and crystals with statues in tribute to the Virgin Mary. It’s an amazing place to settle in and spend an hour or two observing the details.
Day 3
The final day of your Aruba history journey begins at Arikok National Park. Covering over 20 percent of Aruba’s terrain, Arikok National Park is a place where you can easily connect with the island’s natural history in abundance. Make time to enjoy wildlife watching during your visit as the park is home to everything from colorful parakeets and Aruban cat eye snakes to whiptail lizards too. The park’s beaches are inviting and have graced the island for centuries while time at the Natural Pool offers up a reflection of how the landscape changes daily. This is a historic stop on the island you’ll want to be sure to have your camera ready for.
More Historic Wildlife Connections
Next up is a stop at the Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba. This is a unique way to connect with the island’s past as the sanctuary cares for the only remaining donkey herd on the island. There’s no charge to visit, but donations go back to caring for these incredible creatures who played an important role in Aruba’s development. Donkeys were first used to transport materials and workers across the island during times of economic and structural growth. Once cars came around, the donkeys were set free into the wild, but their numbers quickly dwindled. Concerned residents took action in 1970 creating the Donkey Sanctuary for the remaining herd and the destination has been open to visitors ever since.
Capture the View
Make a trip to the historic California Lighthouse your final stop on the last day of your historic journey. Situated at the northern end of the island, this lighthouse has long guided ships to shore and proves to be a meaningful photo opportunity stop too. If you climb to the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views that have been dazzling viewers for eras on end.
Book Your Aruba Getaway in Comfort and Style Today
When you’re ready to turn Aruba travel plans into reality, Casiola Aruba is here to make sure you have the accommodations to match. Take time to browse our options online today and know that we can’t wait to see you on the island soon!
