Oranjestad, Aruba

Oranjestad, being the most populous of Aruba's regions, is home to a wide variety of dining options, drawing on cuisines from all over the world.

Of all the major Caribbean islands, Aruba is closest to mainland South America. In light of that fact, a number of South American regional cuisines have gained popularity in Aruba. At El Gaucho , Argentine culinary artistry is the name of the game.

Mexico is not too far away either, so Mexican food is easy to find in Aruba.

Of course, Aruba is an island so stunningly beautiful that proximity and convenience have little to do with folks' reasons for coming here. Europeans make that great trek across the Atlantic regularly, to frolic on the island's sunny shores. Similarly, European cuisine has made the trip here as well. Chez Mathilde is a prime example of this phenomenon, providing its patrons with a mouth-watering taste of French tradition.

While Europeans might feel at home at Chez Mathilde, Americans might fit right in at Scandals , a rustic bistro-style restaurant that recalls the Mediterranean influenced contemporary menus of California and New York.

If so much highfalutin globe hopping is more than you bargained for, Oranjestad is also populated by plenty of island-style casual-dining spots, full of happy people, exotic cocktails and familiar (but sometimes Aruba-fied) pub grub. Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant is a great place to sip drinks and scarf food outdoors in view of beautiful people and beautiful sunsets. Iguana Joe's Caribbean Bar & Grill offers a similar experience, this time indoors.

Beyond the Oranjestad city limits, lots more possibilities await:

Palm Beach

The Aruban fixation on the steakhouses of Argentina and Brazil is in full force in Palm Beach, Amazonia Churrascaria and Texas de Brazil Churrascaria being the leaders of the pack.

Continuing the international theme of dining in Aruba, Palm Beach is also home to Casa Tua , an inviting Italian joint trafficking in pizza, pasta and a host of traditional specialties not necessarily familiar to the average joe.

Also pushing the boundaries of familiarity is Aqua Grill , an internationally renowned contemporary seafood kitchen where you can order Asian-influenced dishes right alongside those of New England and Central America.

Like Oranjestad, Palm Beach has no shortage of less formal establishments–places where you can guzzle your beverage and cut loose. Fishes & More won't let you down (the "more" referring perhaps to their intoxicatingly lengthy menu of innovative cocktails). The Tortuga Bar & Grill is even looser, affording diners and drinkers the opportunity to eat and drink right on the beach, under the sun or the stars, watching the waves crash or the sun set.

Eagle Beach

The lingering remnants of European colonialism are still in evidence in Eagle Beach - in the best way possible. As was made clear, there are steakhouses aplenty in Aruba, but Manchebo is one that adheres strictly to French tradition.

Noord

This area is home to a trio of establishments that speaks to the astonishingly wide variety of clientele present on the island. Papiamento , located in an actual Aruban manor, will surely appeal to visitors seeking an authentic island experience. The cuisine at Ventanas del Mar is first rate, but the place is located on a golf course, so it clearly caters to a specific demographic.

San Nicolas

In San Nicolas, the culinary emphasis seems to be on leisure. Meals are not overwrought and fancy. Concepts are barely there. What you can count on is dependability and comfort. Breezy Brisas del Mar and the friendly Charlie's , are just a handful of perfectly pleasant cantinas.

Whether it's by land, sea, or air, there are plenty of fun and adventurous ways to experience this desert isle.

History Holiday

A trip to Aruba would not be complete without a visit to California Lighthouse , one of the Island's most famous landmarks. Located on the northern tip of Aruba, the site can be reached by car, horse or bike and is included in many of the guided tours offered on the island. Close by is Alto Vista Chapel , another popular tour stop situated on the hills just north of the town of Noord. Bushiribana Ruins are all that is left of the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company, and although its smelting days are long gone, visitors still enjoy exploring its crumbling remains. For those interested in history, the Aruba Historical Museum offers an interesting and informative look into the political past and establishment of the island, while the impressive coin collection of the Aruba Numismatic Museum tells the history of Arubia (and the rest of the world) from a different perspective. Another great museum is the Archaeological Museum of Aruba which features exhibits that highlight Aruba's interesting history.

Natural Wonders

Natural Bridge was one of the Caribbean's most famous and treasured landmarks until its collapse in 2005. Although no longer standing, it remains one of Aruba's most visited sites. Arikok National Park hosts a number of natural wonders including Quadiriki Caves , where visitors venture down dark passageways and chambers full of bats, cave paintings, and interesting coral formations. The Natural Pool , also known as the "Cura di Tortuga," is a beautiful and secluded pool and rock cliffs. Enjoy nature and go for a swim, with perhaps an adventurous dive into the pool.

Wildlife Weekend

Although the birds are not native to the island, Aruba Ostrich Farm offers an entertaining look at (and taste of) these prehistoric creatures. Take a short guided tour then stay and sample the best of Ostrich cuisine at their Savannah style cookout. Another non-native animal, the Donkey, now roams freely on the island although it once played a key role in Arubian society. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba rehabilitates sick and injured donkeys, giving visitors the opportunity to interact with and learn about the animals. The Butterfly Farm is fun for young and old, offering informative 20-30 minute tours and housing dozens of species from all over the world.