Cheap holiday Aruba

When is the best time to go?

Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt and has sunshine and little rain virtually year-round: average 28 to 30 degrees with constant trade winds that keep things pleasantly cool and keep mosquitoes away. December to April is the driest high season with higher hotel prices. June and August are quieter with lower rates and almost as much sun. The rainy months September and October see a maximum of 8 rainy days per month, with rain mainly falling at night. Note: from 2026 a mandatory sustainability fee of $20 per person applies (paid on the digital entry form).

The best areas in Aruba

• Palm Beach The tourist centre of Aruba: high-rise all-inclusive hotels on the beach, watersports, restaurants and bars. Lively and fully equipped but busier than Eagle Beach.
• Eagle Beach Aruba's finest beach (TripAdvisor top-3 Caribbean Beaches 2026): long, wide white sand with the iconic fofoti trees. Quieter and more spacious than Palm Beach. Recommended for couples and families.
• Oranjestad (capital) Colourful Dutch Colonial architecture along the waterfront, museums, shops and restaurants. Historic facades along Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard.
• San Nicolas Aruba's second city, known as the art capital: colourful murals and street art. Authentic and non-touristy.
• Savaneta Aruba's oldest settlement on the quiet south coast: authentic island life, fishing houses and few tourists.

Top 5 things to do in Aruba

• Eagle Beach The most acclaimed beach: white sand, turquoise water and iconic fofoti trees. All beaches in Aruba are public and free.
• Arikok National Park Nearly 20 per cent of the island: rugged interior with cacti, caves (Quadirikiri Cave with daylight openings) and the Natural Pool (Conchi), accessible by 4x4. Entry $15 per person.
• California Lighthouse Northwestern tip of the island with spectacular views over rugged coastline and turquoise sea. Exterior free to visit.
• Antilla Shipwreck The largest shipwreck in the Caribbean (WWII German freighter). Accessible by snorkel tour (around €60-75) or dive tour (around €110-120).
• Baby Beach Shallow lagoon-like bay in the southeast, ideal for children and beginner snorkellers. Free entry.

Flights and transport from the Netherlands

KLM and TUI fly direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Aruba (AUA, Queen Beatrix International Airport) in approximately 10 hours, with about 8 flights per week. Return flight from around €530 (TUI) to €800 (KLM economy). From Eindhoven the practical route is train to Schiphol then the direct flight. On Aruba there are no Uber services: taxis have official fixed fares ($26 to Oranjestad, $41 to Palm Beach, $37 to Eagle Beach). The Arubus (public bus) is cheap ($3 to the city centre). A hire car is ideal for Arikok and the Natural Pool (4x4 required), from around €40 per day. A Dutch driving licence is valid on Aruba, no international licence needed.

What does an Aruba holiday cost?

Budget guesthouse or studio from $65 per night. Mid-range hotels (Hilton, Holiday Inn, Barcelo) $200-350 per night. Food: snack bar around €10, restaurant meal €13-15, three-course dinner €40-80. Daily food budget €25-50. Note: supermarkets are around 70 per cent more expensive than in the Netherlands. A week including direct return flight (KLM) and mid-range hotel: budget around €1,800-2,500 per person. Currency tip: pay in USD (accepted everywhere), euros can only be exchanged at banks.