Eagle Beach and Palm Beach

Aruba, one of the sunniest and driest islands in the Caribbean, is famed above all for its glorious west-coast beaches, regularly ranked among the finest in the world. The star is Eagle Beach, a broad, dazzling sweep of powder-soft white sand and calm, clear turquoise water, its shore graced by the island's iconic wind-bent divi-divi trees, a symbol of Aruba. Just to the north, Palm Beach is the lively, resort-lined hub, with high-rise hotels, water sports, restaurants and bars. Blessed with constant sunshine, gentle trade winds and a location outside the hurricane belt, Aruba's beaches are a reliable year-round paradise.

What you actually see

• Eagle Beach - the iconic broad white beach with divi-divi trees.
• Palm Beach - the lively resort-lined beach and water sports.
• The divi-divi trees - the wind-sculpted symbol of Aruba.
• The turquoise water - the calm, clear swimming and snorkelling.

When to go

Year-round; Aruba enjoys a dry, sunny climate and lies outside the hurricane belt, making it one of the most reliable Caribbean destinations in any season, with warm, calm seas and constant sunshine. The trade winds keep it pleasant even in the heat, and the beaches are enjoyable throughout the year, busiest in the winter high season.

Honest expectations

Palm Beach in particular is heavily developed with high-rise resorts and can feel busy and commercial, so those seeking seclusion should favour the broader, lower-key Eagle Beach or the island's quieter shores; Aruba is a popular, well-established destination rather than an undiscovered one. For gorgeous, reliable white-sand beaches, calm turquoise water and dependable year-round sunshine outside the hurricane belt, though, Aruba's beaches are genuinely world-class and idyllic.

Nearby

The capital Oranjestad and the Arikok National Park are within reach.