History · Aruba
7 historic sites to see in Aruba
The places that tell the story of how the city came to be.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Natalie Liao Jen, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick answer
Start with Fontein and Quadirikiri caves, California Lighthouse and Antilla shipwreck. Together the 7 picks below take roughly 8–9 hours across 5 areas; 2 are free.
Key facts
- Places in this guide
- 7
- Free entry
- 2
- Time to see them all
- 8–9 hours
- Areas
- Arikok National Park, Malmok and Arashi and Noord
Historic sites in Aruba
Nature · Arikok National Park
1.Fontein and Quadirikiri caves
Both are reachable on paved roads and suit families.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- History
- Nature
- Photo spot
Landmark · Malmok and Arashi
2.California Lighthouse
The hill gives wide views over the dunes, the north coast and the hotel strip, and it is a popular spot at sunset.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- History
- Couples
- Photo spot
Experience · Malmok and Arashi
3.Antilla shipwreck
It is a popular dive site, and parts of the wreck are close enough to the surface for snorkel cruises to stop over it.
- Time needed
- Half a day by boat
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Active
- History
- Nature
Religious site · Noord
4.Alto Vista Chapel
The winding road up is lined with white crosses marking the Stations of the Cross, and the hill looks out over the sea.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Views
Historic site · North coast
5.Bushiribana gold mill ruins
The walls frame views of the Atlantic surf, and the surrounding coast is dotted with rock cairns left by visitors.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
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Historic site · Oranjestad
6.Fort Zoutman and Willem III Tower
Inside, the Historical Museum covers the island's colonial and early modern history.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Museum · Oranjestad
7.National Archaeological Museum Aruba
It is compact and air-conditioned.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
Grouped by area
| Area | Places | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Arikok National Park | Fontein and Quadirikiri caves | 1 hour |
| Malmok and Arashi | California Lighthouse and Antilla shipwreck | 1 hour + Half a day by boat |
| Noord | Alto Vista Chapel | 30 minutes |
| North coast | Bushiribana gold mill ruins | 30 minutes |
| Oranjestad | Fort Zoutman and Willem III Tower and National Archaeological Museum Aruba | 1 hour + 1 hour |
Booking and timing
Of these 7, 2 free, 4 low cost, 1 mid-priced. None needs booking far in advance. The longest visit is Antilla shipwreck; group the rest by area to save travel time.
How to fit them into 3 half-days
Grouped by area and kept to about four hours each, so you walk more than you ride.
- Half-day 1 (Arikok National Park and Malmok and Arashi): Fontein and Quadirikiri caves → California Lighthouse, at least 2 hours.
- Half-day 2 (Malmok and Arashi, Noord and North coast): Antilla shipwreck → Alto Vista Chapel → Bushiribana gold mill ruins, at least 4 hours.
- Half-day 3 (Oranjestad): Fort Zoutman and Willem III Tower → National Archaeological Museum Aruba, at least 2 hours.
The quietest months for queues
- September: highs of 33°C (91°F), about 2 rainy days, quiet crowds. Hot with the warmest sea of the year and some of the lowest hotel rates.
- October: highs of 32°C (90°F), about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds. Lighter winds and the start of the short rainy period, usually brief showers; low prices and quiet beaches.
- May: highs of 32°C (90°F), about 1 rainy days, moderate crowds. Hot, dry and noticeably quieter, with lower hotel rates after the winter season.
The neighbourhoods they are in
- Oranjestad — The capital's pastel Dutch-style buildings, cruise terminal and harbour-front shops
- Noord — Residential district inland from Palm Beach with apartments, supermarkets and local restaurants
- Malmok and Arashi — Villas, snorkelling coves and the northern tip near the California Lighthouse
More of Aruba
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I start in Aruba?
Fontein and Quadirikiri caves. Two limestone caves inside Arikok: Fontein Cave has Arawak drawings on its ceiling, while Quadirikiri has two chambers lit by sunlight streaming through holes in the roof and is home to small bats.
+Which of these are free in Aruba?
Alto Vista Chapel and Bushiribana gold mill ruins.