Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, a small island in the southern Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela. Ships dock close to the centre, and the Renaissance Mall and Marina are right there. The main street has Dutch colonial buildings painted in bright colours. The island gets very little rain, so the beaches are reliably sunny. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are the main stretches of white sand on the western coast, reachable by bus or taxi in about 10 minutes. Arikok National Park covers the eastern side of the island and has cacti, rock formations, and a natural pool. The California Lighthouse at the island's northern tip has views in all directions. Aruba's food scene mixes Caribbean and Dutch influences: try pastechi (fried pastry with meat or cheese) from a snack bar. The Aruban Florin is the currency, though US dollars are accepted everywhere.