Aruba is one of the ABC islands, the former Dutch colonies in the Southern Caribbean (the others being Bonaire and Curacao). The three islands lie outside the hurricane zone and enjoy a pleasant semi-arid climate. We spent a week at the Renaissance Resort in Oranjestad from where we explored the island in a feisty rental car. A view of the harbour takes in the north coast, sand dune area, and clusters of homes typical of the island. (adapted from Chris Favero, Wikimedia Commons)
 

Aruba has an area of 180 square kilometers and a population of 100,000.

The architecture of the downtown shopping core is Dutch Colonial in style, with brightly colored ornate storefronts.
 

The Archeological Museum outlines the history of the island from the earliest Arawak Indians, to the Spanish conquest and Dutch rule.

Aruba is independent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has its own parliamentary system, its own currency, and its own language, Papiamento.
 

Tourist shops, restaurants and casinos have a unique ambience. 

The California lighthouse stands at the northern tip and offers a view of the beaches, rolling sand dunes and rocky coral shorelines.

Casibari Boulders Clusters of huge tonalite boulders sit together in an area just north of Hooiberg. A climb to the top affords a view across the island.

Three primary geological formations shape the island of Aruba: the Aruba lava formation, quartz diorite formation and limestone formations.

One-fifth of the island is dedicated to Arikok National Park which preserves the habitat of the indigenous plants and animals, such as the burrowing owl, the cat-eye snake and various lizards.
 

Baby Beach at the southern tip is an excellent site for swimming and snorkeling. 

The beaches of the north coast are rugged, windy and secluded. They are protected as turtle nesting grounds.

The winds in this area have formed large rolling sand dunes. A wind mill farm here provides a large proportion of the island's energy.

The cave formations of Fontein, Guadirikiri and Hulibi have stalactites and stalagmites, resident bats and Indigenous petrogylphs.

The wild north shore is characterized by natural bridges and coves carved out of limestone.