Where to stay

Devoid of the resorts, restaurants and offerings of Aruba’s popular western coastline, the town of Santa Cruz has a much more low-key and local vibe. Wander around town to see where locals live, chat with shop owners and get a feel for real Aruban life in this small, laid-back town.

Although Santa Cruz is not crowded with tourists, it does make an excellent base from which to see some of the island’s best natural attractions. Drive just 5 minutes or so from town to reach Mount Hooiberg, a 541-foot (165-meter) tall peak. Trek up more than 550 steps to the summit, which affords superb views over Aruba’s colorful capital, Oranjestad, and the harbor. On clear days, the vistas may even extend as far as neighboring Venezuela.

Drive 10 minutes southeast of town to Arikok National Wildlife Park, a vast swath of protected arid parkland. The park contrasts sharply with the more developed west coast. Hike along the park’s path to see unusual plants, including around 70 cacti varieties, as well as bright blue Aruban whiptail lizards and free-roaming donkeys. Venture as far as the east coast to discover wild and secluded white-sand beaches such as Dos Playa and Boca Prins. Take a tour around the park’s caves in which darkened chambers contain strange formations, bats and drawing by Arawak Indians.

The park isn’t the only place where you can see donkeys near Santa Cruz. Not far from town is the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, which serves as a shelter. Arrive early to help feed and care for the donkeys, and ask volunteers about the work they do there.

Eating out can be great value in Santa Cruz. Many restaurants here cater to locals rather than tourists and their prices reflect this. Dine on barbecue in an open-air setting or pick up a few bitterballen, a Dutch snack of deep-fried, breadcrumb-covered balls with a meaty roux interior.

Find Santa Cruz in central Aruba, east of Oranjestad. Drive from Queen Beatriz International Airport to the town of Santa Cruz is around 15 minutes.