Named after a coconut plantation that once occupied the area, Palm Beach is a sun-drenched resort town on the north-west coast of Aruba. It was originally home to the Caquetio people before the arrival of the Spanish and the Dutch, with only a brief period of British rule during the Napoleonic Wars. Since the 1950s, Palm Beach has been drawing tourists to its idyllic strip of sand.
Things to do in Palm Beach
Kick back on the white sands of Palm Beach, which is dotted with sun loungers and umbrellas where you can while away the days. Backing the beach are lively bars and restaurants, including Eduardo’s Beach Shack and the Pelican Nest Seafood Grill. Just south lies Eagle Beach, which serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles.
Between Palm Beach and Eagle Beach is the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a lush wetland that provides a habitat for more than 80 migratory bird species. From its observation tower, you can spot herons, egrets and gulls, as well as coots and ducks. Combine your visit with a stop at the Old Dutch Windmill, which was used to drain water from the lowlands of Holland during the 19th century.
On the northern edge of the Bubali Bird Sanctuary is the Butterfly Farm, a tropical garden filled with colourful insects. Join a guided tour to learn about the lifecycle of these fascinating creatures and the wonders of metamorphosis, with new butterflies seen emerging from their chrysalis in the morning.
Getting around Palm Beach
Palm Beach is around 10 minutes' drive from the centre of Oranjestad and 15 minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the Caribbean and North America. Regular buses connect to Palm Beach and the resort area is compact enough to explore on foot.