Oranjestad Holidays

Oranjestad might be Aruba's capital, but it's more like a cross between a Dutch fairytale and a Caribbean candyland – think sherbet-hued buildings and gingerbread-like cobbled streets. Wander among prettily painted colonial landmarks in Upper Town, or get a taste of days gone by in the historic Lower Town.

The centre of the action's Oranjestad's working port, which is filled with quaint fishing boats bobbing on the water. By day, it's all shopping in malls and bargain-hunting in the bazaar. At night, the waterfront lights up with cocktail bars, and the downtown comes alive with jazz and Argentinian tango.

Around here, white sandy beaches have a sporty spirit. The island's breezy coast's a dream for windsurfers, especially along Fisherman’s Huts beach. Join sailing and fishing trips to get out on the water, or scuba dive among starry coral and get up close and personal with the aquatic locals.

Fort Zoutman's job isn't to ward off marauding pirates anymore. It's still the island's oldest building, though, which makes it a natural home for the Historical Museum of Aruba. Visit on a Tuesday evening to see the Bon Bini Festival, a weekly celebration of Aruban music with dancing, steel bands and steaming bowls of shrimp.