Every neighborhood and barrio on Aruba has its own unique charm. Whether your vacation rental is located in one of these distinct areas of the island or your wanderlust tempts you to explore Aruba beyond the beach, our neighborhood guides can help you traverse the island and experience the highlights and conveniences of the area.
From artsy to San Nicolas to popular Eagle Beach, most visitors are surprised to see just how much diversity there is on our island. Luckily, since the island is so small, you can pick one area as your base and still see the other neighborhoods throughout your trip. Vacation Aruba has rental homes all around the island, ensuring you can stay in the right location for you and your group.
Here’s our team’s take on Santa Cruz, home to Arikok National Park, and neighboring Paradera to help you decide if this area is worth basing yourself in or better for a visit.
About Santa Cruz & Paradera
Rooted in nature and national pride, this area is located in the middle of the island and is characterized by rolling, cactus-studded hills and quiet subdivisions.
Santa Cruz is the birthplace of Betico Croes, considered the founding father of our country for his role in achieving separate status for Aruba from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On Dia di Betico (Betico Day), a national holiday celebrated every year on January 25, Santa Cruz hosts a variety of public events and neighborhood festivals.
The Heart of Aruba’s Nature
Santa Cruz and Paradera are your gateway to exploring the natural wonders and geologic curiosities of Aruba. The main entrance to Arikok National Park, which spans almost 20% of the island, is located in Santa Cruz, and a large part of the park skirts the area. The Visitors Center at the main entrance houses exhibits acquainting visitors with Aruba’s endemic animals. Within the park, there’s much to explore, either by vehicle, on foot, or even mountain biking.
Some of Arikok’s most popular attractions:
- Daimari: Located near the site of the island’s first gold discovery, Daimari is a lush 17th-century coconut plantation nestled within the desert countryside, with beautiful Daimari Beach close by.
- Cunucu Arikok: This partially restored Aruban farmstead sits at the foot of Arikok Hill, featuring a traditional adobe farmhouse, or cas di torto.
- Boca Prins: This north-coast beach harbors stunning sand dunes that are constantly being reshaped by the powerful winds here.
- Dos Playa: The ocean has carved twin coves out of the limestone cliff and filled them with white sand to create Dos Playa, a favorite spot for surfers, sunbathers, and picnickers.
- Natural Pool: Just a bit northwest of Dos Playa along the coast, a barrier of large rocks protects a pool of water from the rough sea to form the Natural Pool, or Conchi.
- Yamanota: The highest mountain on the island at 189 meters, Yamanota grants hikers a unique view encompassing two coasts at once.
- Caves: Quadirikiri Cave is famous for the natural light that pours in through openings in the cave roof, while Fontein Cave is famous for the Amerindian drawings decorating the walls and ceilings.
While the entire island is peppered with huge diorite boulders, in Paradera the Casibari Boulders and Ayo Rock Formations boast the most remarkable collections. Arawak Indian rock drawings decorate the monolithic stones of Ayo, providing evidence of the great importance these rocks held for the island’s early inhabitants. There’s a collection of cobblestone paths to navigate at Ayo with markers identifying local flora, and stairs are in place to explore the top of Casibari.
Where to Eat & Drink in Santa Cruz & Paradera
Whether you’re looking to try traditional Aruban cuisine or simply want a good meal before or after visiting the national park or indulge in some nightlife, you won’t be disappointed in the options in either Santa Cruz or neighboring Paradera. A few of our favorite spots include:
- Urataka Center: While in Santa Cruz, put this one at the top of your list. Founded in 1946, this family-owned and operated restaurant is located in the heart of the countryside, just a few streets away from Arikok National Park’s main entrance. Famous for their pizza, the open-air restaurant also has baskets of wings, sate, and other local snacks, and a full bar.
- Huchada: A local bakery that also serves breakfast and lunch. For breakfast there’s a variety of hot egg-based dishes, tosti sandwiches (similar to grilled cheese), and local and Dutch pastries. For lunch choose from a variety of sandwiches and homemade soups and stews.
- Bright Bakery: Located in Paradera, this is another popular local bakery. Your sweet tooth will love a little immersion into traditional local cookies, pastries, and cakes.
- Casibari Cafe & Grill: Also located in Paradera, grilled meats are the specialty here. During the weekend, it’s open into the wee hours of the morning, becoming a popular nightlife and dance spot with live music. Want to learn to dance salsa? Most Friday evenings they have free salsa lessons.
All along Route 3, the main artery road that runs through Paradera and Santa Cruz, you’ll find a variety of local Chinese restaurants and bars. In the evening, there are a few local food trucks operating as well. Those that want food that’s easy and familiar will find a bevy of fast food restaurants including, Wendy’s, Burger King, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Subway, and Dominoes.
Grocery Stores & Gas Stations
There are a variety of local grocery stores and mini markets throughout Paradera and Santa Cruz. We recommend an initial stop to stock your fridge at Cmart, conveniently located just a couple minutes from the airport, where you can pick up all your food and beverage needs, as well as sun and island essentials.
There are two gas stations in the area, Citgo Paradera and Citgo Santa Cruz, with the latter also offering a small convenience store and an ATM.
Will You Stay in Santa Cruz or Paradera on Your Trip to Aruba?
If you’re looking for a trip that’ll put you right in the heart of nature and give you easy access to a more local side of Aruba, staying in either Santa Cruz or Paradera is a great idea. Vacation Aruba’s portfolio of over 390 homes offers something for every vacationer, including those that want to really embrace Aruba’s local lifestyle and stay in a home located in the countryside and neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Paradera. Start planning your Aruba vacation here!
