It’s often been tipped as the ‘world’s most beautiful beach’ with its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters but I wanted to see if it actually looks like social media promises
As winter months creep closer, thoughts might turn towards booking a break and getting some winter sun. And while the UK might boast a healthy roster of sandy beaches tucked away on stunning coastlines, we wouldn’t blame you if you had something a little more sunny in mind.
Step forward the Caribbean island of Aruba, a frequent cruise stop dropping thousands at the capital, Oranjestad – currently undergoing a steady revamp of its brightly-coloured classic, often neo-Baroque, Latin American-style buildings – weekly, the island boasts one of the best beaches in the world.
The phenomenal Eagle Beach is a huge pull and one of Aruba’s 20+ beaches, all of which are open to the public. It’s therefore not difficult to see why it regularly features in rankings of the world’s most beautiful beaches – in fact, it’s currently second in global rankings in the Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards, although it’s taken the gold medal in rankings before.
A 1.2mile stretch of pure, white coral sand populated by the striking fofoti trees and palm shades and cabanas, Eagle Beach is stunning. The widest on the island, it wouldn’t be over-egging it to say it’s up there with the best on the planet.
It’ll take you a 10-minute, $3 bus ride from Orenjestad or if you’re lucky enough to be staying at a nearby resort or hotel, you might be right on the beach and can just stroll down. You’ll never feel like it’s too busy simply because Eagle Beach’s size means you won’t be crowded.
It took just five minutes scrunching my toes in the fine, powdery sand to feel completely sold on this bucket list destination. The only thing more beautiful than the fine sand is the azure-blue sea. I’m sure it’s the first time I’ve been able to describe the ocean as, the perhaps over-used, azure-blue but I’m happy to do so here.
Walk into the Caribbean Sea – I actually had to pinch myself when saying that – and it becomes less azure and more crystal clear. I get that these are somewhat cliched ways to describe such a dreamy body of water but I guess they are cliched for a reason.
While here in the UK you are more than likely to tentatively tiptoe into the wilder waters, letting out the odd screech – yes, I do sea dip in November – as the chilly ocean laps around your hips, you’ll be less than surprised to hear that on Aruba’s beaches you can sprint with complete abandon into the balmy tide.
Aside from leaping and ducking the gentle waves at Eagle Beach, or taking the more chill option of sunbathing with a book, there is plenty to keep you occupied. Paddleboarding, snorkelling, parasailing or even the amazing kayaking in a clear vessel, ensuring you take in the best of tropical idyll.
Its shallow water makes it ideal for kids and nature-lovers take note, between March and September you’ll be able to see sea turtles nesting along the sand, a wonderful testament to the island’s commitment to conservation.
Eagle Beach 100% is worth the hype, when you look back at your holiday pictures I guarantee you it’ll look like a perfect postcard – just the way the sand, sea and magical-looking trees frame the scene – it’s iconic.
What’s even better Eagle Beach isn’t a one-off. I also had the privilege of visiting Baby Beach and Mangel Halto. I mean they all face into the same ocean and have the same gorgeous, fairy dust-esque sand, but they are worth a trip in their own right.
Baby Beach was another lengthy strip, popular with sunbathers and families, as there’s a breakwater offshore, making it calm and shallow – perfect for the kids to explore. The best thing about Baby Beach is that the water was way cooler, refreshing even – and when the temperature is almost hitting the early 30s by 10am – that refreshing hit is irreplaceable.
But Mangel Halto was my favourite. More secluded, less commercial and with more trees for shade, the shore is cosseted with network of mangrove trees. It’s just a super pretty shore and was a lot quieter than the other two, larger coastal draws.
It’s also a great destination for experienced snorkelers as you can walk out to the edge of the reef to see a huge range of fish like parrot fish and yellowtail snapper.
For someone who absolutely loves an invigorating cold water dip at the Pembrokeshire coast at any time of the year, I did think a hot Caribbean beach might be a bit sweltering for me.
But even this sceptical Welsh girl can be convinced, I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Book the holiday
- KLM offers daily flights to Aruba from multiple UK airports (via Amsterdam). Prices start at £306 per person, one way in October 2026. Find out more at klm.co.uk.
- Rooms at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort start from $465 per night (approximately £352), based on two adults sharing a room.
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