| Aruba is an island of great contrasts. Most people | | | | Company purchased the rights to much of island's |
| are familiar with the luxurious resorts set along | | | | gold-rich land. In 1872, the company finished |
| white sand beaches. However, within just a few | | | | construction on a large smelter, a facility that |
| miles of the pristine beaches and calm water, | | | | dominated the landscape of the northern coast. |
| there is a vast array of unique environments and | | | | Within 10 years, the smelter was abandoned, its |
| tourist sites - from the limestone cliffs and | | | | massive ruins in place to this day. In addition to |
| crashing waves found at the California Lighthouse | | | | admiring the relics of the colonial era, visitors can |
| to the otherworldly rock formations of Ayo and | | | | ascend the structure to catch a panoramic view |
| Casibari. Many such sites rest along a dirt road | | | | of the Caribbean Sea. |
| that hugs the northern shore of Aruba, a place of | | | | Again heading east along the coastal road, |
| natural beauty and remarkable Caribbean views. | | | | travelers will quickly reach the oft-photographed |
| Perched on a hilltop at the island's northernmost | | | | Natural Bridge. Rising 25 feet above the surface |
| point, the California Lighthouse offers visitors | | | | of the Caribbean Sea, the limestone arch is a |
| some of the best views in Aruba. Though the | | | | product of the northern shore's punishing surf. |
| lighthouse is only a short drive from Oranjestad, | | | | The centuries-long natural process has yielded one |
| the surroundings make the area seem like a | | | | of Aruba's most enduring landmarks and an |
| different world. Instead of the white sand | | | | excellent location for picnics and relaxation. After |
| beaches and calm water found in Aruba's capital | | | | snapping a few shots of the windswept sea and |
| city, the northwestern shore is known for its | | | | the bridge it created, tourists can visit the |
| craggy coastline and crashing waves. Just inland | | | | souvenir shop and refreshment stand to complete |
| from the lighthouse are the California Sand Dunes, | | | | the experience. |
| a series of gently rolling hills with abundant desert | | | | Heading south from Natural Bridge towards |
| vegetation. When taking in the whole area, visitors | | | | Oranjestad, visitors can take in two groups of |
| are often granted an eye-opening glimpse of | | | | bizarre rock formations. The first group, Ayo |
| Aruba's remarkable natural diversity. | | | | Rock Formations, rest in a secluded area and |
| East of the California Lighthouse, visitors will find | | | | exude a truly mystical presence. Used by ancient |
| the Alto Vista Chapel perched on a similar bluff | | | | inhabitants as either a dwelling or place of worship, |
| overlooking the northern coast. The dirt road | | | | the Ayo Rock Formations are a series of |
| connecting the lighthouse and Alto Vista Chapel is | | | | precariously stacked boulders, many with |
| a treasure in itself, as it follows the dramatic | | | | petroglyphs and other markings. Just a few miles |
| coastline for several miles. Yet, while there are a | | | | away, the Casibari Rock Formations rise from the |
| number of great viewpoints along the road, the | | | | desert landscape, captivating everyone who |
| chapel stakes claim to one of Aruba's most | | | | happens to visit. A trail at the site winds through |
| beautiful locations. Alto Vista Chapel is the Aruba's | | | | the formations, providing an excellent vantage |
| oldest house of worship, originally built in 1750 by | | | | point of giant stones shaped like birds, dragons |
| native Caiquetio Indians and Spanish colonizers. | | | | and other strange creatures. |
| Though the chapel was abandoned for centuries, | | | | Jeep and off-road vehicle rentals provide the |
| the new church - built in the 1950s and painted | | | | most exciting way to see the northern coast of |
| the same vibrant yellow as the original - has | | | | Aruba. Rentals are available throughout Oranjestad |
| become a special sanctuary for locals and visitors | | | | and the resort areas at a number of shops or |
| alike. | | | | can be arranged through your concierge. If you |
| After just a short drive to the east along the | | | | would rather sit back and enjoy the ride, taxis |
| same coastal road, travelers will come upon the | | | | visit all of the sites along the northern coast and |
| Bushiribana Ruins, the remnants of Aruba's | | | | often have affordable rates for day tours. |
| once-booming gold mines. It is believed that the | | | | If you want to experience some of the |
| Aruba's gold rush was set in motion by a young | | | | remarkable natural diversity that Aruba is known |
| boy finding gold scattered in a creek bed near the | | | | for, the northern shore is one of the best places |
| northern coast. For three decades, locals were | | | | to start. As the area can be toured in a single |
| encouraged to gather and sell gold themselves. | | | | day, you and your family will still have plenty of |
| With plenty of gold still being found into the | | | | time to enjoy the beaches and luxurious amenities |
| mid-19th century, the Aruba Island Gold Mining | | | | that drew you to this fantastic island. |