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local Tuesday 4 June 2024
Aruban snacks and where to find them

If you are looking for something a bit more fresh
and healthy, why not try some coconuts, or
shaved ice from local vendors? These vendors
carry their little shop at the back of their truck,
ORANJESTAD — Want to taste something dif- island, including on the side of the main road so they are ever-moving around the island.
ferent for a change? How about some Aruban that stretches from San Nicolas to the Hotel However, there are a few spots where you can
snacks that you can find all around the island? Area. You can also find pastechis and krokets almost always find a coconut/shaved ice ven-
Hop in your car, and go to these locations to at local bakeries and snack shops, like Bright dor:
find some of the most popular and tasty snacks Bakery in Piedra Plat, Huchada in Santa Cruz or 1. Right next to the Red Anchor in San Nicolas,
that are beloved by our locals. Pastechi House in the city center. These places on the way to Baby Beach.
may also sell other snacks and sandwiches too, 2. Along the main road next to the airport
One of the staples of Aruban cuisine and snacks perfect for on-the-road lunch break. field.
is the Pastechi. Pastechi is a Caribbean fried 3. At the California Light House.
pastry that is filled with cheese, meat, chick- While you’re at it, why not accompany your 4. At the Alto Vista Chapel.
en, veggies and sometimes even fish! Or per- snack with a refreshing “batido”? Batidos are
haps you might want to try a croquette, locally fruit shakes, typically made with added milk for These vendors may also sell other delights, like
called a “kroket,” which is a crusty fried snack some creaminess. However, you can also ask the beloved coconut-based dessert “cocada”
with typically a meat and dough mix filling. The to hold the milk. Batidos are commonly found or peanuts. All in all, in Aruba, you can always
Aruban kroket is based on its Dutch counter- in snack shops too. You may find some batido find some place to take a break and have a
part, the “bitterbal”. shops next the flee markets downtown, or if bite of something local, you maybe just might
you’re on your way to San Nicolas, at Mauchi have to look for them!
These two snacks are typically found in all local Smoothies and Juice Bar in Savaneta (located
snack trucks, which can be found all over the at the side of the main road). Photo credit: wheninaruba.com

Aruba’s most family-friendly beaches

(Oranjestad)—One of the biggest bathrooms and a snack bar right Yet another highly popular beach
concerns that parents have when at the far left of the beach. site, Eagle Beach and Palm Beach
travelling with their children is is where most of our visitors go to
a guarantee of their safety and Mangel Halto in Pos Chiquito tan, swim or play in the white sand.
healthy enjoyment. Therefore, we Mangel Halto is situated in the Because they are near the low-rise
thought it would be a great help back streets of the Pos Chiquito and high-rise hotel areas, these
to travelling parents to list off some city. Though there are several stairs beaches are the most accessible family to lay down a big blanket
the most family-friendly beaches on the sides of the beach cliff for visitors on foot. These beaches and have a little picnic. This is also
around the island. leading you down, the best spot also offer many palapas free to one of the best places to snorkel,
for families to hang out is across use, but you can also rent chairs as this area is filled with little fish and
Baby Beach in San Nicolas the bridge, passed the mangrove and tents. Much like Baby Beach, corals, even close to the shore.
Baby Beach is one Aruba’s most trees near the entrance sign. Here, these sites are one of the best
popular and visited beaches, and there are small and big palapas, beaches for your children to play Palm Island
for good reason: This sandy and perfect for big and small families to and build sand castles. Ok, this one is technically not a
quiet lagoon is a great place for set up their belongings. In this area, beach, but a must-visit attraction
parents to sit back and relax while the shore is also shallow, falling right Boca Catalina in Malmok for family fun. This small water
their children play in the shallow around your knee before slowly Boca Catalina is a small bay park oasis is located further down
shores of the beach. Beside the getting deeper: perfect for kids to beach near the Malmok beach the Mangel Halto Beach and is
relaxing atmosphere, there are safely play. area further down the hotel areas. reachable by boat. This water park
also several services that may Though it may not be a very sandy offers 6 hours of fun activities, food,
accommodate your stay, like a Eagle Beach/Palm Beach in the beach, it is relatively quiet and drinks, and a chance to see pink
parking lot, sun tent rentals, chairs, hotel area tranquil. This is a great place for flamingoes up close!