The Aruba Football Fandom itinerary was developed by a tourism student of the University of the West Indies’ St. Augustine campus, as part of the Endless Caribbean internship programme.
It’s a feeling of accomplishment when the ball finally eludes the goalkeeper, crosses the line and crashes into the back of the net. It’s the culmination of a well-practiced strategy and the delicious grab of an opportunity that produces the ultimate score. True footballers and footballers at heart understand the pure thrill of a successful goal and the excitement that ensues afterwards.
Although it may not be well known to non-football gurus, football is the national sport of Aruba. Football on the island is governed by the Arubaanse Voetbal Bond and it manages over sixty football clubs and one hundred and twenty officials on the island. Aruba’s national football team is affiliated with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), CONCACAF and FIFA.
Sun, sea and football is a beautiful match made in a footballer’s heaven. The Aruba Football Fandom Itinerary caters to the inner loves of the footballer and pairs it with an island that is naturally beautiful and distinct. This itinerary is perfect for football buddies or a couple looking to experience new things together.
Highlights
- Arriving at the Coconut Inn
- Sampling Dutch pancakes at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes
- Visiting Sport Vereniging Deportivo
- Spending the day on Palm Beach
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at The Coconut Inn
Day 2: Practice and Lunch at Sport Vereniging Deportivo
Day 3: Palm Beach All Day Excursion
Day 4: Heading Home
Detailed Itinerary
Flights to Aruba arrive at the Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). After clearing Immigration and Customs, you will take a quick 15-minute taxi drive to the Coconut Inn. Check in is at 3:00 P.M, however, you should contact the hotel if your flight arrives earlier in the day.
Day 1: Arrival at The Coconut Inn
Located in Oranjestad, Aruba, the Coconut Inn is described a small, but comfortable hotel with a beautiful, tropical atmosphere. The inn is close to everything, which makes it a perfect option for budget travellers. There are casinos, beaches, supermarkets, banks and restaurants within walking distance. Public transportation is also a breeze, because bus stops are a short walk away from the property.
Quick Tip: When booking your reservation, a double room is a good choice because it comes with a double bed; internet access; cable television; a private bathroom; a kitchenette; air conditioning; and a microwave and a fridge.
After checking into your double room, you can lounge at the pool until dinner time. Then you can take a short walk over to Ling’s Bar & Restaurant for dinner and fun drinks. This Chinese restaurant is a favourite with the locals because of its affordability, large portion sizes and excellent service. The menu includes traditional favourites and guests have the option of requesting vegetarian meals.
Day 2: Aruba Football Fandom
The day begins with breakfast at the hotel or at the close by Linda’s Dutch Pancakes. This is a short walk from the hotel and is well worth the trip. Guests will take the 7-minute walk to Linda’s Dutch Pancakes for a delicious breakfast. The breakfast menu features popular Dutch pancakes, design it yourself pancakes, omelets and French baguette sandwiches.
Quick Tip: If you are travelling to the Caribbean on a budget, you should bring your preferred breakfast items with you. This will allow you to take advantage of the kitchenette in your room.
The Aruba Football Fandom kicks into high gear with a visit to Sport Vereniging Deportivo, an Aruban football club which currently plays in Aruba’s first division for a day of football practice. After an exciting practice, guests will be provided lunch. At the end of the day, you will head back to the hotel.
For dinner, Ling’s Bar & Restaurant is a safe option, however, you can walk a bit further and try out Ristranti di Antonio or Bingo Café and Restaurant.
Booking.comDay 3: Palm Beach All Day Excursion
Pack your bag for a day at the beach before you leave your room for breakfast at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes. Make sure that you have towels, beach gear, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and money for the bus. You can have the hotel arrange for a ride to Palm Beach, or after breakfast at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes, you will head to the nearest bus stop that has a bus that will take you there.
Palm Beach is a two mile long strip of pristine, white sand that is home to several high-rise hotels. Here you can enjoy the calm waters by engaging in swimming and snorkelling. There is even enough room on the beach to practice football drills. You will find several hotels, casinos, beach bars, restaurants and shops along the beach. For lunch, restaurants in Palm Beach include Simply Fish, Buccaneer and MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant.
After a long day of beach life, you will return to your hotel where you can relax poolside and prepare for the next day’s departure. If you have enough energy to go out again, an excellent suggestion is Gasparito Restaurant, which serves traditional Aruban dishes. However, if you’re not in the mood for the 15 to 20 minute walk, you can arrange a taxi. Guest should book reservations for the restaurant, whose menu includes seafood, vegetarian and meat main courses.
