Sud (Savaneta, Pos Chiquito & San Nicolas)

Where to stay in Savaneta, Pos Chiquito & San Nicolas (south) : complete guide

In southern Aruba, Savaneta, Pos Chiquito and San Nicolas form an authentic and colourful tableau. Turquoise waters caress isolated beaches while fishing villages come alive to the rhythm of nets drying in the sun. San Nicolas reveals its vibrant mural façades from its industrial past, contrasting with the tranquillity of Savaneta and its leaning coconut palms. Mangroves shelter discreet wildlife and trade winds sculpt wild dunes. This preserved territory invites intimate immersion in the local soul, far from northern resorts, between coral reefs and spectacular ocean sunsets.

Safety score: 9/10midCouples on honeymoonArt and culture enthusiastsKitesurfers and diversFamilies with children

Pros

  • Tranquil and preserved beaches
  • Authentic village atmosphere
  • Colourful and vibrant urban art
  • Little-visited snorkelling spots
  • Spectacular sunsets

Cons

  • Fewer luxury hotels
  • Limited dining options
  • Less frequent public transport

The 1 best hotels in Sud (Savaneta, Pos Chiquito & San Nicolas)

Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Adults Only - Vue d'ensemble
1

Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Adults Only

5-star hotel
8.661 reviews
Top pick

The Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Adults Only is located in the southern area of Aruba, near San Nicolas. This five-star adults-only property benefits from direct access to Baby Beach. Three pools, a spa and a fitness centre ensure guest wellbeing. Room service and refined restaurants complete a high-end offering. Its rating of 8.6 reflects the quality of the stay.

3 piscinesConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteCentre de remise en formeRestaurantService d'étageSpa et centre de bien-être
From ~2747EUR / night
Book on Booking

Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

Southern Aruba charms with its authentic atmosphere and varied landscapes. Savaneta, a former fishing village, lines its colourful houses along a peaceful bay bordered by coconut palms. Pos Chiquito offers shallow waters ideal for observing sea turtles. San Nicolas, once a petroleum centre, transforms its old tanks into giant artistic murals that illuminate the streets. Dense mangroves protect secret lagoons while white-sand beaches stretch towards colourful coral reefs. Constant trade winds sculpt golden dunes and bring a refreshing breeze. This preserved setting blends wild nature and unique cultural heritage, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for contemplation and discovery.

Things to see and do

Visitors can explore San Nicolas's famous murals on an artistic urban stroll. Baby Beach at Pos Chiquito invites snorkelling among tropical fish and shallow wrecks. Frenchman's Pass nature reserve offers short hikes through arid hills with sea views. At Savaneta, the small port allows observation of local fishermen and boat trips. San Nicolas historical museum traces the island's petroleum history. Finally, kitesurfing spots near Pos Chiquito attract gliding enthusiasts thanks to regular winds. These activities offer a perfect mix of culture, nature and adventure.

Where to eat and drink

The southern culinary scene highlights fresh seafood. Savaneta restaurants serve grilled fish with traditional funchi and keshi yena, an iconic cheese-based dish. In San Nicolas, food trucks offer local arepas and cocktails made with tropical fruit juices. Pos Chiquito establishments provide specialities of lobster and marinated conch. Seaside bars allow you to enjoy craft beers while admiring the sunset. These addresses reflect the typical blend of Caribbean and Dutch flavours found on the island.

Transport & access

The south is easily accessible from Reina Beatrix international airport by hire car, with a journey of around twenty minutes. Public buses serve Savaneta and San Nicolas regularly from Oranjestad. Taxis are available but less numerous than in the north. Car hire remains the most practical solution for exploring isolated beaches and scattered sites. Cycle paths exist along the main coast. Visitors can combine bus and walking to discover San Nicolas on foot. This varied accessibility suits different budgets and travel preferences.

Who is it for?

This area suits couples seeking calm and private beaches away from crowds perfectly. Art lovers will appreciate the murals and industrial heritage of San Nicolas. Families enjoy the shallow waters of Baby Beach suitable for children. Water sports enthusiasts such as kitesurfing or diving find ideal conditions thanks to constant winds and reefs. Travellers seeking authentic cultural immersion in a preserved setting will be delighted by the local and convivial village atmosphere.

Other neighborhoods in Aruba

Oranjestad (capitale)

Couples on honeymoonCulture enthusiastsFamilies with children

Oranjestad, Aruba's capital, unfurls its vivid colours under the Caribbean sun. Its pastel-toned Dutch houses line lively streets scented with tropical flowers. The port welcomes large cruise ships while the turquoise ocean sparkles on the horizon. Colourful markets, elegant boutiques and lush gardens create a living tableau between tradition and modernity. Strolling here means absorbing a refined atmosphere where colonial history meets island luxury. Every corner promises sensory discoveries and unforgettable moments of escape in this jewel of the Antilles.

Palm Beach & Eagle Beach (strip principal)

Couples on honeymoonFamilies with childrenSnorkelling enthusiasts

Palm Beach and Eagle Beach embody Caribbean luxury in Aruba with their fine white sand caressed by sparkling turquoise waters. Rows of palm trees stand out against the horizon while elegant resorts line the lively promenade. The sun plunges each evening into a gradient of pink and gold, creating magical reflections on the calm sea. This main coastal strip blends beach serenity with gentle animation featuring boutiques, spas and terraces facing the ocean. The atmosphere evokes a modern paradise where preserved nature and high-end comfort converse harmoniously for unforgettable stays.

Noord & Malmok (nord résidentiel)

Couples on honeymoonExperienced kitesurfersFamilies seeking calm

Imagine an exclusive corner of Aruba where the discreet luxury of private villas meets the turquoise ocean. Noord and Malmok form a chic residential district in the north, bordered by wild beaches and dunes swept by trade winds. Giant cacti and spectacular sunsets paint vivid scenes. Far from the crowds, this peaceful haven reveals the island's authentic soul, with elegant homes and a serene atmosphere perfect for dreams and absolute relaxation.

Centre (Santa Cruz & Paradera)

Couples on honeymoonHikersCulture lovers

Discovering central Aruba between Santa Cruz and Paradera means venturing into a world where wild nature meets local culture. Rolling hills covered in arid vegetation and tropical flowers offer striking panoramas. Villages animated by colourful markets and historic churches invite authentic immersion. Imagine roads lined with divi-divi trees dancing in the wind, colonial plantation ruins and trails leading to secret caves. This preserved territory reveals the real Aruba, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and genuine encounters with locals.