The Aruba Lighthouse, officially known as the California Lighthouse, is a popular tourist attraction on the northern tip of Aruba, a Caribbean island nation. The lighthouse was named after the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in 1891. The lighthouse was built in 1910 and stands 30 meters (98 feet) tall. It offers stunning panoramic views of the island’s coastline and is a popular spot for visitors to watch the sunset.
As for rock formations, the island of Aruba features a variety of geological formations, including limestone formations along its coastline and the famous Natural Bridge, a notable rock formation that unfortunately collapsed in 2005. While the Natural Bridge is no longer there, the area still attracts tourists due to its unique geological features and natural beauty.
Aruba also has a history of gold mining. In the 19th century, gold was discovered on the island, establishing several gold mines. One of the most notable gold mines on Aruba is the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. These ruins are remnants of a gold smelting operation in the 19th century. The Bushiribana Gold Mill processed gold ore that was extracted from nearby mines, and today, the ruins offer a glimpse into the island’s gold mining history.
While the gold mines in Aruba are no longer operational, you can still visit historical sites like the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins to learn about the island’s gold mining heritage and explore the remnants of the industry.
