Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the Dominican Republic is not your typical Caribbean destination. Endowed with the idyllic beaches and aquamarine waters that the archipelago is famous for, its unique geographical and cultural features are what set it apart. From its vibrant, rhythmic merengue music and warm, hospitable people to its lonely desert lowlands and ancient Taino rock art, it certainly keeps travellers on its toes with its diverse offerings. There's so much to do, see and explore here: sunbathing on exquisite beaches, snorkelling, scuba diving and whale-watching along the coast. Experience the island's fauna and flora on ecotourism tours, dance the night away at clubs in the many cosmopolitan cities, enjoy fabulous local cuisine, and play golf on world-class courses.
Santo Domingo, spreading from the west bank of the Ozamo River to southern coast, is the capital of the Dominican Republic and one of the Caribbean's oldest cities. ‘La Capital’, as it is fondly known by locals, is centred around the Zona Colonial - the city’s cobblestoned historic core. Buildings dating back as far as the 1500s are interspersed with charming cafes, bars, and restaurants. It is here that visitors will find the city’s impressive display of colonial-era architecture including the first built cathedral in the New World, as well as the oldest surviving European fortress in the Western Hemisphere. The city's waterfront area is lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and attracts tourists with its luxurious casinos, palm-lined boulevards, and stately monuments. Don’t miss the Alcázar de Colón palace to see extraordinary medieval and Renaissance art.
Commonly known as simply Santiago, the vibrant city of Santiago de los Caballeros is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic. The city is located in the northern region of the island at the heart of El Cibao Valley and serves as the nation’s cultural, political, industrial, and financial center. The city is known as an entertainment hub with an array of local attractions including, golf courses, nearby beaches as well as great shopping malls and some excellent art galleries. Don’t miss the Calle del Sol, the city’s main shopping street, the Parque Duarte, a shady park where you can mingle with the laidback locals, and of course the one-of-a-kind Museo del Tabaco, where visitors can learn about the art of cigar-making while purchasing some of the country’s famous cigar brands.
Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Cabarete is a resort town best known for its excellent kitesurfing opportunities. This laidback Caribbean beach village is set on a crescent bay protected by a coral reef sheltering calm turquoise waters lapping white-sand beaches fringed by lush tropical vegetation. Visitors flock to the spectacular beaches, namely Kite Beach and Playa Encuentro. Sample local cuisine at a variety of restaurants and cafes lining the town’s main street, enjoy a wide variety of watersports and laze on the pristine sun-soaked beaches. Popular outdoor activities include kitesurfing, swimming, stand-up paddling boarding, windsurfing, mountain biking, and wakeboarding.
Located on the Samana Peninsula, Las Terrenas is a charming seaside resort town on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. This tropical paradise is affectionately known as the ‘Perfect Beach Haven’, boasting scenic landscapes of white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. There are numerous beaches to enjoy, including the pristine central Las Terrenas Beach, Bonita, Coson and Las Ballenas beaches. Visitors can look forward to discovering an underwater wonderland amidst the cays and caverns off the coast, enjoying delicious meals at one of the many open-air restaurants, cafes and bars, and exploring Pueblo de los Pescadores, the old fishermen’s village.
