Dominican Republic Tourism: Where to Go

By Karoline Urena • October 17, 2008

If you like beaches, warm weather, friendly people, Dominican Republic, it is your best choice to spend an unforgettable holiday because it has some of the best beaches in the world according to UNESCO.

Dominican Republic tourism is mainly based on tourism of beaches and hotels all inclusive. But not everything is beach and if you like culture, or the mountain adventure, thanks to the diversity that has the Dominican Republic, you can also enjoy a vacation that will be hard to forget.

Tourism in the Dominican Republic is based typically in all-inclusive resorts and adventure tourism, whatever you prefer, the Dominican Republic can offer every visitor an unforgettable vacation according their tastes. Leisure in the Dominican Republic is quite extensive so we are sure that during your stay in this country in the Caribbean you will not be bored. Although the tourism is the most important economic sector of the Dominican Republic, there are regions with little tourism in the country that allow us to appreciate in all its glory the nature of the landscape of this privileged part of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the paradise of all-inclusive resorts. Is the most tourist area of the Dominican Republic and it won’t be difficult to find travel bargains. In this area you can enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters and hotels designed as a small city with everything to make tourists feel at ease. It is the ideal place for a family vacation, for those traveling with children or perhaps a honeymoon travel. But is not the most appropriate place to interact with the inhabitants of the country and insight into the culture of the Dominicans.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital of Dominican Republic. It is considered the first city in the ‘New World’. It has great historical and cultural heritage. The Area of the colonial city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO which has the first buildings of the “New World” created by the Spaniards. It’s a cosmopolitan city with good options for enjoying the nightlife, good hotels and a good opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the country. It is easy to find flight deals to fly to the Las Americas International Airport of Santo Domingo.

Samana

Samana is one of the most beautiful towns in the Dominican Republic. While is not as exploited as tourist Punta Cana, but increasingly is chosen by tourists as a holiday destination. It is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure and love the nature. Samana is also a good place for fans of diving and a privileged place to observe the mating of whales. The most visited areas in Samana are Las Terranas, El Portillo, Las Galeras and Playa Coson.

Juan Dolio

Juan Dolio is a city very close to Santo Domingo. If you like culture, shopping, restaurants and nightlife of Santo Domingo, this is the best place to stay if you do not want the hustle and bustle of a capital Santo Domingo. It also has a great beach. It will be easy to find villas for rent or house with all the comforts of your home, golf courses and hotels all inclusive. This area is located near Santo Domingo, Boca Chica and La Romana.

Boca Chica

Boca Chica is a fishing village, is considered the beach of Santo Domingo since it is close to the capital and the Las Americas International Airport. It has a quiet beach ideal for children. The hotel offer is good but more limited than in other areas.

La Romana

La Romana is the ideal place to visit Casa de Campo, Bayahibe Beach, Altos de Chavon, the islands of Saona and Catalina. Altos de Chavon, is a great tourist destination, is a villa which was built by recreating an ancient Mediterranean town of the sixteenth century. It is situated in a quiet town about an hour and a half from Santo Domingo and forty minutes of Juan Dolio. Bayahibe Beach is an excellent beach and there are very good hotel deals with the all-inclusive plan, in addition to the villas of Casa de Campo.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is the second most important tourist destination in the Dominican Republic which has an area called Playa Dorada solely for tourism, so it will not be difficult to find travel bargains. Puerto Plata also has two major tourist areas, Sosua and Cabarete, preferred by the younger ones, lover of water sports and a bustling nightlife. This area is ideal for interact with the locals and share with the Dominicans.

Jarabacoa

Jarabacoa is a good option for adventure tourism, it is an area surrounded by pine trees and flowers with a comfortable temperature (average 21 ° C). It is a region that offers attractions such as ecotourism and adventure. It offers the possibility of such varied activities as rafting, cannoning, mountain biking, paragliding, tubing, hiking… It has attractions such as natural spas and beautiful waterfalls and is very close to the highest mountains of the Antilles, including the Duarte Peak, of 3087 m. tall.