The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. And between its beaches, ancient cities and rich culture, it’s easy to see why.
The Dominican Republic sits between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. The climate’s tropical and temperatures range from 66˚F in December to 95˚F in August.
It’s the second largest Caribbean country after Cuba and one of only two on a divided island. The Dominican Republic’s neighbor to the north is Haiti. Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the New World and home to 3 million people. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Dominican Republic has 14 national parks, including the Cave of Miracles and La Caleta Underwater Park.
The Domincan Republic’s beach resorts are fabulous for family holidays. But tear yourself away from the water sports, glittering sea and gorgeous sands to spend at least one day in mesmerising Santo Domingo. The entire colonial heart of this graceful capital is a World Heritage site and dates back to the 16th century. Often compared to Havana, Santo Domingo is older than the Cuban legend and much better cared for, less hectic, far easier to explore and just as captivating. Walk around the historic quarter’s neat, symmetrical streets and pretty cobbled alleys and you’re surrounded by marvellous little museums, delightful shops, restaurants and architectural intrigue. Or, if kids are still young enough not to cringe at tourist trains, catch the Chu-Chu Colonial for a 45-minute snapshot tour before delving into the city by yourself.
On the far south tip of the country, Punta Cana is one of the main reasons for the Dominican Republic’s popularity. A paradise resort, washed by the Caribbean and the Atlantic, where the country keeps all its best hotels wrapped around flawless beaches on the sunniest coast. Punta Cana even has its own airport and no fewer than 11 golf courses.
On the green and cosseted east coast, Samaná is the province for national parks, with a laid-back beachy atmosphere, calm seas, whale watching and wonderful walking trails. It’s more independent and less touristy than Punta Cana and the landscape is, arguably, the country’s most breathtaking.
Santo Domingo’s northern sister is another colonial beauty dating back to the late 16th century. Sheltered by the soaring drama of enormous Mount Isabel de Torres and gazing out over the Atlantic, Puerto Plata is famous for stately Victorian villas, ancient fortresses and tropical gardens.
On the sheltered west coast, just over an hour’s drive from Punta Cana, La Romana is the area where vast sugar cane fields fight for attention with long, sparkling beaches and pretty islands. The family resorts here are some of the best in the country and the province is also home to Del Este National Park.
Family resorts have good private transport to major sites and cities. But this is a big Caribbean country and if you want to explore on your own time, go beyond the beaches, tour national parks and visit several provinces, rent a car. Most historic centers are compact enough to walk around and taxis are an inexpensive alternative for longer distances.
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