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 16^th 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.

• Malećon is Santo Domingo’s seafront and strolling some of the 14km boulevard is a city must-do – wonderful sunsets.
• Don’t miss: Museo Bellapart, Parque Colón, Museo de Arte Moderno, Alcázar de Colón and Plaza España.
• Santo Domingo is the heartland of shopping and stores stay open until at least 9pm all week long.

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 loveliest hotels draped round flawless beaches on the sunniest coast. Punta Cana even has its own airport and no fewer than 11 golf courses.

• All-inclusive family hotels with everything from huge waterparks and extraordinary kids’ clubs to spas and water sports on peaceful, private beaches.
• Punta Cana balances eco with adventure and has as many heritage experiences and nature reserves as it does zip-lines and buggy tours.
• Don’t miss: Pirate Cruises, Manati Park, Jeep Safaris, snorkelling and diving, horse riding and Marinarium.

On the green and cosseted east coast, Samaná is the province for national parks, 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.

• Eco-resorts, beautifully designed tropical villages and charming villas.
• Don’t miss: Humpback Whales, Los Haitises National Park, Museo Taino, Playa las Terrenas, Caya Leventado, La Churcha and Museo de las Ballenas.

Santo Domingo’s northern sister is another colonial beauty dating back to the late 16^th 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.

• Puerto Plata Province has over 100km of coast scattered with pretty seaside towns, excellent family hotels and all-inclusive beach resorts.
• Don’t miss: Ocean World Adventure Park, Damajagua Falls, the cable car ride up Mount Isabel de Torres and kiteboarding at Sosua or Cabarete.

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.

• Romano resorts like Viva Wyndham are exceptionally child-friendly with a wide range of events and activities, theme parks and age-specific kids’ clubs.
• Casa de Campo has its own horse ranch, a range of kids’ sports programmes and a baseball pitch.
• Don’t miss: Sendero Padre Nuestro Island, Altos de Chavón, Isla Saona, Cueva Fun Fun and La Romana city.