A vacation in the Dominican Republic is a time-out for body and soul. Fantastic sandy beaches with crystal clear water, breathtaking sunsets, unique nature and the pure joie de vivre of the Dominicans – what more could you want?
The island state of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean offers everything you need for a varied holiday. Below you will find our top 5 tips of the most beautiful destinations in the Dominican Republic that you should definitely have seen during your stay.
The most beautiful destinations of the Dominican Republic:
Samaná
To the northeast is the Samaná peninsula. The region is best known for its island of Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island thanks to the commercial filmed there. A perfect place to enjoy the powdery white beach and unspoiled nature. The almost 1000 km2 peninsula is crisscrossed by a mountain range with dense vegetation and invites you to hike.
Larger places to see in Samaná are Las Terrenas and the capital of the province, Santa Bárbara. Here you can still find the original and authentic Dominican Republic. A trip to the El Limón waterfall is also worthwhile. For action seekers, the ziplines are certainly interesting. Here you race through the middle of nature and get a fast-paced and impressive overview of Samaná.
In the Samaná region, there is also the possibility of observing humpback whales up close during the winter period, which are in this region for mating and giving birth to their cubs.
Isla Saona
In the southeast you will find the small island of Saona. Popular here are the excursions by catamaran to this remote island. It can also be reached by ferry or boat from La Romana, 40 km away. On the island you will find various natural swimming pools in the form of sandbanks off the coast.
The island is a paradise for snorkeling fans thanks to its coral reefs and colorful underwater world. In addition, a turtle conservation project can be visited. Saona Island is also known for its Parque Nacional del Este National Park, with a wide variety of birds and rare bird species. Also worth seeing is the small village of Mano Juan, consisting of various pastel-colored wooden houses.
Santo Domingo
In addition to beaches, national parks and jungles, the Dominican Republic also offers a big city feeling in the capital Santo Domingo, the oldest city built by Europeans in the New World. In the enchanting historic old town of the metropolis with almost three million inhabitants, you will find the main artery Calle el Conde, one of the most beautiful shopping streets, which ends at the monument of Christopher Columbus.
In general, you will find a mixture of old architecture and modernity. Palaces such as the Columbus Palace and fortresses such as Fortaleza Ozama, but also the oldest cathedral in America, Santa Maria la Menor, bear witness to the colonial era. In the middle of the city you can enjoy peace and quiet in the cave lake park Los Tres Ojos. On the beach promenade Avenida George Washington you can taste the real traditional food, dance the night away to Dominican music and drink a glass of mamajuana (a mixture of red wine, brown rum and honey).
Puerto Plata
A popular destination both because of the more than 100 km of sandy beaches in the province and because of the provincial capital of the same name. In the capital you will find many sights such as the fortress of San Felipe, various Victorian buildings, the Amber Museum and a variety of colorful Caribbean houses.
In addition to a walk through the city centre, a ride on the cable car to the summit of the local mountain Pico Isabel de Torres is also worthwhile. Here you will find a botanical garden and a replica of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro. For lovers of good rum, a visit to the Brugal rum factory is also worthwhile. About 30 km from the gates of the 130,000-inhabitant city of Puerto Plata are also the 27 waterfalls on the Damajagua River. Certainly a highlight for all lovers of thrills. Here you can swim, slide and climb.
Playa Rincón
This beach has been named one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by several magazines. It is located near the fishing village of Las Galeras on the Samaná peninsula. A three-kilometre-long natural beach with crystal clear waters, at the end of which the freshwater river Caño Frio flows into the sea. Often you are even lucky enough to have this section of beach almost to yourself.
There is so much more to discover and we could have included many more places in the list of the most beautiful destinations in the Dominican Republic, so that you usually fall for the magic of the island and visit it more than once.
