Welcome to Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is bright, characterful, and extraordinary. Since the XVI century, it had been attracting conquistadors from Europe, and today it attracts millions of tourists from all around the world. The Dominican Republic has stunning beaches, magnificent mountain scenery, lush forests, impressive colonial architecture. Here you can see humpback whales of Samana, exotic parrots, American crocodiles, go down 27 waterfalls of Puerto Plata, relax on the beaches of Playa Rincon. Thanks to the climate conditions, people harvest fruit in the Dominican Republic all year round. There are over forty species of mangoes, sweet papaya, and juicy passion fruit.

Geography

The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean region. It is the largest country of Haiti islands, situated in the West Indies, and being a part of the Greater Antilles archipelago. The Dominican Republic is made up of many small islands. The largest of them include Saona, Catalina, Beata, and Cayo Levantado. The country neighbors upon the Republic of Haiti and Puerto Rico. The Atlantic Ocean washes it in the north and the Caribbean Sea in the south. The country consists of one national district — the capital Santo Domingo, 29 provinces, 50 municipal counties, and 110 municipalities.

Map Dominican Republic

The Colonial Era of Columbus and modern resorts

Annually, millions of tourists strive to visit this paradise, an island of happiness and exotic to enjoy the silence, magnificent beaches, and azure lagoons. Once you come to the Dominican Republic, you can feel the spirit of freedom, the joy of life that is manifested in everything: the music sounding from cafes and bars, the smiles of passers-by, and the unique atmosphere of each city.

Santo Domingo

In the south of the country, you shall find the oldest city in the New World and the capital of the Dominican — Santo Domingo. It is the cultural and economic center of the country. The town was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of the famous navigator Christopher Columbus. Here you can find the first fortress in the Western Hemisphere — the Ozama Fortress, the first Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, and the first hospital, which once had been the royal residence. Dam Street is the oldest street in the city where you can still see colonial buildings and mansions from the Columbus era. Small winding roads lead to the most spectacular attractions, tropical parks with bizarre butterflies and rare trees.

Santiago

Santiago is the second-largest city, an industrial and agricultural center. Melodic and fiery merengue music was born in this city. The city spreads out on the banks of the Yaque Del Norte River. It is considered to be the noblest city in the Dominican Republic. Its full name sounds like Santiago de Los Caballeros, which means "city of knights". Santiago has many interesting historical sites: the Fort of Saint Louis, the former Town Hall, and Leisure Club, and the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. A visit to the Moca Zoo, the Cibao Theatre, and the Folklore Museum will give you the most pleasant impressions. The Monumento a Los Héroes de la Restauración is the most significant attraction in the Dominican Republic. On Calle Del Sol Street, you will find colorful restaurants and cafes serving the dishes of the national cuisine. Spit-roasted pork is the most popular one. There are several worldwide known tobacco and cigar factories here, which include Juan Clemente Factory, Grupo León Jimenes, Tabacalera, and the Cigar Museum. The suburb of Santiago — Moca — is considered to be the capital of coffee production. The Samana Peninsula is located three hours away from Santiago. Gorgeous beaches on the Atlantic coast are a great place for romantic holidays or a trip with children. It offers such water amusements as diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, catamarans, and water skiing.

Jarabacoa

The resort of Jarabacoa is located next to Santiago, surrounded by forests and mountain rivers. In its neighborhoods, tourists can admire the whole complex of waterfalls, alluring its beauty. Moreover, the natural treasures of the José Armando Bermúdez National Park are spread near Jarabacoa. There is another equally famous reserve next to it, José del Carmen Ramírez National Park. In this natural tandem of two parks, you can find the highest peaks in the Dominican Republic: La Pelona, La Rucilla, and the record Pico Duarte (3098 m). Mountain climbers from all over the world come here to conquer it. Every year, thousands of eco-tourists, as well as extreme and exotic lovers, visit this resort for hiking and horseback riding.

Punta Cana

One of the most famous resorts — Punta Cana — is located in the east of the Dominican Republic. It also has the largest airport in the country. Here you will find amazing beaches with tiny white sand, azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean, coconut palms. There are several parks in Punta Cana. Manati Park is one of the most popular here where you can see exotic animals. In this resort, there are many gorgeous hotels with spacious and comfortable bungalows. With the most beautiful coral reefs, this place is especially popular with divers.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is another magnificent resort of the Dominican Republic. It is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the north and the Caribbean Sea in the south. The Cable Car Puerto Plata goes above the resort. It offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean coast. As you go up, you will see a smaller copy of the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. A visit to the colonial fortress, walking along Victorian mansions, or a visit to the Amber Museum will not leave you indifferent. Puerto Plata has a vibrant nightlife. There are many clubs and bars where you can watch traditional dances. You can relax with your family in Ocean World Adventure Park. It is a large entertainment complex with a dolphinarium, many shops, cafes, and discos.

Boca Chica

Boca Chica is the city where the Dominican elite have settled since the early twentieth century. It is 37 km from Santo Domingo. It is a respectable resort spread among lemon and orange groves, with pure velvet sand, a warm lagoon protected by a coral reef, and magnificent five-star hotels. The resort of Boca Chica has excellent facilities for windsurfing, diving, water skiing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, and horseback riding.

La Romana is a charming town on the south coast of the Dominican Republic with its own airport. It is famous for its grand hotel complex Casa de Campo Resort & Villas with a huge spectacular area right on the Caribbean Sea coast and a lot of entertainment for everyone: SPA, fitness centers, a yacht club, water sports and riding centers, etc. The landmark of La Romana is an artificially created medieval town of artists and craftsmen with its own school of design. It will also be interesting to visit the Saint Stanislaus Church, the Archaeological Museum, and the amphitheater, where Frank Sinatra and Julio Iglesias performed.

Saona

Saona, or "Bounty Island", is located in the south of the Dominican Republic and is washed by the Caribbean Sea. Its rich flora has given it the status of a national reserve. Unique mangroves with trees going into the water, which protect small fish and birds from predators, create a unique spectacle. Saona is home to gulls, parrots, storks, exotic fish, rays, sea urchins, moray, and dolphins. On land, you can find iguanas and turtles. Local beaches are shallow enough; sometimes, the depth does not exceed one meter, which is very convenient for diving training. It is an excellent place for the whole family to relax and get acquainted with a fantastic animal world.

What should you mind before going to the Dominican Republic?

• The Dominican Republic is a year-round resort, but there are high chances of hurricanes from late August to November.
• The Dominican Republic has a very "evil" sun, so you can burn once or twice. Stock up on good sunscreen so that your tan won't bring you any suffering. 
• The territory of the hotels is protected from mosquitoes, but bringing repellents and antihistamines won't hurt.
• Do not drink from the tap! Use only bottled water; it is also recommended washing the fruit with boiled or purchased water.

Cities in Dominican Republic

Attractions

The Dominican Republic is a country of freedom-loving people. Their life history mainly consisted of wars and struggles, but they managed to preserve their history, culture, and architectural monuments. First settlers' cathedrals, fortresses, colonial palaces and mansions, exotic nature parks will open their doors and show you the other world.

What is the best time to come to the Dominican Republic?  
The Dominican Republic has a humid subtropical climate, and it is easy to tolerate the heat. From May to September, the rainy season comes. Storms are usually short, but frequent. The period from December to April is the best time for a vacation in the Dominican Republic. The average air temperature during this period is +27 °С. The hottest period in the Dominican Republic is August-October, with the mean air temperature of +32 °С. The holiday season lasts all year round in the Dominican Republic. The average water temperature is +26 °С.

Hotels in Dominican Republic