Dominican Republic Holidays

Thanks to its bigger-than-average size, the Dominican Republic is one of the most diverse countries in the Caribbean. Along the coast, you’ve got the full spectrum of beaches, while inland, mangrove lagoons, mountain peaks and waterfalls are just the start of the story.

Up on the north coast is the Puerto Plata region. In the town itself, you can tick off rum factories and the old quarter, or take the cable car up to Mount Isabel del Torres. Nearby, you’ve got Playa Dorada, with its casinos and restaurant-packed square. In Costa Dorada and Bahia Maimon, meanwhile, picture-perfect stretches of sand and barefoot beach bars set the scene.

Puerto Plata is also the gateway to the Samana peninsula. Things are pretty laid-back here, with footprint-free beaches and sleepy resorts like Cayo Levantado and Samana Town tempting visitors from all over the world.

On the eastern tip of the country is Punta Cana. The big name here is Bavaro. It’s a lively resort with a beach that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a glossy travel magazine. Finally, tucked away in the Dominican Republic’s southeast corner is the La Romana region. Locals claim that the beaches here are the prettiest in the country. The main resort here is Bayahibe – a quiet fishing village with a sprinkling of hotels.