Occupying the eastern part of the island of Haiti, the Dominican Republic is washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This magical land of snow-white beaches, a riot of exotic nature, incredible landscapes can be safely called an earthly paradise. Christopher Columbus, who discovered this place, considered it the most beautiful on earth. There are many natural phenomena here: Duarte Peak, the shortest river in the world – Los Patos (200 m), the lake of the same name, etc.
Punta Cana
At the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean is the city of Punta Cana, rightfully considered the main resort of the country. There is also an international airport, where planes from Russia also arrive. The resort, which has become a prestigious holiday destination in recent years, was recently a selva overgrown with coconuts and mangroves. Today it shines with its 5-star hotels, built in the form of 1 and 2-storey bungalows.
Excellent service, an extensive entertainment program for children, varied cuisine, with a children‘s menu will satisfy any demand. In large complexes, along with high civilization, reserved corners of pristine nature have been left. In them, children can see impenetrable mangroves, with white herons, swimming fish and parrots of fantastic colors and sizes.
Peace, tranquility, quiet lapping of waves, comfortable accommodation, hospitality of local residents make the rest a real pleasure. In Punta Cana, buildings specially built from bamboo and palm trees cannot but touch. The beaches have all the conditions for water sports. It is especially good to go sailing and surfing here – powerful winds blow. Tennis courts, golf courses are equipped everywhere, horseback riding along the beaches is practiced.
There are daytime and evening animations, children's discos, competitions. The local coral reefs bring a lot of pleasure, the longest of which stretches for 30 m. Even inexperienced beginners will be able to observe the underwater fauna, diving with a mask. An excursion to the Manati Natural Park will give a lot of positive emotions from meeting with dolphins and parrots.
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Bayaibe
A picturesque fishing village located on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, this is a small but very popular resort. Residents are engaged in tourism and still continue fishing. Every morning, dozens of boats go out to sea to fish. Vacationers can also take part in fishing, which gives them a lot of pleasure.
In Bayahibe itself there is only one beach of the same name, unusually beautiful. Turquoise crystal clear water, no algae. Soft sand, sprawling palm trees create a bounty look. The beach strip is divided into a public area and a private area belonging to the La Romana hotel. There are many boats in the public area that bring tourists to Saona Island.
But near the village there are several more beach areas, no less beautiful. Among them, Magallanes Beach is the pearl of Bayahibe. Here is a surprisingly calm turquoise sea, beautiful sandy cover. There are no shady canopies and umbrellas on it, they are replaced by trees and shrubs. There are no cafes on Magallanes – if you are going here, you should take drinks and sandwiches with you.
But rest in this heavenly place will be wonderful, especially if you go snorkeling at the magnificent reef located on the left. 5 km from the village is the tourist village of Dominicus, with the beach of the same name and many hotel establishments of various types. Almost the entire beach strip is divided between hotels, there are only 2 public areas. Resting with children in Bayahibe is a real pleasure.
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La Romana
The main resort area of the country with its own airport is located on its southeastern coast (120 km from the capital). Long famous for its sugar plantations, the region today is an example of a high-class resort. Here you can not only enjoy a comfortable beach holiday, but also immerse yourself in the interesting world of the past.
La Romana, known in history since the 16th century, pleases tourists with unique sights, both ancient and modern. The most popular resort complex here is Casa de Campo, which has the best conditions for a stay. Various ships enter its harbor, it has its own heliport, 3 golf courses, a spa center, and swimming pools. Wonderful white beaches, framed by lush greenery, provide a great holiday with children.
A unique attraction is the town of artists Altos de Chavan. It was founded by a Dominican architect in collaboration with an Italian cinematographer and designer. Everything here is stylized as a typical Mediterranean village of the 16th century. Stone-paved paths, pottery workshops, a Roman-style amphitheater, etc. Paintings by local artists are exhibited in art galleries.
There are shops, restaurants where you can buy souvenirs and taste national dishes. At the confluence of the river Chavon in the Caribbean is built by Marina Casa de Campo, with luxurious villas, apartments, restaurants and cafes. Boat and kayak trips are organized along the Chavon River. Excursions are conducted to the Eastern National Park, which is a protected habitat for rare fauna.
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Puerto Plata
The northern province is located 235 minds from the capital, famous for black amber (ambergris). It is found in the golden sands of the coast, so the name of the region is translated as “Amber Coast”. Founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (younger brother of the navigator), the city was destroyed by order of the Spanish king for the cooperation of the townspeople with pirates.
Puerto Plata was restored in 1742 by settlers from the Canary Islands. The mild tropical climate, magnificent beaches, stunning sea views, extraordinary architecture and an international airport have made this place a popular resort. Here, every tourist, in addition to beach leisure, will find something to their liking.
Today, Puerto Plata combines several small resorts that differ from each other in their own flavor. One of them is Playa Dorada (5 km from the city), which is a complex of 13 luxury hotels. Each of them has its own beach club, with a wide range of entertainment. Golf, horseback riding, water activities, restaurants, discos will diversify your leisure time.
The resort town of Sosua (15 km from the airport) beckons with snow-white beaches, a huge number of souvenir shops, bars, restaurants and an extensive entertainment program. Not far from Sosua is the village of Grand Gris, located by a charming coral lagoon. A huge beach, the richness of the underwater world attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
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Cabaret
If you dream of being in a world of warmth and fabulous landscapes in the midst of a chilly winter, planning a trip, your dreams will come true in a small town on the shores of a coral bay. The transparent blue of the sea, the gold of the sand, the tents of the coconut trees, the cozy bungalows will delight you. An abundance of exotic fruits, enchanting sounds of salsa and rumba will accompany your amazing vacation.
Cabarete is a 20-minute drive from Gregorio Luperon Airport. The resort area here is represented by apartment complexes and cottage villages offering townhouses and villas. Cabarete has a well-developed urban and resort infrastructure. It provides comfortable accommodation, security, there are all necessary facilities.
Wonderful beaches are equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, household amenities, creating conditions for a relaxing holiday with children. About 30 thousand people from different countries come here every year. This piece of paradise was discovered by windsurfers when Cabarete was still a modest fishing village. Constant trade winds and monsoons contribute to active windsurfing. Coral reefs with rich fauna are a paradise for divers and snorkellers. In addition, you can ride horses, jeeps, visit the El Choco National Park.
Viva Wyndham Tangerine 4 – All Inclusive, daytime sports and entertainment, evening entertainment, programs for children from 4 to 12
Boca Chica
Paradise, located on the shores of a cozy lagoon. It is famous for its white sandy beaches, shallow waters and coral reefs. Nature has generously endowed the former fishing village with tropical beauty. Almost 100 years ago, sugarcane plantations spread here, and fishing flourished. Everything changed in the 1940s, when the Dominican dictator Trujillo chose this stunning location for his dacha.
Later, a chic Amaka hotel was erected here, where the elite of the Dominican Republic began to come. After the death of Trujillo, the hotel was empty for some time, and then it became a haven for foreign tourists. Today Boca Chica is a modern resort in the south of the republic on the Caribbean coast. It is located between the cities of San Pedro and Santo Domingo at a distance of 30 km from each.
Here, tourists will find unforgettable beach leisure against the backdrop of irresistible beauties. All local beaches are covered with amazingly fine, flour-like white sand. They are divided into city and island beaches. The first are located on the Dominican coast, and the second – near the islets. La Matica is one of them, located on the island of the same name, where flamingos live.
The sea near the coast is shallow, the maximum depth is 1.5 m. Therefore, families with children prefer to safely relax here. The turquoise expanse of the lagoon is surrounded by a picturesque coral reef that attracts the attention of divers. In addition to them, frequent guests are lovers of water skiing, windsurfing, sailing. In April, fishing competitions are held annually in Boca Chica. There are good, comfortable hotels 4 and 3 stars.
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Samana
Many rightly believe that the Samana Peninsula is the best place in the country. It's hard to argue with this: the one who comes here for the first time comes into an emotional shock from the unsurpassed beauty of the local landscape and the wonders of nature. It is no coincidence that there are 6 national parks on Samana, with reserved flora and fauna.
The peninsula is a separate province of the republic, with 3 large cities and many tiny villages. The region's capital, Santa Barbara de Samana, is home to 108,000 people. In recent years, Samana has become extremely popular with tourists – they fly to 3 local airports, one of which is international. Adjacent to Samana is a separate island of Cayo Levontado, which has white sandy beaches and fantastic coral reefs.
All tropical exoticism appears before the eyes of the guests of Samana. Primordial jungle, amazing animals and birds, unique marine life, caves with rock paintings are amazing. Fanciful hills, overgrown with a dense cap of tropical vegetation, surround turquoise waters. Here is a real miracle of nature – El Limon waterfall, where crowds of tourists rush.
Crystal jets flow down in a fringe along the crowns of trees, forming a fantastic picture. Everyone seeks to swim in the lake formed below, in order, according to legend, to gain wealth. Everyone is delighted with the sight of humpback whales jumping out of the water, sailing here to continue their offspring.
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Sousa
The abode of beautiful beaches, warm sea, lush tropical greenery – the town of Sosua is located in the province of Puerto Plata. Its popularity cannot be compared with the major resorts of the republic, but everyone will like to relax at this resort. The proximity of the airport (about 7 km), interesting sights, the best beaches of the northern coast make Sosua an attractive place.
The local sea is characterized by crystal clear water, which is home to many underwater inhabitants. Tropical vegetation surrounds the coast in a lush carpet. Diving and snorkeling at the coral reef, fishing are common activities here, in addition to swimming and sunbathing.
The boulevard that runs along the main beach is lined with shops and restaurants serving delicious national and European cuisine. Luxurious villas, hotels are located within the city and its environs. The level of service in them directly depends on the price. At the far end of the city is the Jewish quarter of El Bati, founded by 600 Jews in the forties of the war.
A synagogue and a museum illustrating the history of the Jewish community serve as monuments to this. You can also have a great time on the local beach. There are many interesting excursions to the unique objects of the resort.
Juan Dolio
Choosing a place for a budget holiday, you can stay at the resort of Juan Dolio. It is located in a convenient location with easy access to the big cities: La Romana and Santo Domingo. Juan Dolio itself is small and cozy, with inexpensive hotels, with a calm, peaceful atmosphere.
Its main advantage is the wonderful beaches with white soft sand, surrounded by a necklace of palm trees. All shops, restaurants, hotels are located on the main street. The main transport here is a bicycle, so you don't have to worry about the cleanliness of the environment. The sea in Juan Dolio is unusually warm, the water temperature is more than + 25 ° C almost all year round. It is comfortable to relax here with children, especially in the winter months. In the summer season (June-October), storms periodically occur, rains fall.
It is hot in April-July, the humidity is increased due to frequent rains. Although you need to go to the beaches through the coastal highway, it is safe: there is no heavy traffic, there are many crossings. The main entertainment here is water sports, diving, golf. There are many excursions to interesting sights in the vicinity: Fan Fan cave, Altos de Chavon village, etc.
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Santo Domingo
This is the first city built in the New World by Europeans after the discovery of America by Columbus. Only in it the metro was built, many stadiums, there is a hippodrome, 2 airports of international importance. Very interesting to visit the historical center – Colonial, with ancient sights. Santo Domingo is home to the 3rd part of the total population of the country – more than 3 million people. There are objects of interest to children: the Botanical Garden, the zoo, places associated with the name of Columbus.
Palace of Diego Columbus, son of the famous navigator, an architectural monument of the 16th century. The building was built from coral limestone ingots without a single nail. Today it houses a museum of Columbus and his family. There is a “Street of Ladies” in the city, which is considered the 1st street of America. It houses the houses of the nobility, the authentic Sundial, the Osama fortress, built at the end of the 16th century. This is the first defensive and fortifying object of the New World.
It was used for its intended purpose until the 20th century. From the observation deck of the fortress you can see a magnificent panorama of the city, the river and the port. Worth a visit is the Catholic Cathedral, consecrated in honor of the Holy Virgin Mary (1541). For many years it was the religious center of the new continent.
In front of the cathedral on Columbus Square there is a monument to the great discoverer. A monumental monument, also opened in his honor, the Columbus Lighthouse is a grandiose structure that boggles the imagination. A visit to Santo Domingo leaves a deep impression.
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