Why this island rewards moving around
The Dominican Republic shares Hispaniola with Haiti and was where Columbus first landed in the New World in 1492 — Santo Domingo became the first European capital in the Americas, and the evidence is still standing. Today most people come for the beaches, the water and the diving, fishing, catamaran and whale-watching that go with them. But the mountains, the waterfalls and the colonial city are all a drive away, not a flight.
Las Terrenas
A former fishing village on the Samana peninsula, now a relaxed tourist town with white sand, clear water and a strong European expat presence. Playa Las Ballenas and Playa El Portillo are the beaches people come back for, and it is one of the country's best bases for whale and dolphin watching in season. If you are flying in for this coast, read which airport to choose for Las Terrenas and Samana.
Jarabacoa
Called the city of everlasting spring for its climate. Mountains, the Jimenoa and Baiguate waterfalls, the Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve, a rope-and-wood river crossing for the brave, golf for the less so, and one of the country's best-known Carnival celebrations in February.
Playa Rincon
Near Las Galeras on the Samana peninsula, and one of the two places rumoured to be Columbus's first landfall. Regardless of the history, it is consistently rated among the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and it is long enough that it never feels full.
El Limon waterfall
A dramatic fall on the Atlantic side, reached mostly on horseback across several river crossings, with a swimming hole at the bottom that earns itself after the ride in.
Santo Domingo
The capital, the largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean, and the site of the Zona Colonial — the oldest European city in the Americas, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our guide to the oldest city in America covers it properly, and Santo Domingo transfers get you in from SDQ.
Bayahibe and the National Park of the East
A fishing village turned diving base on the south coast, and the gateway to Isla Saona and the protected park. Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and some of the best seafood on the island.
Punta Cana and Bavaro
The east coast resort belt: the widest beaches, the largest hotels, the most flights. See Punta Cana airport transfers and Bavaro.
Puerto Plata
The north coast's original tourist town, with the Mount Isabel de Torres cable car, amber museums and a long Atlantic beach front.
Samana
Humpback whales gather in Samana Bay every winter, and the peninsula around it is the greenest, least built corner of the country.
La Romana and Casa de Campo
The south-east's luxury address, with Altos de Chavon above the Chavon river and its own airport. See La Romana and Casa de Campo.
Doing it in one trip
We have run private transportation across the whole country since 2012 — airport transfers, full-day chauffeur service and group vehicles. Your driver tracks your flight, meets you inside arrivals with a tablet showing your name, and can stay with you for the day if you are covering ground.
