THE CARIBBEAN: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GoVacation
in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican Republic is part of the Greater Antilles archipelago located in the Caribbean region. The western islands are occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands, along with Saint Martin, that are shared by two countries. The Dominican Republic is the second largest Caribbean nation (after Cuba), covering 48,445 square kilometres and home to an estimated 10 million people.
 

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate and the annual average temperature is 25 °C.
The Dominican Republic is known as a beautiful beach destination, but the country is also a blend of culture, history and stunning natural beauty. The main tourist magnets are the areas around Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Samaná. However, the country’s cultural highlights are in the capital, Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to well-developed beach resorts and world-class golf courses, the Dominican Republic is home to amazing coral reefs, waterfalls, jungles, secluded islands, pine forests and the highest peaks in the Caribbean. Definitely worth a visit!

PUERTO PLATA

San Felipe de Puerto Plata is the capital of the Dominican Republic. The city is famous for resorts such as Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada, which are located east of San Felipe de Puerto Plata. A total of 100,000 hotel beds are available in the city.
 

The only aerial tramway in the Caribbean is located in Puerto Plata. This tramway goes up to Pico Isabel de Torres, a 793 meter high mountain within the city. The top of the mountain features a botanical garden and a replica of Christ the Redeemer, the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro.
The fortification Fortaleza San Felipe lies close to the port of Puerto Plata, and was built in the 16th century and served as a prison under Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship. The amber museum is also a well-known attraction in this city and worth a visit. La Isabela, a settlement built by Christopher Columbus, is located near Puerto Plata and is a must-see on your holiday in the Dominican Republic.

PUNTA CANA

Punta Cana is located in the east of the Dominican Republic. The area is best known for its beaches, facing both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic.

The Punta Cana area houses an estimated population of 100,000 habitants. The closest city, the 500-year-old provincial capital of Higüey, is 45 kilometres away. Many European hotel chains have locations on the beaches of Punta Cana.
The area offers water activities, such as racing speedboats, catamaran sailing, party boats, deep sea sport fishing, discovery cruises, floating spas, private yachts, swimming with dolphins, snorkelling, cruises, swimming with sharks and stingrays, whale watching, reef exploring and visiting small islands like Catalina and Saona.