Tourist places in the Dominican Republic: paradises beyond Punta Cana
La Romana, Bayahibe, Samana. There are many tourist places in the Dominican Republic that you should discover before deciding on your trip.
When we talk about the tourist places in the Dominican Republic, the first thing that comes to mind is usually Punta Cana, because it was the first to gain worldwide popularity. But there are other destinations, very close, that this beautiful country offers for those who want to enjoy its best beaches and its incredible nature: Bayahibe, Samana and La Romana are some of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean island.
It is important to know a little more about the country to choose very well where to go when planning a trip to the Dominican Republic. The tourist places to enjoy are many and the vacation destinations within the island are becoming more and more beautiful. Punta Cana is beautiful and has a lot to offer, but if you want to discover the latest trends you will have to look a little more.
Despite being a relatively small island, 29 beaches in the Dominican Republic proudly display their Blue Flag status, making it the Latin American country with the largest number of certified beaches.
It is that there are places to visit in the Dominican Republic that are known by those who seek beyond the first proposal and discover the best destinations and hotels. This is the case of those who choose paradises such as Bayahibe, Samana and La Romana. We tell you where they are, what to do, why visit them and which hotel should go and why.
Dominican Republic tourist attractions
The Dominican Republic is a country blessed by nature and with an excellent location, with international airports and very good air connectivity. You can reach different cities and with airlines for all budgets: from the most expensive to the low cost. After all, you don't need a big suitcase because beach life requires very little clothing.
The places to visit in the Dominican Republic are more and more because it is a country that makes a great effort in what is the development of its tourist offer. It knows that the island is a paradise of crystalline waters and white sands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea and the arrival of tourists from all over the world is encouraged to enjoy its multiple charms.
Places to visit in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has more than 200 beaches that line the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts. Many of them remain virgin and you will be able to find busier places, with many options for families and groups, and more exclusive hotels and destinations, only for adults or with a more relaxed proposal and a great focus on well-being.
Bayahibe, Samana and La Romana: the best Dominican beaches
We know the first thing people look for when planning a trip to the Dominican Republic: beaches, good hotels, delicious food, entertainment, relaxation, and well-being. That is why we put together a small list with the places that you should know beyond Punta Cana.
The Roman
La Romana is a province located to the east of the Dominican Republic. It is about 90 minutes from Punta Cana and Santo Domingo and is famous for its production of cane sugar cane. In recent years, it has become one of the most important tourist poles in the country, despite being one of the youngest cities on the island. (You can read: La Romana: the paradisiacal destination that the rich and famous fall in love with).
The city owes its name to a large ancient Roman scale that, in the 16th century, was used to weigh the merchandise that transited through the port
It not only has one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic but also places of interest, such as Altos de Chavón, the Cueva de Las Maravillas, sports marinas and famous golf courses. In fact, it is there where the cruise ships dock and it has an important international airport.
bayahibe
Bayahibe and Dominicus are two wonderful fishing villages, belonging to the province of La Altagracia, which is very close to La Romana. Dominicus Beach was the first beach to receive a Blue Flag in America.
The beaches of Bayahibe, with their white sand and crystalline waters, are so beautiful that one can spend the whole day there without ceasing to marvel. In addition, the climate of La Romana is wonderful, with an average temperature of 26 degrees C, ideal for bathing every month of the year.
On its shores there are important hotels, among which the Viva Resorts (Club Viva Dominicus and Club Viva Dominicus Palace) stand out. In front of them, the ship Saint George sank in 1999, 35 meters deep, creating an artificial reef that can be visited by tourists.
On the beaches of Bayahibe there are coral reefs, populated by fish, mollusks and crustaceans, which complement their natural beauty with beautiful mangroves on land
From the beaches of Bayahibe and Dominicus, guests can easily move to the Catalina and Saona islands, to observe the virgin and protected areas of the Parque Nacional del Este.
Samaná
Santa Bárbara de Samaná is a city located right on the Samaná peninsula, northeast of the Dominican Republic. In addition to its incredible beaches, it is famous for its viewpoint over the bay, which is home to thousands of humpback whales that come to shore during the mating season, which occurs in winter.
The Samaná peninsula is a destination known for its dream places. The area is surrounded by undulating mountains and valleys and endless fine sandy beaches.
It is a place highly chosen by couples, especially adults-only hotels, such as the Viva Wyndham V Samaná. At the hotel you can enjoy some of the most romantic days, with the tranquility and comfort of a resort with the best services.
In turn, the town's seafront, the Malecón, has restaurants and bars. And Cayo Levantado, located in the bay, is a small island known for its palm-fringed beaches.
Playa Dorada, in Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata, officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata, is the third largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is located in the north of the country and its spas -Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada- are so incredible that tourism in the area does not stop growing.
Puerto Plata was the first tailor-made tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, and tourists from all over the world flock here to enjoy the all-inclusive beach resorts that line the coast.
The first cable car in the Caribbean is located in Puerto Plata, where visitors can travel up Pico Isabel de Torres, a 2,600-foot (793-meter) mountain within the city. From there you can see everything that the area offers: exuberant landscapes, sea, mountains, valleys, rivers and dream beaches.
Tourist places in the Dominican Republic beyond the beaches
Although tourists come to the country attracted by the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic, there are other places of interest that you should schedule if you visit the island.
Chavon Heights
One of the tourist places in the Dominican Republic that you should not miss is Altos de Chavón, also called The City of Artists. It is located in La Romana and is a replica of a medieval villa, built in stone.
Altos de Chavón has the most prestigious art and design school in the Caribbean. In fact, the community of artists who live there dazzles tourists.
There you will also visit the Altos de Chavón Amphitheater, located on the edge of a canyon that flows into the Chavón River. It is one of the most outstanding stages in the world, where artists such as Frank Sinatra, Sting, Elton John and Plácido Domingo, among other stars, have sung.
Cave of Wonders
The Cueva de Las Maravillas is famous for its ancient paintings made by the Taino aborigines. There you can see around 500 paintings on the walls and engravings by the ancient inhabitants of the island.
Data of interest: distance, language, currency and temperature
- 25 minutes from the town of La Romana
- 15 minutes from La Romana Airport (LRM)
- 35 minutes from Punta Cana Airport (PUJ)
- 60 minutes from Las Americas Airport (SDQ)
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Dominican peso
- Climate: Average annual temperature of 32°C (89°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night.
