Why the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic packs Caribbean beaches, a 500-year-old colonial capital, mountains and merengue into one island nation. Here are the cities worth building a trip around.
Santo Domingo
The oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the Americas, Santo Domingo is the cultural heart of the country. Its Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of cobbled streets and 16th-century landmarks.
- Highlight: Walk the Calle Las Damas, the oldest paved street in the Americas, and visit the Catedral Primada de America, the first cathedral built in the New World.
Punta Cana
The country's resort capital on the eastern tip, famous for all-inclusive hotels and palm-lined white sand.
- Highlight: Bavaro Beach, a long stretch of calm turquoise water perfect for swimming and catamaran trips.
Puerto Plata
The northern "Amber Coast" city blends Victorian architecture with Caribbean energy and easy access to nature.
- Highlight: Ride the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres for panoramic views, then cool off at the 27 Charcos de Damajagua waterfalls nearby.
Santiago de los Caballeros
The country's second city and the cultural capital of the Cibao valley, known for cigars, baseball and merengue.
- Highlight: The Monumento a los Heroes de la Restauracion, a towering hilltop monument with city views.
La Romana
An upscale eastern resort town and gateway to nearby islands.
- Highlight: Altos de Chavon, a re-created 16th-century Mediterranean village with a Roman-style amphitheater overlooking the Chavon River.
Las Terrenas
A laid-back beach town on the Samana Peninsula with a strong European expat flavor.
- Highlight: Whale watching in Samana Bay (January to March), when thousands of humpbacks gather to breed.
Barahona
The wild southwest, far less touristy, with dramatic coastline and mountains.
- Highlight: Bahia de las Aguilas, often called the country's most beautiful and unspoiled beach.
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