Dominican Republic Holidays guide – from maps and weather to the best attractions and restaurants – here’s what you need to know

At a glance

Dominican Republic is great for...

1. Beaches, beaches, beaches! And beaches!
2. Laid back Caribbean hospitality and enjoying just one more rum
3. Super adventures like exploring wild forests or plunging into crystal clear waters

1

Introducing the Dominican Republic

Forget Barbados or the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean. It’s not hard to see why, this country – half of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti – has everything that makes the region great: tropical beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rainforests and mountains. It’s also got brilliant resorts with all the luxury facilities, great cuisine and nightlife and a fascinating history. Oh, and there’s year-round sunshine too.

If you do go down the resort route, you’ll have loads of trips and adventures laid on, from whale watching in Samana to sampling the rum in . But don’t be shy of stepping out to explore this fascinating place away from the beaches, from the lonely splendour of Bayahibe to the never-ending parties of Bavaro or the fascinating history of Santo Domingo, the first European city in the New World.

Getting Around

The Dominican Republic has 31 provinces, called provincias, with Santo Domingo sitting in its own Distrito Nacional. For visitors, a simpler division into areas makes more sense though. The Metropolitan Area includes Santo Domingo and plenty of beaches; The Eastern Plains and East Coast are where the best-known of the all-inclusive resorts are to be found; for Casa de Campo and Cap Cana, also in the east, the phrase “Paradise on Earth” says it all; Western Cibao and the North Coast include the Caribbean’s highest mountains and good Atlantic beaches; for wildlife and seclusion head to the relatively undeveloped Enriquillo Valley in the south.

There is good bus transport available around most of the country. Caribe Tours have the best network, you can book online or pay as you travel. Short trips are only around RD$150, which is around £2.50.

In rural areas look out for guaguas, as more unofficial buses are called. Don’t expect much in the way of comfort or facilities, do expect local colour and even an impromptu party if you’re lucky. The big towns have good, trustworthy taxi services.

Rent a car before you arrive or try Santo Domingo. Prices, including for petrol and insurance, are high and, while the big highways are very safe, some of the roads can be difficult to navigate. Resorts and hotels often offer trips and excursions with transport included or will arrange safe taxi travel for you.