Paradise Escape in the Dominican Republic
Golden beaches and captivating rhythms await you.
Experience the magic of the Caribbean between sea and culture.
Dominican Republic: Discover the birthplace of merengue.
The island of Hispaniola, as it was once named by the Conquistadors, is not limited to the northern coastal resorts around Puerto Plata and Punta Cana and its dream beaches bathed in the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea, like Playa Bonita or Playa Dorada. The Dominican Republic, which shares the island with Haiti, also offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes between arid hills, lush forests, refreshing waterfalls, mountain ranges, and large salt lakes like Enriquillo to offer trekkers about ten natural parks: Park del Este, Los Haitises, José Armando Bermudez, José del Carmen Ramirez...
Traveling in the Dominican Republic, as a couple or with friends, on an organized trip or with a rental car for a self-tour, also means discovering the lesser-known small tropical islands bordering the main island like Saona Island or Catalina Island for hiking and diving. It would also be a shame to stay on the beach and not visit the southern capital Santo Domingo and its colonial zone listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site or the many fishing villages and their colorful houses like in Las Terrenas in the Samaná Peninsula.
An island of a thousand discoveries and pleasures
More than five centuries after its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Dominican Republic has enough facets and assets to be rediscovered with each trip. Located in the Caribbean, this island offers a diversity of landscapes ranging from fine sandy beaches to lush mountains. It is also rich in culture, with a history influenced by Taíno, African, and European cultures. Music and dance play a significant role here, with merengue and bachata as national symbols. The Dominican Republic is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as diving, surfing, or hiking, allowing each visitor to have a unique and unforgettable experience.
Must-see Attractions to Discover
Founded in the early 16th century, the capital Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. Its historic center, the "Colonial Zone", listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses many monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the Alcazar de Colón, and the Ozama Fortress.
On the northeast coast, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Samaná Peninsula is the gathering point for humpback whales. They come every year to give birth in these waters between January and March.
Located in the heart of the country, the Cordillera Central mountain range offers, amidst plantations and mountain villages, a fantastic playground for hiking, mountain biking, or rafting.
Explore the Dominican Republic Differently
Fly away in windsurfing at Cabarete
The small fishing village in the province of Puerto Plata, on the Amber Coast, has become a renowned spot for surfing and sailing sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. This idyllic place attracts enthusiasts from around the world, who come to enjoy the exceptional conditions offered by nature.
Treat yourself to a piece of paradise on Saona Island
At the southeastern tip of the main island, in the Caribbean Sea, Saona Island is a true earthly paradise. Its wild sandy beaches lined with palm trees, its mangroves, coral reefs, and turtles create a dreamlike setting.
Settle in Puerto Plata
In the north, the surroundings of Puerto Plata on the Amber Coast offer the highest concentration of paradise beaches and hotels in the Dominican Republic. Many seaside resorts such as Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada welcome visitors seeking relaxation.
An Incomparable Sweetness of Life
The Dominicans have a touching kindness that you will quickly succumb to, provided you go out to meet them. Music, sometimes a bit loud for European ears, accompanies daily life throughout the day: in transport, markets, shops, and even at night. Helpful, the locals won't hesitate to stop if you're stranded on the side of the road. They will come up with ingenious solutions to fix a flat tire or help you find your way if you're lost. It's common then to share a coconut, a nice cold beer, or a cocktail enhanced with rum to get to know each other better. Music, alcohol, sea, and sun blend well in the Dominican Republic. Like nowhere else, the sweetness of life is expressed in the nonchalance of swaying walks, in the smiles of beautifully mixed faces, and in the mischievousness of children's eyes.
An ideal climate all year round
An ideal climate all year round
The winter season, from October to March, is not really pronounced in the Dominican Republic. The weather remains very mild with an average temperature of 26 °C throughout the year. Dominicans wear sweaters during this period, while a European, accustomed to the rigors of continental climates, will be content with a t-shirt, as heat and sunshine are present here all year round. The summer, from May to September, is particularly hot and humid. The hurricane season, from July to October, sometimes brings very heavy but short-lived rain. In the mountainous center, temperatures are much lower, sometimes dropping below 0 °C at the summit of Pico Duarte, at over 3,800 meters. The Jarabacoa region is one of the wettest areas in Hispaniola and has the greatest temperature range, from 14 °C in winter to 30 °C in summer.
The Cradle of Merengue and Bachata
Dance holds a prominent place in the Dominican Republic, infused with a blend of Spanish and African cultures. Among the many dance and music rhythms, merengue is the most popular. Considered the "national" dance, it is recognized by all Dominicans and celebrated worldwide. Since November 2016, it has been listed as UNESCO's intangible heritage. The origin of merengue remains unclear: some say it comes from the Cibao region, others from the border regions with Haiti, or from a mix of African dances and the French minuet. Merengue has several variations: in the countryside with güira, drum, and accordion, and in cities with brass instruments, piano, and choirs. In July, the Semana del Merengue in Santo Domingo is an opportunity to mingle with the population by dancing in the street or on the beach. Singers Sergio Vargas and Johnny Ventura are icons of merengue.
An Explosion of Colors and Traditions
The Dominican carnival is particularly lively and colorful. It is a very popular festival where Spanish traditions, Christian faith, and African rites blend, going back beyond the colonial era. The carnival takes place in all regions of the country with frenetic rhythms and catchy music, showcasing horned devils, roosters, bulls, and caciques. Participants parade every Sunday in February across the Dominican Republic.
The carnival reaches its peak on February 27th, National Independence Day, and continues in some cities until March. The most famous are those of La Vega and Santo Domingo, but those of San Pedro de Macoris or Santiago compete in creativity and imagination. There too, the streets transform into an improvised theater. Hordes of costumed children pummel spectators with balloons. Stalls distribute rum liberally, while music groups unleash the dancers' enthusiasm to sustained rhythms. In short, a carnival under the double sign of satire and celebration.
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