The Dominican Republic is a tropical paradise offering visitors magnificent beaches and a vibrant culture. It can be hard to decide where to stay in the Dominican Republic for your vacation, especially if it’s your first time there.
To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the main cities that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.
So pack your bags and get ready to escape to paradise in one of the Dominican Republic’s exotic cities.
Punta Cana, the best place to stay in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, a tourist mecca on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, is a tropical paradise renowned for its exceptional beauty and luxurious resorts. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Punta Cana’s fine sandy beaches. Water activities abound: snorkeling, scuba diving and paddle boarding. Punta Cana is also a playground for golf enthusiasts, with renowned courses offering magnificent ocean views.
For an original adventure:
- Explore nearby Las Terrenas on a day trip.
- Discover unspoilt beaches, vibrant local culture and a charming blend of European and Caribbean influences, all in colonial style.
- Explore the Samaná peninsula with the El Limón waterfall and enjoy whale watching during the winter months.
Why choose Las Terrenas as your accommodation in the Dominican Republic for a perfect stay?
Las Terrenas, a charming paradise in the north-east of the Dominican Republic, is the ideal destination for a dream vacation.
La Terrenas is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, some of the most beautiful and unspoilt in the Dominican Republic, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and tranquillity.
The city exudes a lively atmosphere, blending European and Caribbean influences.
- Explore the streets full of flavors and music,
- Discover charming local boutiques,
- Enjoy the buzz of restaurants
- And discover a vibrant nightlife.
- Soak up the warmth and friendliness of the local people, ready to share their culture and traditions.
- Enjoy delicious seafood in seaside restaurants or explore the surrounding natural wonders.
La Romana, the perfect place to stay in the Dominican Republic for lovers of luxury, art and serenity.
La Romana, the Dominican Republic’s hidden gem, combines luxury, art and serenity on the southeast coast. Famous for its pristine beaches, upscale resorts and vibrant cultural scene, the city is the perfect getaway for relaxation and elegance.
La Romana boasts a thriving arts scene.
- Explore the Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, with its art galleries, craft stores and studios.
- Immerse yourself in the Dominican Republic’s rich artistic heritage by admiring the works of local artisans.
For lovers of peace and quiet, La Romana offers opportunities to connect with nature.
- Take a boat out to the islands of Saona or Catalina to explore unspoilt beaches and swim in crystal-clear waters.
- Or explore the lush countryside and visit La Terrenas, a picturesque town renowned for its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Where to stay and where to go in the Dominican Republic to enjoy water sports? Cabarete
Cabarete, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, is the “Kitesurfing Capital of the Caribbean”, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world with its constant trade winds. The beach offers the spectacle of riders performing incredible jumps. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kiteboarder, the city’s kitesurfing and windsurfing schools ensure an unforgettable water adventure.
Cabarete also offers paddleboarding, surfing and snorkeling. Explore the crystal-clear waters and discover the marine life of the coral reefs, either on a guided tour or by renting your own diving equipment for total immersion in the underwater world.
Samana, on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a pearl to include in your dream vacation. This destination offers a unique slice of paradise that will leave you speechless.
Why Samana? For starters, its beaches are breathtaking. Imagine yourself on pristine white sand, surrounded by palm trees and turquoise waters.
But Samana has much more to offer than just its beaches:
- Explore the beauty of the El Limón waterfall and dive into its limpid waters.
- Join a whale-watching tour from January to March, witnessing the majestic migration of humpback whales to Samana Bay.
- Adventure seekers will enjoy zip-lining through tropical forests or hiking to breathtaking viewpoints.
- For water sports enthusiasts, Samana is a paradise for scuba diving and paddle boarding. Coral reefs and marine life offer unforgettable underwater adventures.
If you’re looking for natural beauty, exciting activities and a tranquil atmosphere, Samana should be at the top of your list. With its beaches, wildlife and activities, Samana promises a vacation beyond your expectations.
Santiago de los Caballeros, the ideal spot in the Dominican Republic to visit the peninsula’s most popular destinations
If you’re looking for a lively city with a vibrant nightlife and historic sites, Santiago de los Caballeros is the perfect destination for you. As the second largest city in the Dominican Republic, Santiago offers a mix of culture, entertainment and history.
- Explore the emblematic Monumento de Santiago, an imposing monument dedicated to the country’s independence.
- Visit Centro León, an arts and cultural center that showcases the region’s history and heritage.
- And when night falls, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of the city’s bars, clubs and live music venues.
Santiago de Los Caballeros has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Let’s finish with Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata
- For your trip to the Dominican Republic, let’s not forget to mention the peninsula’s capital, Santo Domingo, with its World Heritage-listed historic center. Here, you can discover emblematic sites such as Santa María Cathedral and Fortaleza Ozama.
- Puerto Plata is a coastal town with magnificent beaches.
Both cities offer a unique experience, combining cultural heritage and natural beauty for a memorable stay in the Dominican Republic.
