The Dominican Republic is considered by many travel enthusiasts as one of the best places to spend their vacations. It is especially popular with residents of the USA and Canada as a place to escape winter. The Dominican Republic is situated just two hours south of Miami, less than four hours from New York.
The Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean. Tourists are attracted by a comfortable climate, excellent beaches, good golf courses, natural and historical attractions.
The Dominican Republic (República Dominicana) occupies the eastern part of the island of Haiti (Hispaniola) and several coastal islands. The length of the republic from east to west is approximately 225 miles (360 km) and from north to south - 160 miles (260 km). The capital of the Dominican Republic and the largest city of Santo Domingo is located on the southern coast of the island. The population of the Dominican Republic speaks mainly Spanish.
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General information
The Caribbean region is one of the best resort areas in the world. In this region there are also other popular countries among vacationers (Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Bahamas). The Dominican Republic is 680 miles (1,100 km) southeast of the southern tip of the Florida Peninsula and 160 miles (260 km) east of Cuba.
Some distances from the city of San Domingo:
- Miami (USA) - 830 miles (1340 km).
- Ottawa, Canada - 1,890 miles (3,040 km).
- Havana (Cuba) - 870 miles (1400 km).
- Cancun (Mexico) - 1,120 miles (1,800 km).
The coastline of the Dominican Republic is approximately 800 miles (1,300 km). You will surely find a great beach for yourself.
The country is home to the highest mountain peak in the Caribbean region - Pico Duarte (3098 m., 10164 ft. tall).
Lake Enriquillo is 46 meters (151 ft) below sea level.
The rainy season on the north coast of the island lasts from November to January. In other regions, most of the rain falls from May to November.
The northwestern regions of the country can sometimes be hit by tornadoes in late summer and early fall.
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Cities, resorts, places to visit
Most tourists choose the eastern part of the island as a destination for their holidays. Punta Cana International Airport is the busiest airport in the country.
The most famous resort towns in the eastern part of the island: Punta Cana, La Romana, Bavaro.
Santo Domingo
The city of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is located in the south of the Dominican Republic, in the southeastern part of the island of Haiti. The historical part of the city was declared by UNESCO as an object of cultural heritage of mankind.
Santo Domingo is home to the oldest military structure of European origin in the Americas - Fortaleza Ozama.
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo is the oldest cathedral in America.
Boca Chica. About 30 kilometers east of Santo Domingo in the Bay of Andres is the Boca Chica beach (municipality of Boca Chica) there is a beach that is quite popular with tourists.
Las Américas International Airport is the second busiest in the country. The airport is located about 27 kilometers east of Santo Domingo (near Boca Chica).
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Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the most popular tourist destination in the country. Punta Cana is located in the very east of the Dominican Republic, in the province of La Altagracia. This province is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the north, the Caribbean Sea in the south, and the Mona Canal in the east (which separates the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico).
Punta Cana has everything that most tourists need for a great vacation: great beaches, many hotels, golf courses, interesting diving sites, national parks. The distance from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is approximately 180 kilometers (by road). The peak season in Punta Cana usually runs from December to April.
Among the best beaches in this region, tourists recommend: Bavaro Beach, Macau Beach, Juanillo Beach, Arena Gorda Beach.
Punta Cana International Airport is the busiest airport in the country. The airport is located in the center of the tourist region of Punta Cana.
Many resorts and tour operators provide their guests with transfers from the airport to the hotel.
You can also take a taxi or rent a car at the airport (order a taxi). If you are an independent traveler and want to get to know the life of the locals better, then you can get to your destination by a local bus. But a taxi is much more convenient.
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La Romana
La Romana Resort is located on the southern coast of Haiti, approximately 75 kilometers from Punta Cana Airport and 110 kilometers from Santo Domingo. (Distance by road.) It is believed that La Romana is better suited for golfers, yachting, diving.
The coastline in this area is predominantly rocky. The best beaches are located some distance from the city center. For example, near the town of Bayahibe.
Playa Minatas beach - 6 km east of the center of La Romana.
Bayahíbe beach is located about 20 km east of the center of La Romana.
Dominicus Beach is located about 25 km east of the center of La Romana.
(Distances by road.)
The resort village Casa de Campo Resort and Villas is often chosen by the rich and famous people for their holidays. There are both hotel rooms and detached villas with private pools. Guests may be interested in: three golf courses, marina, tennis courts, polo courts, beach (Playa Minatas).
You can book Casa de Campo Resort online.
Catalina Island is located in the Caribbean Sea, opposite the city of La Romana, at a distance of 1.5 miles from the mainland. The island is a popular tourist destination. The island has a very nice sandy beach. Ships leave for Catalina Island from La Romana daily.
The nearest airport: La Romana International Airport, Casa de Campo.
Puerto Plata
The province of Puerto Plata is located in the north of the Dominican Republic, about 200 kilometers north of the city of Santo Domingo.
Puerto Plata is located on the Atlantic Ocean, which influences the weather. Compared to the southern coast (Caribbean), it is more windy here, with large waves more often. Therefore, these places may be more popular with fans of surfing, windsurfing and kiting.
Most rainfall is from November to February in this region. Hurricanes most often occur from August to October.
The most popular tourist cities and places in the province of Puerto Plata: Sosua, Cabarete and Playa Dorado, San Felipe de Puerto Plata.
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Gregorio Luperón), also known as Puerto Plata Airport, is the fourth busiest airport in the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic is known among vacationers for white-sand beaches, warm weather, beautiful sea, outdoor adventures, diving & snorkeling, nightlife.
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You can order a taxi from the airport to the resort in advance.
Here you can choose a good hotel (vacation home).
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