Dominican Republic guide

Dominican Republic at a glance

By Fiona Dunlop

About the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC...

The highest (Pico Duarte) and lowest (Lago Enriquillo) geographical points of the Caribbean are here in the region’s second largest nation after Cuba. ‘Hispaniola’, with Haiti in the western third of the island, was Columbus’ first stepping stone in the New World, leaving heaps of colonial history in the lively capital, Santo Domingo. Away from the city and palm-fringed beaches is a starkly beautiful, mountainous interior of pine forests, waterfalls, tobacco and coffee plantations, perfect for adventure sports and cooler air.

You can stay at simple beach cabañas, guest-houses, elegant colonial hotels, mid-range all-inclusives or luxury villa complexes frequented by the likes of Madonna and Bill Clinton. Family-run restaurants dish up affordable, tasty Creole food like fish in coconut sauce or spit-roasted pork, while high-end, more formal places serve international cuisine.

Read our guide about Dominican Republic - with independent reviews, listings, and information from top travel journalists and Caribbean specialists.

Best for:

Spectacular contrasts of landscape, superb white beaches, myriad activities include watersports, golf, whale-watching, horse-riding and merengue-dancing. Warm and friend locals, upbeat city life and snail-paced rural areas.

What for:

Beach, Eco/nature, Weddings

Not for:

Cricket, Flowers/garden

How to get there:

Three main international airports have direct connections with the USA, Canada, Europe, Puerto Rico, Cuba and South America. Charters are another option, with or without accommodation.

Top tip:

Visit Lago Enriquillo, a vast salt-lake below sea-level in a cactus-studded desert

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