When travelers picture the Dominican Republic, they probably think it is the perfect place for an island getaway. They’re certainly not wrong.
White sand beaches lined with dreamy palm trees make up much of visitors’ time in the Dominican Republic. All the same, each part of the country offers something unique.
History buffs will love exploring Santo Domingo and scoping out UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Families will love the water sports in many areas, such as Punta Cana, Bayahibe, and Puerto Plata.
Beyond that, the simplicity of the all-inclusive resort is easy to come by on the island. No matter your Caribbean dreams, you can probably fulfill them on a trip to the Dominican Republic.
TL;DR
- Luxury Hotel – Majestic Mirage Punta Cana
- Mid-Range Hotel – Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro
- Budget Hotel – Casa Valeria Boutique Hotel
- Vacation Rental – Caribbean Luxury Villa
- Family Hotel – Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
- Adults-Only Resort – Viva Wyndham V Samaná
Best Areas to Stay in the Dominican Republic
There is no shortage of white sand beaches wherever you stay in the Dominican Republic. That’s part of the charm of staying on an island.
Still, if you want to see more nature or just lounge on a private beach, you’ll want to pick a place that suits your itinerary. Here is a breakdown of where to stay in the Dominican Republic and what makes each area unique.
- For first-timers/tourists – Punta Cana
- For budget travelers – Puerto Plata
- For luxury travelers – La Romana
- For families – Samana
- For beaches – Bayahibe
- For adult-only resorts – Las Terrenas
- For nightlife – Sosúa
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
1. Punta Cana: Best Area for First-Timers/Tourists
It’s hard to place Punta Cana on a list of specific areas to visit when traveling to the Dominican Republic. Being the most popular tourist destination on the island, you will find tons of all-inclusive resorts all along the coastline.
That’s also why it’s perfect for first-time visitors to the island. You can enjoy many more kinds of tours and excursions here than anywhere else in the Dominican Republic.
When you’ve grown tired of relaxing by your hotel’s outdoor swimming pool or the private beach, you can take a day trip to Saoana Island for a change of scenery. Or maybe hop onto an ATV buggy for a scenic area tour.
Virtually anything you can imagine for activities you can do in Punta Cana. From renting a private catamaran for a tour around the Dominican Republic or spending the day at the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve to immersing yourself in the culture of the Dominican Republic, the only limit is your imagination.
Many people who come to the Dominican Republic want to meet new people and have a party atmosphere. That is an easy task, especially from Punta Cana. Party boats are frequent tours around the island, giving folks a look at the gorgeous scenery and a joyful, exuberant atmosphere.
At the same time, honeymooners flock to the Dominican Republic for romantic hotels, gorgeous ocean views, and activities to enjoy with their new spouse. Why not enjoy a sunset horseback tour along the beach or level your relationship up a notch with some exhilarating parasailing?
If the Dominican Republic is your honeymoon destination, consider an all-inclusive resort, so all you have to worry about is the fun you’ll have rather than the money you’ll spend on every meal.
Punta Cana is also the best place on the island to stay for golfers! Ten courses all over the area lovingly combine the island’s aesthetic with the sport’s thrill. After a round, you don’t have to go far to find fine dining or entertainment for the rest of the day, either.
Highlights of the Punta Cana area:
- Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
- Scape Park
- Juanillo Beach
- La Yola
- Bavaro Beach
- Jellyfish Restaurant
- Saoana Island
Our favorite accommodations in the Punta Cana area:
- Budget Hotel in Punta Cana: Green Coast Beach Hotel
- Mid-Range Hotel in Punta Cana: Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro
- Luxury Resort in Punta Cana: Majestic Mirage Punta Cana
- Family Hotel in Punta Cana: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
- Vacation Rental in Punta Cana: This Beautiful Luxury Condo
See Related: Best Beach Vacations in the World
2. Puerto Plata: Best Area for Budget Travelers
Generally much cheaper than Punta Cana, Puerto Plata was where tourism was born in the Dominican Republic. That means that some of the hotels are a bit older, the area might have fewer tourists now that it’s less trendy, and you’ll save money in the long run.
What makes Puerto Plata significantly different from Punta Cana is the variety of off-site activities travelers can enjoy. While Punta Cana has tons of water-focused activities or ATV tours, Puerto Plata has similar excursions with lots of cultural activities to do on top of nature-focused ones.
Learn all about the city and its historical elements on a half-day tour, a food and drinks tour, or a driving and cable car tour. Spending time in Puerto Playa City can include seeing sights like Mount Isabel de Torres or the rum factory.
Take half a day to explore the waterfalls of Damajagua. Under a canopy of thick rainforest, Damajagua has the highest concentration of waterfalls in one place in the Dominican Republic.
There are 27 of them in this stunning cluster of cascading waters. There are even waterfalls you can slide down like a waterslide among them. Some companies even include other activities like ziplining, canyoning, and rappelling too.
Plenty of beaches like Paya Dorada throughout the area, once the tourist hotspot in the Dominican Republic. However, you can experience all-inclusive stays with cultural excursions even on a budget.
Highlights of the Puerto Plata area:
- Playa Dorada
- Fortaleza de San Felipe
- Puerto Plata Cable Car
- Damajagua
- Independence Park
- Macorix House of Rum
- Mount Isabel de Torres
- Green Jack Tar
Our favorite accommodations in the Puerto Plata area:
- Budget Hotel in Puerto Plata: Hotel El Reloj
- Mid-Range Hotel in Puerto Plata: Blue JackTar Hotel
- Luxury Hotel in Puerto Plata: Casa Colonial Beach & Spa
- Vacation Rental in Puerto Plata: This Caribbean Luxury Villa
3. La Romana: Best Area for Luxury Travelers
Celebrities like the Kardashians, the Clintons, Jay Z, and Beyoncé flock to La Romana. Specifically, they stay at the luxurious Casa de Campo, but La Romana is paradise. Plenty of luxury hotels throughout the area welcome guests who want to indulge in the stunning peaches, the history of the sugar mill industry, and golf.
In La Romana, off-property excursions include Prestige catamaran cruises to Saona or Catalina Islands. The nearby aqua waters provide the perfect location for scuba diving, snorkeling, or other water spot activities. Otherwise, bask in the sun at one of the neighborhood’s beaches, like the tourist favorite Minitas Beach or local favorite Playa El Caletón.
One of the most famous Dominican Republic rum distilleries is here. The Ron Barceló factory is in La Romana, where visitors can learn how it’s made from sugar cane to aging. And yes, you get to sample the product, which is always the best part of a distillery tour.
You won’t get as much variety in the accommodations in La Romana as you would in Punta Cana, but what you’ll find here are some of the best luxury hotels on the island. Since it’s not as much a tourist destination as Punta Cana, it’s quieter on the nightlife and attraction front.
So if you want a destination where you hardly leave the hotel, La Romana might not be for you. While there are all-inclusive resorts, there are far fewer than in Punta Cana.
The main attraction in La Romana away from the beach has to be Cueva de las Maravillas, or the Cave of Wonders. You can explore the cave and see many preserved petroglyphs from the ancient, indigenous Taíno peoples.
There are over 500 such petroglyphs throughout the cave. Getting through the cave tour will take just shy of an hour. Keep in mind photos are not allowed inside the cave.
Highlights of the La Romana area:
- Cave of Wonders
- Minitas Beach
- Altos de Chavón
- Casa de Campo Resort
- La Caña Bar and Lounge
- Playa El Caletón
Our favorite accommodations in the La Romana area:
- Budget Hotel in La Romana: Hilton Garden Inn La Romana
- Mid-Range Hotel in La Romana: Hilton La Romana
- Luxury Hotel in La Romana: Casa de Campo Resort and Villas
- Vacation Rental in La Romana: This Lovely Villa
See Related: Caribbean Islands to Visit
4. Santo Domingo: Best Area for Safety
Santo Domingo is also known as La Capital, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Its nickname is not just a reference to its current political position.
It was also once the capital city of the Hispanic Americas. Because the city represents so much of the country and region’s history, visitors can see how that history is met with modern innovation through the shopping and restaurant experiences throughout the city.
Touring the historic parts of the city, specifically the UNESCO World Heritage Site Colonial City, is a significant tourism element in Santo Domingo. The Colonial City is a neighborhood within Santo Domingo that comprises buildings dating back to the 16th through 20th Centuries.
Visitors can learn more about how this area became the first European settlement of the Americas when the Spanish colonized the Dominican Republic in 1496.
There are even specialty tours dedicated to memorializing the dark side of colonialism. Learn about the devastating reality of slavery in the Dominican Republic after colonizers came to the island on the Santo Domingo: Colonial Legacy – The Slave Route tour.
The tour includes seeing wall paintings that tell of the religious-based persecution, how the slaves lived and worked, and a visit to The Rum Museum to see how slavery impacted intersectional industries.
After seeing the Colonial City, head to the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, the Museum of the Dominican Man. There, you’ll learn more about the Indigenous Taíno who inhabited the Dominican Republic for thousands of years.
Specifically, you’ll learn about how the Taíno lived in the pre-Columbine era and also how the Europeans essentially wiped out an entire people.
At Los Tres Ojos National Park or Three Eyes National Park, you can see a park within a park. The park is a 50-yard open-air limestone cave inside Mirador del Este Park.
Inside the cave are three blue lakes (the three eyes). While swimming isn’t allowed there, visitors can see all the turtles that call the lakes home and marvel at the lakes inside the cave.
Highlights of the Santo Domingo area:
- El Museo de la Resistencia (The Museum of the Resistence)
- Three Eyes National Park
- Museo del Hombre Dominicano
- Don Pepe
- Jalao
- Colonial City
Our favorite accommodations in the Santo Domingo area:
- Budget Hotel in Santo Domingo: Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino Santo Domingo
- Mid-Range Hotel in Santo Domingo: Barceló Santo Domingo
- Luxury Hotel in Santo Domingo: JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo
- Vacation Rental in Santo Domingo: Ralp Santo Domingo Apartment
5. Samaná: Best Area for Families
Those unfamiliar with Samaná might be confused about why this part of the Dominican Republic is perfect for a family vacation. It’s not full of stuff to do like Punta Cana, but what it lacks in obvious amenities like the lines of all-inclusive hotels it makes up for in spades in its natural wonders.
Water sports and adventuring are kings in this part of the country. Exploring the waterways, watching the whales in Samaná Bay, spelunking in caves, or even seeing El Limón Waterfall are just a few ways to get outdoors in Samaná. Since visitors are far less frequent to it than in other parts of the Dominican Republic, you’ll see many places others have not seen.
Folks interested in learning more about the humpback whales that arrive in the thousands each year can head to the Whale Museum of Samaná. There, they can learn more about the majestic creatures’ migration and family habits.
The best time to go whale watching in the area is between January 14 and the end of March each year. It’s when the seasonal visitors make their way to the bay.
Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardí Island, is an easy excursion from Samaná. Its nickname stems from a Bacardí commercial filmed on the island in the 1970s. You can get there via commuter boats from the Samaná port and spend the day enjoying the remote island.
There is even a luxury resort on the island where you can stay if you can’t get enough. The Cayo Levantado Resort is an all-inclusive property set on the luscious remote island. You truly get the best of both worlds here.
The brightly colored buildings along Malecon and the boardwalk along Samaná Bay have a lot for visitors to enjoy. Like other boardwalk destinations, there are plenty of eateries, shops, and places to enjoy the nearby oceanview. Here, you’ll also find the iconic Cayenas del Mar Beach Club, which is perfect for a relaxing evening after a stroll along the boardwalk.
Highlights of the Samaná area:
- Cayo Levantado (the Bacardí Island)
- Playa Rincón
- Cayenas del Mar Beach Club
- Whale Museum of Samaná
- Las Galeras
- Malecon (the Samaná boardwalk)
Our favorite accommodations in the Samaná area:
- Budget Hotel in Samaná: Figaro Hotel Boutique Samaná
- Mid-Range Hotel in Samaná: Viva Wyndham V Samaná (adults only)
- Luxury Hotel in Samaná: Bahia Principe Luxury Samaná (adults only)
- Vacation Rental in Samaná: This One Bedroom Condo with Balcony
See Related: Tropical Vacation Ideas
6. Bayahíbe: Best Area for Beaches
The beach town of Bayahíbe has everything you could want on a beach vacation. Though it’s far more a fishing town than a resort town like Punta Cana, the area is full of stunning beaches, and you don’t have to go far to find another beachfront location.
Unsurprisingly, Bayahíbe’s incredible oceanside proximity makes it the best place for diving in the Dominican Republic. Diving and snorkeling tours are popular here because of the abundant marine life.
Vibrant tropical fish among the coral reefs in the ocean give a whole other view of life on the islands. You can even dive to find shipwrecks near Bayahíbe.
Spend a day wandering Cotubanamá National Park, Parque Nacional del Este (East National Park). The park has more explorable caves than any other in the Dominican Republic.
It is also home to over 300 species of birds and more than 500 plant species. There are hiking trails throughout the park with different difficulty levels, and there are places to go snorkeling or diving.
One of the most popular activities from Bayahíbe is going to Saona Island. The island is home to the country’s most important turtle nesting sites and has miles of virgin beaches.
There are plenty of ways to relax amongst the palm trees on this lovely island. Otherwise, you can also hop aboard a party boat to have a much different kind of excursion.
Lined by resorts, Playa Dominicus or Dominicus Beach is beloved worldwide. Why? It is along the Caribbean Sea and has warm and calm waters. A reef right by the shore and no undertow make it especially good for families with children.
Although many hotels are nearby, it is still a public beach. You may encounter sections of private beaches claimed by some of those hotels; just be aware of any signs.
Highlights of the Bayahíbe area:
- Saona Island
- Playa Dominicus
- Mare Nuestro
- Mamma Mia
- Cotubanamá National Park (East National Park)
- Cueva Padre Nuestro
Our favorite accommodations in the Bayahíbe area:
- Budget Hotel in Bayahíbe: whala!bayahibe
- Mid-Range Hotel in Bayahíbe: Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach
- Luxury Hotel in Bayahíbe: Hilton La Romana (adults only)
- Vacation Rental in Bayahíbe: Bayahíbe, Pools, Water Park, Private Beach
7. Las Terrenas: Best Area for Adult-Only Resorts
Technically a part of Samaná, Las Terrenas is also a beachy town like Bayahíbe but with a twist. It’s equal parts chill beach vibes and the bustle of a larger city area.
It’s not party central, but there are plenty of parties going on across the white sandy beaches. There are also lots of shops, restaurants, and bars to fill your days of basking with more activities.
Beyond the beach scene, visitors are also near Los Haitises National Park, considered one of the finest parks in the Dominican Republic.
In addition to the stunning rock formations, mangroves, and cave systems, the park is home to the most Taíno petroglyphs and pictographs in the Dominican Republic. Plus, Jurassic Park fans will appreciate being in one of the filming locations!
There isn’t much to do in Las Terrenas because it is a small resort town. Most of the excursions are outside of the town.
Still, Las Terranas is perfectly located for some incredible day or half-day trips. You could easily go ziplining in El Limón, do a day-long culture tour in Santo Domingo, or just hang out at the beach. There’s nothing wrong with spending your vacation on the beach.
Several parts of the Dominican Republic are full of expats from around the world. Las Terrenas is one of them, and it has a staggering population of French and Italian ex-patriots.
Because of that, there is a diversity of shops and eateries. Some of those unique eateries include La Terrasse for French cuisine, La Dolce Vita for some Italian, or Restaurant Luís, which doesn’t have a menu but instead serves a new fresh catch every day.
Highlights of the Las Terrenas area:
- Los Haitises National Park
- Playa Punta Popy
- Grill Chez Sandro
- Playa Cosón
- Cayos Las Ballenas
Our favorite accommodations in the Las Terrenas area:
- Budget Hotel in Las Terrenas: Hacienda Terra Taina (adults only)
- Mid-Range Hotel in Las Terrenas: Viva Wyndham V Samaná (adults only)
- Luxury Hotel in Las Terrenas: Sublime Samaná Hotel & Residences (select adults-only areas)
- Vacation Rental in Las Terrenas: This Superior Oceanfront Condo
See Related: Best Dutch Caribbean Islands to Visit
8. Santiago de Los Caballeros: Best Area for Seasoned Travelers
Santiago de Los Caballeros (or Santiago of the Gentleman) doesn’t have the storied history that Santo Domingo does, though it was the country’s first capital. It is a cultural, historical, and entertainment hub in the Dominican Republic that folks tend to overlook. Commonly referred to as Santiago or “the heart city,” there is much to see and do.
In the Dominican Republic, Santiago is also where cigars, rum, and much of agriculture can be found. One way for visitors to get to know the city is to spend time at the Museo del Tabaco (the Cigar Museum), the Fortaleza San Luis (Fort San Luis), and the Museo Folklório Yoryi Morel (Yoryi Morel Folk Museum) to learn about Carnival (a colorful celebration of Dominican culture, identity, and history).
Since this city isn’t focused on tourists, the shopping experiences you’ll find here are so different than elsewhere in the Dominican Republic, especially in areas like Punta Cana. That’s especially true for Mercado Modelo. This market is your best bet for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, keepsakes, and traditional Dominican botanicas (potions and elixirs).
Centro León is one of the best museums in the country that captures the history of the Dominican Republic and the indigenous Taíno people in a digestible way. In addition to the history of the people on the island, there is also an entire exhibit devoted to the profound cigar industry in the Dominican Republic.
When you look to kick back with a good drink or meal, you don’t have to look far in Santiago. Places like NOAH Restaurant and Lounge or La Locanda Restaurante offer casual experiences.
Saga Restaurant and Cigar Club or Restaurant Pez Dorado will feature a more fine dining experience. In either case, if you drink rum, ask for the local stuff. Not only will it be cheaper, but it’ll also be a more authentic experience.
Highlights of the Santiago de Los Caballeros area:
- Centro León
- La Locanda Restaurante
- Mercado Modelo
- Fortaleza San Luis (Fort San Luis)
- Museo del Tabaco (The Cigar Museum)
Our favorite accommodations in the Santiago de Los Caballeros area:
- Budget Hotel in Santiago de Los Caballeros: Whostal
- Mid-Range Hotel in Santiago de Los Caballeros: Centro Plaza Hodelpa
- Luxury Hotel in Santiago de Los Caballeros: Hodelpa Gran Almirante Hotel
- Vacation Rental in Santiago de Los Caballeros: This Luxurious Three Bedroom Condo
9. Cabarete: Best Area for Water Sports
When catching waves in the Dominican Republic, you’ll find some of the biggest in Cabarete. Though water sports are a favorite pastime anywhere on the island, the wave swell in Cabarete is unlike any you’ll find anywhere else in the Dominican Republic. Surfing is the big thing to do in this area, whether you’re surfing the traditional way, windsurfing, or kite surfing.
In Cabarete, you’ll discover Parque Nacional El Choco, or El Choco National Park, also known as Cabarete National Park. Like many other areas of the Dominican Republic, the park is full of caves, hiking trails, and lagoons to explore.
This park is unique, however, because it’s also full of cocoa and coffee trees. Beyond the plentiful flora, over 30 species of bats, lizards, and birds call the park home.
Kite Beach in Cabarete is usually full of kitesurfers. Even if you aren’t familiar with kitesurfing you can take lessons or just enjoy the view from the sand.
Multicolored kites often fill the sky around Kite Beach, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Never fear kite newbies; the water near the beach is ideal for beginners since the nearby reefs keep the waves shorter, making for easier surf.
For traditional surfing, Encuentro Beach is your best friend. It’s considered the best surfing beach in the Dominican Republic for similar reasons to Kite Beach, which is ideal for kite surfers.
The waves can be calm enough to provide safer swells for beginners, but advanced surfers also love the water near this beach. If you’ve always wanted to try surf lessons, you’ll have no problem finding surf lessons here.
Highlights of the Cabarete area:
- Parque Nacional El Choco (El Choco National Park)
- Encuentro Beach
- Mojito Bar
- Fresh Fresh
- Kite Beach
Our favorite accommodations in the Cabarete area:
- Budget Hotel in Cabarete: Presidential Suites Cabarete
- Mid-Range Hotel in Cabarete: Millennium Resort & Spa
- Luxury Hotel in Cabarete: Ultravioleta Boutique Residences
- Vacation Rental in Cabarete: This High-End Beach Style Condo
See Related: Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World
10. Jarabacoa: Best Area for Active Adventurers
This part of the Dominican Republic is far different than the others. The draw is not the golden sand beach or views of the Caribbean Sea.
Jarabacoa is a town found in the Central Mountain Range surrounded by four rivers, which is why the Taínos named it to translate as “land of water sources.” A stay in this town is for a different kind of traveler, specifically, the outdoorsy, adventurous type.
Whitewater rafting enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous opportunities for rafting in the area of four rivers. There are many rafting tours in Jarabacoa for beginners and advanced rafters alike. Whitewater rafting is usually found along the Yaque del Norte River, the longest river in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.
Grab an ATV and wander through the terrain to seek out Salto de Baiguate (Baiguate Waterfall). Although the falls can be reached on foot, taking an ATV or buggy tour is one way to experience the agricultural countryside in Jarabacoa. The falls feature a pool beneath that visitors can swim in, with even a wooden staircase leading into the water.
Not all of the water in this area is for adventuring, though. La Confluencia or The Confluence is a waterfront park just a stone’s throw away from downtown Jarabacoa.
Here, you’ll find water to relax in and grassy patches to picnic on. The park is popular even with kiddos because the pools are calm enough for even the littlest waders.
Highlights of the Jarabacoa area:
- La Confluencia
- Baiguate Waterfall
- Yaque del Norte
- Jamaca de Dios Restaurant
- Ribera Country Club
Our favorite accommodations in the Jarabacoa area:
- Budget Hotel in Jarabacoa: Jarabacoa River Club & Resort
- Mid-Range Hotel in Jarabacoa: Estancia Arroyazo
- Luxury Hotel in Jarabacoa: Vista del Campo Resort & Restaurant
- Vacation Rental in Jarabacoa: This enormous Hermosa Villa (it sleeps 11!)
11. Sosúa: Best Area for Nightlife
A haven of all-inclusive resorts, stunning beach views, and vibrant nightlife, Sosúa gives Punta Cana a run for its money. Many nightclubs and bars make this a destination for singles or anyone who enjoys a party atmosphere. It should be noted that Sosúa is also a sex tourism destination, so yeah, keep that in mind when people approach you.
Because the ocean in this part of the Dominican Republic is so vibrant, scuba diving is a huge draw for visitors. When folks aren’t partying on the mainland, they can often be found snorkeling or diving to see those underwater sights.
Some of those sights include a sunken boat known as the Zingara Wreck, vast coral reefs known as the Coral Gardens and Coral Wall, and Airport Wall, a maze of submarine tunnels.
Sosúa’s most bizarre attraction is Castillo Mundo King. Built by German artist Rolf Schulz, the abstract castle is a mass of shapes and structures. The artist even lived in the castle from the time he started building it until his death in 2018.
It’s home to many alien-themed artworks, spaceships, and even the artist’s collection of Haitian sculptures. Throughout the five floors of the castle, you can see hundreds upon hundreds of odd and fascinating artworks by Schulz or other artists.
Nightlife is a big enough deal in Sosúa; at night, the main street is closed to cars. Pedestrians roam Pedro Clisante Street all night, visiting the many bars and lounges off the road.
You’re bound to find live music all over, too. Popular hotspots include The Starfish Club, The Cat House, Blue Moon, and The Bamboo Bar.
Highlights of the Sosúa area:
- Castillo Mundo King
- Blue Moon
- Zingara Wreck
- Sosúa Beach
- Paradise Beach
- The Bamboo Bar
Our favorite accommodations in the Sosúa area:
- Budget Hotel in Sosúa: Casa Valeria Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range Hotel in Sosúa: Sosúa Inn Hotel
- Luxury Hotel in Sosúa: The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte
- Vacation Rental in Sosúa: Supposedly the Best Location In Sosúa
See Related: Best Family Vacation Spots in the World
12. Best area for Photographs: Las Galeras
It’s clear by now that the Dominican Republic has a stunning coastline with picture-perfect, beautiful beach scenes. White-sand beach locales are ideal for the ideal romantic getaway, and that could be no clearer in a place like Las Galeras.
This remote fishing village along the Samaná Peninsula is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Dominican Republic, which includes the world-famous Playa Rincón or Rincón Beach.
Capture incredible images of the Caribbean Sea from Las Galeras beaches, or wait for the perfect scene of a humpback whale breaching out of the ocean. Photographers could capture numerous breathtaking images around the Dominican Republic, though the scenes from Las Galeras are different.
That’s partly because this area of the country is a little less tourist-populated. So, it’s easier to capture nature without strangers lurking in the corner.
Go island hopping from Las Galeras to see what vistas each area offers that differ from the others. The beauty of doing an island hopping tour is that you can relax on multiple beaches in one day. It’s perfect for travelers who can’t stay in one place all day but still want a beach day.
As far as small towns go, Las Galeras has a laid-back beach scene with one unique feature—many expat Americans and Europeans live there. Not only does that change the town’s aesthetic, but it also increases the variety of shops and restaurants for travelers.
Some of those spots include El Pescador (a Spanish, Basque, and Creole fusion restaurant), L’Aventura de John (a wood-fired pizza, pasta, and burgers joint), and Chez Denise (specializing in French cuisine).
Highlights of the Las Galeras area:
- Playa Rincón (Rincón Beach)
- El Pescador
- Playa Madama
- L’Aventura de John
- Playa Frontón
Our favorite accommodations in the Las Galeras area:
- Budget Hotel in Las Galeras: Le BDM Playita
- Mid-Range Hotel in Las Galeras: Las Galeras Village
- Luxury Hotel in Las Galeras: Xeliter Vista Mare – Samaná
- Vacation Rental in Las Galeras: This Palm-Covered House
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