The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s most visited destination. Located on the island of Hispaniola (which it shares with Haiti), the Dominican Republic is surrounded by beautiful beaches, it has stunning tropical weather and some incredible all-inclusive resorts as well as smaller hotels. The country’s official language is Spanish, whilst English is often spoken in tourist hotspots. The Dominican Republic is eight and a half hours away from the UK by plane; it is a stunning Caribbean destination that is within easy reach.
Located between the Bahamas (to the north-west) and many of the other Caribbean islands (to the south-east), the Dominican Republic is ideally positioned between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. For many it is the picture of paradise, with palm tree lined golden sandy beaches, clear tropical waters and beautiful year-round temperatures. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is from December to April, this is when there are long sunny days and there is very little chance of rainfall.
The landscapes of the country are diverse. On the coast there are many beautiful beaches. From the popular Punta Cana area and one of the island’s best beaches; Bávaro Beach, to the Boca Chica Beach that is located close to the capital Santo Domingo, encircled by a coral reef and with tranquil waters. The Dominican Republic has many amazing golf courses to play on, tropical scenery and a rich biodiversity. There are waterfalls to see, jungle canopies and both on land and marine national parks. The Parque Nacional Sumarino La Calenta is the country’s first underwater park and an eco-tourist park providing some of the Caribbean’s best scuba diving.
Santo Domingo is the oldest city of the Americas. For those who like architecture and history, there is nowhere better to visit than La Capital’s Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is where many of the first buildings in the Caribbean were built, from the cathedrals to the forts, it is steeped in history. The architecture draws on European and native influences and is mesmerising. Meanwhile the vibrant local life of the city is enthralling. Streets are alive with sound and music, Santo Domingo is a vibrant bustling city, a melting pot of cultures, politics, business and nature.
