The 16 most beautiful places to visit in Dominican Republic

You dream of going to the Caribbean and visiting the Dominican Republic? This article is for you! The beauty of the region is undeniable. A country that has a lot to offer you!

The Dominican Republic, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, will book many surprises. Visiting this country is going to discover another world. Enrich yourself with breathtaking landscapes, but also a lifestyle that is unique to the Dominicans.

The Dominican Republic is a country of the Great Antilles. It occupies about two thirds of the island of Hispaniola , and Haiti occupies the western third of the island. Spanish is the official language. There are more than 10 million inhabitants! It was once one of the first Spanish colonies. Then, becoming American, the Dominican Republic is the one who saw the birth of the first hospital or the first cathedral in all America! Historical monuments are rare on the island, but the sumptuous landscapes will fill you.

You dream of leaving in the Dominican Republic? Here is a list of the 16 most beautiful places to visit in Dominican Republic!

1. Puerto Plata

Located north of the Dominican Republic, San Felipe de Puerto Plata , of its true name, is a city and a port of the coast of Amber.

It is a very lively place that is a strategic point for the country’s trade. Come and visit the Dominican Republic by going through this beautiful city with Victorian houses and an old fort. Enjoy the beach Playa Dorada to relax and relax. This city will offer many excursions throughout the Dominican Republic.

2. Rio San Juan

Small quiet town of the Dominican Republic, Rio San Juan is bordered by a thick mangrove as well as by the famous Playa Grande .

Scuba diving lover? This city will offer you everything you dream of! Exploration of immersed caves, coral reefs... visit the Dominican Republic and explore its seabeds! A city of fishermen, it supplies the region’s fish supply. It is about 100 km from Puerto Plata.

3. Cabarete

Always in the region of Puerto Plata, Cabarete is THE place to be for kitesurf fans who come to visit the Dominican Republic!

Strong guarantees, since the city is at the epicentre of the country in terms of wind. You will find the two famous spots: Kitebeach and Bozo Beach. A huge beach with coconut trees awaits you.

What about those who prefer to watch? Restaurants will welcome you! Eat and relax with a view of the turquoise waters. Nice the program, right?

4. Saint Domingue

Saint Domingue is the capital of the country. You can't come to visit the Dominican Republic without passing through Saint Domingue!

Renowned as the oldest capital of the New World, you'll love walking around the old colonial city. It is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Parque Coló is the most tourist area while remaining very nice and pleasant.

To see absolutely: the catedrale Santa María la Menor , built in the sixteenth century. In the new part of the city, find many museums and traders.

5. Punta Cana

This emblematic name resonates in our heads as a paradise! And there's a good reason for that! Punta Cana is a seaside resort located east of the Dominican Republic. You can find beautiful beaches, among the most beautiful in the world, like the beaches of Juanito , Bavaro , d El Cortecito and Cabo Engaño .

Many activities are available to you such as sailing, kayaking or catamaran rides. Not to mention, of course, scuba diving! Also discover the night city with all its trendy bars and nightclubs. Bachata and merengue will be at the meeting!

6. The Coconut Coast

The Côte des Cocotiers, or Costa de Cocos , is an area of about 50 kilometers of white sand beaches. They are lined with beautiful coconut trees. The coast hosts, on average, more than 70,000 tourists a week, almost all year round. If you are looking for a place to put your suitcases, you will have the choice with its 60 hotels!

Don’t hesitate to consult our article on where to stay in the Dominican Republic. Trying to run a little further north, you can find some more wild places (towards Miches for example). A landscape that's gonna make you wonder!

7. The Higuey market

Come visit the Dominican Republic and enter in total immersion by going to the local market Higuey ! A very typical market, with thousand colors and thousand flavors.

Walk between the lashes, look at the Dominican life in all its splendor. One word of order: relaxation! You will find that this typical market is not a simple tourist place since local residents come to buy meats, fish, and other fruits and vegetables in the region.

8. The Basilica of Higuey

Let’s stay in the city of Higuey to talk about his magnificent basilica. Called Basilica Nuestra Señora De La Altagracia , it is located at the exact location where the first sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary of America was built.

A must-see place of pilgrimage, we celebrate every year Virgin of Alagracia January 21. These are thousands of Dominicans who go there on this sacred day! You will also be surprised by its original design composed of arcs on which a dome and its cloche comprising 45 bronze bells rest.

9. La Montana Redonda

Montana Redonda is a huge hill that offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama on other mountains and is located close to the sea. If you come to visit the Dominican Republic, you will love this amazing view that the hill offers you!

Warning: the entrance fee ( $150 approximately). It will give you access to the mountain and transport. But this remains an activity not to be missed! When you reach its summit, a restaurant awaits you. But not only!

Do you like unforgettable photos? A giant swing will give you the best shot!

10. Boca de Yuma

Want to escape? So come visit the Dominican Republic from another angle with the pretty fishing village Boca de Yuma located, too, in the province of L Altagracia . A must-see place in the country, take advantage of this visit to relax, away from the whole of the city of Saint Domingue.

The place is ideal for enjoying fresh fish, fished from the day, that the many restaurants located by the water will grill you on site. We advise you to rent your own car to get there.

11. National Park Los Haitises

Very often offered in excursions, the national park Los Haitises is a beautiful natural place to come to discover if you want to visit the Dominican Republic.

Extending over an area of more than 208 square kilometres, it is a vast park that offers you. Discover its fauna and flora, very well preserved. Mahogany, cedar or paletuviers will provide you with beautiful shaded areas. Contemplate caves, pelicans or parrots.

This excursion is made by boat from the bay Samana or Sanchez .

12. Rio Dulce

Visit the Dominican Republic and immerse yourself with the local population by going to Rio Dulce . This river, with a turquoise blue water, attracts the inhabitants of the region every weekend to find themselves and make giant barbecues.

Not to mention the beauty of the place, we recommend you go there to spend a nice and pleasant time in this festive atmosphere that the Dominicans offer. Rio Dulce is about 1 kilometre from Playa Ricon.

13. Las Terrenas

A true seaside resort of nature, Las Terrenas is a must-see if you want to practice activities such as scuba diving or beautiful excursions. You can also find a large number of hotels and restaurants.

Las Terrenas is also known for its huge sandy beaches, which have remained quite preserved. Its waters are known to be crystalline and attract many tourists every year in search of paradise landscape. Originally a fishing town, it is nowadays a very trendy place also for night outings!

14. Laguna Gri-Gri

Laguna Gri-Gri , is, as its name suggests, a lagoon. Nature lovers, if you want to visit the Dominican Republic, you can absolutely not miss this magical place.

A true excursion, embark on one of the boats and contemplate the fauna and flora that offer you. Fuseous beaches (like Los Muertos and Los Minos ) and huge mangrove forest that houses the Santuario de las Aves (birds’) where thousands of birds live. Count about $30 for eight people.

15. Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón is a small village composed of very pretty stone houses. You will fall under the charm of its paved streets.

A village renowned for its cultural life, many artists are exposed to it. You will also find events such as festivals, concerts and other shows. The village has a Roman-inspired amphitheatre that shows a large number of spectators every year!

16. Jarabacoa

If you come to visit the Dominican Republic, here is a must! A pleasant atmosphere with spring spring air reigns all year round Jarabacoa . Located in the province of La Vega , in the center of the Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa is a place of tropical greenery with mountain relief. Cascades and streams go through the city, your greatest pleasure. Near the National Park Armando Burmundez , you will find one of the largest biodiversitys on the island.

You will have understood it, visiting the Dominican Republic will amaze you. For more information, please consult our article on tours and trips in the Dominican Republic all inclusive!