Dominican Republic

Why the Dominican Republic is special
It has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean.

Four most popular Dominican Republic tourism regions
Tourist favorites
These are where most visitors go:

• Punta Cana
• Amber Coast
• Samana Bay
• Santo Domingo

Punta Cana
It lies on the easternmost end of the Dominican Republic.

• Number One
  The area has become the country's most famous tourist haven.
• Beaches
  The sandy beaches are marvelous and are often palm fringed. The water is a clear turquoise.
• Mainstream resorts
  Punta Cana is packed with low-rise resorts on or near the beach. These are the all-exclusive type, which makes them popular with mainstream families and singles.
• Upmarket resort
  The better resorts tend to be in or near the Punta Cana town.
• Name
  Years ago "Punta Cana" referred to only the town bearing that name. Today, the "Punta Cana" designation extends well beyond that town.

More Dominican Republic tips & insights
Amber Coast
It is situated on the eastern half of the country's north coast. Winds are brisk, making this area ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Cabarete is the place to be.

Samana Bay
It sits on the western half of the north coast. Tourists en masse come here between mid-January to mid-March to see the mighty humpback whales put on their annual breeching show.

Santo Domingo
Travelers visit the capital city for its colonial-era history and architecture. The city is large in size and population - and its streets buzz with energy. The Colonial Zone is the core tourism area.

Casa de Campo
This is the country's best resort - and one of the finest in the Caribbean Islands. It's located midway between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Christopher Columbus
Most (but not all) historians believe he first set foot on the New World in what is now the Dominican Republic.

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