Dominican Republic
Time and again, the Dominican Republic lures people in with its pristine powder-soft sand, swaying palm trees and glistening turquoise waters.
If postcard-perfect beaches are what your dream holidays are made of, head to Punta Cana, the Coconut Coast. This eastern province is known for its 20 miles of breathtaking white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Bávaro Beach and Playa Blanca are two of the best beaches on the island, while Macao Beach is UNESCO listed and a great spot for surfing.
No holiday to the Dominican Republic is complete without visiting its capital, Santo Domingo. Most of the city was built in the 16th century, so it’s the oldest European city in the Caribbean. Head to Zona Colonial (colonial zone) and wander its pretty cobbled streets, admiring the distinctly Spanish architecture. You can also visit the Caribbean’s first cathedral, Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor; delight in the splendour of a magnificent fortified palace, the Alcázar de Colón; and stand by the ruins of the San Francisco monastery, which was ransacked by Sir Francis Drake. History buffs will delight in seeing the statue of Christopher Columbus pointing north in Columbus Park. Alternatively, try a Segway tour of the Zona Colonial for a fun and informative way to see this beautiful city.
Explore the wilder side of the Dominican Republic
Besides the breathtaking beaches and historic Spanish capital, the Dominican Republic is also home to deserts, mountains and dense rainforests. Put The Three Eyes National Park top of your holiday must-see list. Here, you can explore the expansive open-air caves with their spectacular mythical looking aqua-blue lakes.
Another natural wonder not to be missed on your Dominican Republic holiday is the Damajaqua Cascades (also known as the 27 Waterfalls) in the hills of the Northern Corridor mountain range. Take a tour and explore the cascading waterfalls, canyons and bright azure pools. You can even trek to the top of the 27th waterfall with a local guide and then jump, swim and slide your way back down.
Why not pair your adventurous holiday to the Dominican Republic with the fast-paced fun of a city like New York or Toronto? Whatever you’re looking for, call us today and our Destination Specialists can help you plan your dream holiday.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Our Destination Specialists can create a bespoke holiday in the Dominican Republic, tailored to include your dream tours, visits and must-sees. Almost anything is possible, so please call to discuss all your options.
Toronto and Dominican Republic Multi Centre
Experience the hustle and the bustle of the city with its towering skyscrapers, take romantic strolls in the parks and enjoy the views of Lake Ontario. After a few nights in Toronto, enjoy the sunny days, white sand beaches and...
Beach holidays
New York and Dominican Republic Multi Centre Holiday
Guide Price €1,879 pp
Our New York and Dominican Republic multi-centre is the ultimate city and beach combination. It’s perfect for those wanting to see two of the best destinations on this side of the world on a first visit, and would also make...
Beach holidays
Our favourite hotels
Here are some of our favourite all-inclusive hotels and luxury retreats in the Dominican Republic. If you can’t see something you like, please call us to chat to our Destination Specialists who will be more than happy to help.
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Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic’s tropical climate means that it is warm and sunny all year round, with average temperatures of 26°C to 28°C. The high season falls between December to April, when there is the least amount of rainfall. The hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking in September.
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Martyn
Destination Manager
“The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s most popular holiday destination for whale spotting. Thousands of humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay on the north-east coast every year. The best chance of spotting them is during the breeding season which runs from January to March. If you're quite active, hiking to the summit of Pico Duarte on holiday in the Dominican Republic is an amazing adventure, not only for the breathtaking mountaintop views, but also because of the physical challenge. Reaching the summit, knowing you’re standing atop the highest peak in the Caribbean, makes it all the more satisfying."
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Emma
Destination Specialist
“Dominican Republic is one of the golfing capitals of the Caribbean. With many championship courses located across the island, it’s a golfer’s paradise with some properties featuring three courses.”
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Val
Destination Specialist
“On holiday in the Dominican Republic make a visit to the delightful Altos de Chavón in La Romana. Its narrow cobbled alleyways lined with lanterns and window shutters is actually a replica medieval Mediterranean village perched high above the Chavón River. Pop in to see the St Stanislaus Church with its plaza and sparkling fountain and admire the 5,000 seat Roman-style amphitheatre which has hosted music acts like the Pet Shop Boys and Frank Sinatra!"
Events & Festivals
The Dominican Republic offers a selection of fun events throughout the year and you can plan your holiday to ensure you experience them! Here are a few of our favourites:
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National Coconut Festival
The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s largest exporters of dried coconuts, so it’s only fitting that the island should have a festival to celebrate the fruit. The National Coconut Festival celebrates the gastronomical, economical and environmental qualities of the coconut. Every November you can join in the celebrations. There are stands filled with coconut-themed products, coconut art and crafts, tasty coconut-based cuisine as well as fun beach activities.
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Santo Domingo De Fiesta
Every Friday and Saturday you can enjoy a free outdoor show with Dominican folk dancers at the Plaza de Espana in Santo Domingo. In December, the event will be held in different locations throughout the city due to the Christmas festivities.
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Cabarete Kite Festival
Cabarete is a small town on the north coast of the island. It has become a hotspot for kitesurfing drawing professionals and beginners alike to its shores. Celebrating watersports and the ocean, this week-long annual festival is filled with kitesurfing, surf sessions and sunset music on the beach. A highlight of this July festival is seeing some of the world’s best kiteboarders compete.
Local cuisine
The Dominican Republic’s food is largely inspired by its Spanish heritage, but other countries such as Africa as well as the indigenous Taíno people have also strongly influenced its cuisine. Here are a few of our favourite dishes to try on holiday in the Dominican Republic:
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Sancocho
This is a very rich and thick meaty stew made from seven different types of meat and mixed with root vegetables and plantain. Its flavour is unlike anything you’ve ever tried before!
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Pollo Guisado
Chicken is a popular meat in the Dominican Republic and Pollo Guisado is tender fall-off-the-bone chicken served in a strong delicious sauce. The chicken’s tenderness is a result of braising - where the meat is lightly fried and then stewed over a low heat
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Tostones
These are made from twice-fried flattened plantains slices and usually served as a side dish to meat and fish dishes.
