Description, prices, reviews. Dominican Republic resorts: where is the best place to go? Description, prices, reviews How to get to Puerto Plata

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Map of resorts and beaches of the Dominican Republic

If you have not yet decided which resort to choose in the Dominican Republic, take a closer look at Punta Cana. The noisy and cheerful city is located in the center of the resort area of ​​the same name in the southeast of the country. Couples and businessmen come here to relax.

Beach holiday. According to reviews, Punta Cana is one of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic. There are several areas here. In the center there is an urban area with an airport. A little further is the fashionable Cap Cana district with expensive hotels and the more accessible area of ​​Bavaro, where there are shops, a hospital, pharmacies and banks.

The coastline stretches for 32 km. The beaches of Bavaro are considered the best in the Dominican Republic. The shore is covered with white sand, the entrance to the water is gentle, and the swimming area is separated from the shore Coral reefs. Hotel beaches have the necessary infrastructure, but municipal beaches do not. In free places you usually won’t find changing cabins, toilets or showers.

(Photo © Mustang Joe / flickr.com / License CC0 1.0)

Things to do. Rich in Punta Cana undersea world, so diving is developed. The resort's fish restaurants are reputed to be the best in the country. In the vicinity there are two national parks and a marine reserve.

Prices. Most coastal hotels are 4-5*. Average Double Room they cost from $80. It is much cheaper to live in a guesthouse - $25-35 per night.

Punta Cana in high season(winter):

(Photo © unsplash.com / @joelcasilla)

Where is the best place to relax in the Dominican Republic? If you are not limited by budget, we recommend going to the elite suburb of Punta Cana - Cap Cana. This is a young resort designed for wealthy clients.

Beach holiday. The coastline extends for 8 km and is covered with white, very fine sand. The beaches of Cap Cana are clean, with a gentle entrance to the water. Some of them belong to hotels. The most beautiful beaches are located in the southwest of the resort.

Things to do. Cap Cana has a modern port for 200 yachts and 200 boats, as well as excellent golf courses. Swim in outdoor swimming pools With sea ​​water, go to a fitness center or spa. During your vacation, go on an excursion to nature reserve Manati and watch exotic birds at tropical island Cayo Levantado.

Prices. Cap Cana has the most high prices among other resorts in the Dominican Republic. There are five luxury hotels and a boutique hotel. They serve guests on an all-inclusive basis, so tours are expensive.

Cap Cana in high season (winter):

(Photo © booking.com / Green Village 03)

When asked where to go to the Dominican Republic for a holiday with small children, many answer unequivocally - to Boca Chica.

Beach holiday. One of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic is located in a natural lagoon and is reliably protected by a coral reef from waves and large predators. The beaches are covered with white powdery sand. The swimming area is shallow - no more than one and a half meters. 30 km from the resort is main city Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo, so on weekends the beaches of Boca Chica are crowded with vacationers from the capital.

Things to do. Water activities are popular among tourists: diving, yachting, surfing and sea fishing. Take an excursion to Santo Domingo and visit the small tropical islands.

Prices. Accommodation is cheaper than in Punta Cana: there are no 5* hotels and many 3-4* budget hotels.

Boca Chica in high season (winter):

(Photo © booking.com / whala!boca chica)

Where to go to the Dominican Republic if you want have a relaxing holiday? Tourists recommend Juan Dolio - this is a quiet resort in the Dominican Republic, compared to neighboring Boca Chica. Located on the coast Caribbean Sea, 50 km from the capital.

Beach holiday. The beaches of Juan Dolio are in no way inferior to others. Everything is as advertised: small White sand, turquoise water, rows of tall coconut trees. There are almost no waves near the shore, and the depth is small - 1.5-2 m. In some places, corals are located close to the shore, and there are fragments of them - take special shoes.

Things to do. Play golf or bowling, ride horses, go diving and snorkeling. Go see the sights of Santo Domingo: Aquarium Park, Columbus Lighthouse and Ozama Fort.

Prices. Juan Dolio is a budget resort in the Dominican Republic. The cost of a holiday there is approximately the same as in Punta Cana.

Juan Dolio in high season (winter):

(Photo © booking.com / Marbella Juan Dolio I)

Samana

Many people believe that the best place to relax in the Dominican Republic is at the Samana resort. It is located on a protected peninsula, far from large cities.

Beach holiday. Samana is called ideal place for connoisseurs individual rest, newlyweds and lovers of eco-tourism. Tourists enjoy the beaches in the southern and northern parts of the peninsula, as well as on the island of Cayo Levantado.

Things to do. Horseback riding excursions, jeeping, diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing are popular. Admire ancient rock paintings in deep caves, visit the 30-meter El Limon waterfall, watch dolphins and manatees. From mid-January to March you can see the migration of humpback whales.

Prices. Accommodation in 3-4* hotels will cost from $40 to $80, and a double room in a guesthouse will cost $20-30.

Samana in high season (winter):

(Photo © Einfach-Eve / pixabay.com)

A large recreation area is located in the north of the country, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It unites three resorts at once - Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua.

Beach holiday. The coastline is more than 100 km. Hotel beaches are equipped. The conditions here are ideal for water sports because the ocean waves are higher than in the Caribbean.

Things to do. It is better to go to this Dominican Republic resort for those who like to diversify beach activities excursions and active recreation. In Puerto Plata, all attractions are located compactly. The coastal city has preserved the colonial style of the era of the conquerors - neat houses decorated with carvings, defensive structures and Catholic churches. Visit the ruins of Columbus's home, visit the Amber Museum and the Brugal Distillery.

If you like to be active, take the cable car to the top of Isabel de Torres. Take a windsurfing school, play golf and ride horses. Watch spectacular cockfights at the Gallistico Club.

Prices on vacation for northern resorts The Dominican Republic is slightly lower than Punta Cana.

Puerto Plata in high season (winter):

(Photo © booking.com / Playabachata Resort)

A large resort center is located in the southern part, between Punta Cana and the capital of the country. La Romana is considered one of the best Dominican Republic resorts in the Caribbean.

Beach holiday. Tourists like silence and cleanliness. Shady coconut groves grow on the shore, and the hotels have excellent beach infrastructure.

Things to do. The main entertainments are tennis, golf, diving, spearfishing, fishing, yachting, horse riding and jeeping. Tourists are in demand for excursions to the city of artisans and artists of Altos de Chavon and boat trips to the islands of Saona and Catalinita. Visit Central Park, admire the City Hall and the ancient Catholic Church of Santa Rosa de Lima.

Prices. The cost of a holiday in La Romana is the same as in Punta Cana. For independent budget holiday choose 3* hotels - accommodation costs $50-80 per night. Guesthouses are even cheaper - $30-40.

La Romana in high season (winter):

(Photo © booking.com / Luxury Bahia Principle Bouganville)

Determining which Dominican Republic resort is better is not easy. According to reviews, an unusual option is a holiday in the capital of the country.

Beach holiday. The city has a rocky coastline and no beaches. Swimming spots are located around Santo Domingo - Boca Chica and Juan Dolio. They are conveniently accessible by public transport. Locals and tourists also enjoy the picturesque sandy beach of Guayacanes.

Things to do. Santo Domingo is the first city of the New World, which was founded by Europeans at the end of the 15th century. Today it is the cultural and economic center of the country. Most of the city's monuments and museums are concentrated in the so-called “Colonial Zone”.

Connoisseurs of architecture and history love to relax in the capital. Santo Domingo is popular with fans of shopping, as there are many markets here, shopping centers and boutiques. If you want to see natural attractions, go to the Three Eyes Cave, the National Botanical Garden, the Zoo, Mirador Suri and Enriquillo Parks.

Prices in the capital of the Dominican Republic is no higher than in others popular resorts countries, and there is more choice of inexpensive housing.

Santo Domingo in high season (winter):

(Photo © booking.com / Catalonia Santo Domingo)

The best resorts in the Dominican Republic receive the most flattering reviews from tourists from different countries peace. Holidays on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are ideal for anyone who is not afraid of long flights and relatively high prices.

According to reviews, a universal place for tourists with different needs is Punta Cana. Youth groups and families with small children prefer Boca Chica or La Romana. Those who want to spend their holidays alone come to the Samana Peninsula. Whatever the choice, at any resort in the Dominican Republic you can count on clean beaches, comfortable hotels, water activities and interesting excursions.

Introductory image source: © Playabachata Resort / booking.com.

The slopes of Mount Isabel de Torres are rich in flora - about eight thousand species of plants grow here, almost a thousand of which can be found only on Dominican lands. Many of these species have been existing for several million years; such long-livers include, for example, a three-meter fern, whose dense thickets perfectly contributed to the atmosphere in the famous movie epic about dinosaurs.

The summit of Isabel de Torres is crowned by a statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, located at an altitude of 2600 meters. This monument almost completely copies famous statue Christ the Redeemer from Rio de Janeiro - perhaps smaller in size. TO observation deck at the foot of the statue you can take a funicular; the view of the northern coast of the Dominican Republic from there will be an excellent basis for many vivid photographs!

Beaches of Puerto Plata

Once upon a time, Puerto Plata lived on smuggling, and its inhabitants were so successful in aiding the pirates that the Spanish king ordered this hotbed of evil to be wiped off the face of the earth. Only in 1742 did the colonists Canary Islands reoccupied this place, rebuilding a city here, which to this day is full of unique charm thanks to its peculiar mixture of colonial spirit and Victorianism.

Tropical greenery, a wonderful climate and soft winds have created ideal conditions here for relaxation from the hustle and bustle. There are three independently developed resort centers. Playa Dorada 5 kilometers from Puerto Plata - resort complex of 13 hotels that have their own oceanfront club with a golf course, restaurants, beaches, horseback riding. The small town of Sosua, 19 kilometers from Puerto Plata, offers a wide selection of souvenir shops, bars and all kinds of entertainment. Cabarete is a place for young people and water sports enthusiasts.

The “Amber Coast” of Puerto Plata, or, as it is also called, the “Amber Coast”, is widely known, where black amber - ambergris - is often found. By the way, here you can visit the Amber Museum, and also Fort St. Philip, Independence Park, Cathedral St. Philip, botanical garden, rum and chocolate factories, see the huge bronze statue of Christ. From the top of Monte Isabel de Toros, there is a breathtaking view of the ocean and the city.

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Cabarete Beach

Cabarete Beach is a continuous line 6 kilometers long, with pure golden sand, clear sea and tall palm trees.

Cabarete Bay is 2 kilometers long. In the Cabarete area there are also the beaches of Perla Marina, Seahorse Ranch, Encuentro, Punta Goleta, Kite Beach, and Playa Laguna.

Cabarete beaches are in the top ten best beaches world ranking.

There is an excellent infrastructure for water sports: surfing, kiting and windsurfing, so many young people who prefer active recreation come here. The most significant month for tourists who enjoy water sports or just watching is February, when the National Open Windsurfing Championship takes place.

Playa Grande beach is one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. It is located in the north of the island in resort place- Playa Rio San Juan. According to Conde Nast Travel magazine, this beach is one of the ten most beautiful beaches peace.

Thanks to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, this place is very popular among fans of windsurfing and sailing. Divers will also love the beach - there are underwater caves, coral reefs and even sunken ships.

There is a restaurant right on the beach where, if you wish, they will serve you a table right on the shore. Here you can try parrot fish, delicious shrimp, the freshest oysters and enjoy cocktails made right inside a pineapple or coconut.

Cofresi Bay

Cofresi Bay - one of the bays Caribbean. The bay was named after Roberto Cofresi, a pirate who buried his treasure in the area.

The bay has a wide but small beach with fine golden sand. This area is considered elite and is called Hacienda resort. This area has clear water, beautiful hills and coconut palm forests that attract tourists to the bay. a large number of tourists. Currently, about one hundred villas have been built on the banks of Cofresí. Visitors to the bay can purchase one of the houses or rent it for a while.

Weekly in Cofresí, parties with fireworks and various show programs are organized for vacationers.

The Ocean World water park is located next to the bay. In Cofresí Bay you can enjoy not only clear water and a wonderful view of the bay, but also visit cafes and restaurants offering to taste national cuisine. Ginger cakes and crab claws are popular dishes in Cofresí Pirate Bay.

El Dudu Cave

The El Dudu karst cave is a round lake that is connected to another open body of water through two underwater rock passages.

The bottom of the lake is 16 meters deep and is completely littered with tree trunks that have fallen from the slopes. It is interesting that the trees do not rot, but only become stronger over time - thanks to the fresh water saturated with limestone.

One of the passages is 50 meters long: it ends with an air pocket in which you can float. On the other side of the reservoir there are a couple of other underwater caves, 90 and 110 meters long - they come to the surface in a second lake called Lily.

All the numerous branches of the caves have long been studied by scuba divers, who like to dive in one lake and emerge in another. Freedivers also like to come here (diving underwater without scuba gear - holding their breath).

Village of Punta Rucia

Punta Rucia is a fishing village located in picturesque bay, which is protected from the sea by reefs. Near her is desert island, where tourists often sail. In Spanish, Rucia means “gray”, and Punta means “tip”, “nose”, which means that the sea in the village is gray due to small ripples. Near the village there is a lagoon in which sea cows live, as well as caves with drawings of ancient Indians.

The village is famous for its seafood, so tourists here will definitely try freshly caught fish and other seafood.

The climate in the village, located near the border of Haiti, is special: here, they say, there are almost 360 sunny days a year and only here cacti and trees reminiscent of the African savannah grow.

The most popular attractions in Puerto Plata with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Puerto Plata on our website.

More attractions of Puerto Plata

Provinces Dominican Republic Puerto Plata is comfortably located in its northern part and is known for its history since the time of Columbus. This resort is famous for its warm tropical climate, gentle sea, luxurious white sand beach, clear coastal waters and a huge selection various types active rest. The area is rich in deposits of black amber, which is why the name Puerto Plata itself translates as “amber coast”.

Airport
Gregorio Luperon International Airport - international Airport Puerto Plata, located 15 km from the resort. The airport has everything necessary for travelers: an ATM, restaurants, a mother and child room, Duty Free and other services.

Nature
The nature of the resort is very different from the nature of Punta Cana. Puerto Plata is located at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by green groves, flower beds and parks. Extraordinary mountain landscapes prevail here. Near Puerto Plata is tourist area Playa Dorada with separate infrastructure and features. The resort has been repeatedly awarded a certificate for the purity of the water and the high level of service. Travelers have a well-developed infrastructure, an excellent sandy beach, a world-famous golf course, restaurants and all kinds of entertainment at their disposal. Puerto Plata also consists of such popular holiday destinations as Cabarete And Rio San Xyan. They are located along the coast, the length of which is more than 100 kilometers.

Cabarete- it is small picturesque resort in the Dominican Republic, ideal for tourists who prefer active recreation and aquatic species sports. Every year the World Windsurfing Tournament is held here, as well as the Cabarete Race Week, where some of the best windsurfers from around the world compete. Rest in this picturesque place different well developed infrastructure, all kinds of entertainment, beautiful seascapes, favorable climate, magnificent beaches with clean golden sand. Located nearby National Park El Choco, amazing with its variety of tropical plants and unique fauna. At the resort you can explore caves, visit beautiful lagoons, underground lakes and boat rides.

In the northern part of the Dominican Republic, an hour's drive from Cabarete is located small town OK Rio San Juan, which has preserved the amazing atmosphere of a small quiet town. It is in demand among lovers of secluded relaxation and surfers. The Gris Gris Lagoon is located in Rio San Juan. This is a truly attractive and amazing fairy-tale world, where secluded caves and ponds with crystal clear and fresh water. Turtles and a wide variety of fish live here. Mangroves along the shores of the lagoon with roots extending under the water - a dwelling huge amount birds.

Attractions
In the southwestern part of the resort of Puerto Plata rises famous mountain Isabel de Torres (Monte Isabel de Toros). A trip there by cable car will make a lasting impression. From above, a magnificent, breathtaking and evocative panorama of the city and the coast opens. There you can also stroll along botanical garden and see a copy of the world famous statue of Christ in Brazil, made of bronze.

The main attractions of Puerto Plata: Independence Park, the Amber Museum, Fort St. Philip (1540), the Cathedral of St. Philip, as well as factories for the production of chocolate and the pirate drink - rum.

Puerto Plata resorts offer their guests wonderful holiday without the hustle and bustle, as well as luxurious beaches with golden sand, protected areas with pristine nature, a huge selection of various types of outdoor activities, delicious national cuisine, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the country by visiting its attractions, of which there are plenty.

Puerto Plata is a popular and beautiful Dominican resort. It is famous for its excellent sandy beaches And picturesque nature all year round. In addition, it has interesting story and a lot of attractions.

Puerto Plata is located on the northern Dominican coast, 250 km from the capital, and unites several famous resorts - Playa Dorada, Sosua and Cabarete. The total length of Puerto Plata beaches is 120 km, they are located in the eastern part of the city.

This area was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. In 1496, his brother founded a city here, which he named San Felipe de Perta Plata. The city was engaged in smuggling and actively collaborated with pirates - English and French. In this regard, the king of Spain ordered the destruction of the city of bandits. But already in 1742, colonists from the Canary Islands restored it. Soon the city began to actively develop and prosper.

Today Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) — famous resort, welcoming guests from many countries around the world.

Weather

Puerto Plateau has a humid tropical climate, moderated by the winds of the Atlantic Ocean. It's warm here all year round. Even in winter, the temperature practically never drops below 25 degrees. IN summer time warmer - +31 - +33 degrees. From May to November there are rains, but they are characterized by their short duration. Moreover, showers often occur late and only occasionally in the morning. The hottest days are in August.

Why is the resort popular with tourists?

The resort of Puerto Plata attracts tourists because, compared to south coast the sea is more active here. Therefore, the resort offers a variety of sports. The resorts of Sosua and Cabarete, which are united by Puerto Plateau, often host various entertainment events and sports competitions, for example, windsurfing.

Windsurfing is a very popular sport in the Dominican Republic.

The resort is perfect for diving enthusiasts. The beaches are very clean and comfortable, but the sand is a little darker than in the northern part of the Dominican Republic.

Puerto Plata attracts many tourists every year due to its hotels with developed infrastructure and attractions.

Hotels

Each of the hotels offers vacationers great holiday, including restaurants, bars, beaches, golf course, horseback riding and others no less interesting entertainment. All have developed infrastructure.

The resort area begins outside the city. All hotels provide luxurious accommodation that will appeal to even the most demanding tourists. They offer comfort and coziness, and polite staff are always happy to welcome new guests.

The most popular include:

One of the popular hotels in Puerto Plata Hotel Riu Bachata 5*

• Hotel Riu Bachata 5*
• Iberostar Costa Dorada 5*
• Barcelo Puerto Plata 4*
• Riu Mambo 4*
• Riu Merengue 5*.

Transport

The following types of transport are common among tourists to the resort:

• Taxi. The most expensive type of transport, but the safest.
• Buses. Cheap, but slow.
• Gua-gua, which are minivans designed to carry 7-8 people. This is the main transport in the city.

Both buses and gua-guas in Puerto Plata are often crowded, so it is better not to use them.

Beaches

IN resort area Puerto Plato includes 4 small resort and beach:

Huge number of kitesurfers on Cabarete beach

• Cabarete is popular among windsurfers. There are most tourists here in February-March, when the wind is strongest. Young people like to relax here because they have the opportunity to try new sports, taste delicious cuisine and meet new people.
• Playa Dorada - attractive resort from 13 hotels. For guests there are: a golf course, an equestrian club, restaurants.
• Sosua is a small town in a bay with a chic selection of bars, restaurants and interesting entertainment.
• Cofresí is a bay to the west of Puerto Plata. The beaches have golden sand, and the entrance to the sea is gentle. There are a lot of restaurants, cafes and villas here, which promises your holiday maximum comfort. Couples with children love to come here, because the Ocean World aquarium is located nearby.

Money

Restaurants and cafes

Although good restaurants Located mainly in Cabarete, you can also find some worth visiting in Puerto Plateau. Among such places are the La Perillada restaurant, which serves delicious grilled meat, and the Papillon restaurant, which delights guests with a variety of lobster and shrimp dishes. Young people prefer the Café Cito restaurant.

At the La-Perillada restaurant they cook not only grilled meat, but also fish, which is very appetizing.

The cuisine of Puerto Plata includes traditional dishes, usually cooked over low heat in ovens. The most famous dishes are “mangu” made from bananas, rice dishes, stews and beans, and desserts.

Attractions and entertainment

Among the most interesting places Puerto Plata:

• Church where America's first mass took place
• ruins of Columbus's house
• Brugal distillery
• Fortalese lighthouse
• Mount Isabel de Torres
• Amber Museum
• Taino Indian Museum
• Fortaleza de San Felipe fortress

In Puerto Plata, vacationers will find a lot of entertainment, including: rafting, excursion with whales, deep-water fishing, windsurfing, jeep safari, yacht tour, oceanarium, nightclubs and others.

Church of San Felipe in Puerto Plata

Shops and souvenirs

In Puerto Plata you can buy all kinds of souvenirs to remember your trip to this wonderful place. The largest selection for tourists is presented in amber products.

Airports nearby

The following are nearby:

• Santiago (34 km)
• Samana (102 km)
• La Isabela (145 km)
• Cap Haitin (170 km)
• Santa Domingo (175 km)

And if suddenly you don’t like the resort of Puerto Plata, which is unlikely, we recommend reading about the possibility that it will interest you first.

You've heard a lot good reviews about these resorts and now choosing between Puerto Plata or Punta Cana? They are indeed two quite different regions within the Dominican Republic, although they are often confused with each other.

Since both of these resorts are popular destinations for recreation, there is often confusion between these two areas. Some people mistakenly think Puerto Plata and Punta Cana are similar and interchangeable, but they are actually two distinct Dominican paradises.

Let's start with Puerto Plata.

Puerto Plata is generally considered "older" than Punta Cana in terms of hotels. That is, the hotels there are older, but this does not mean that they are bad. Accommodation prices in Puerto Plata are also slightly lower than in Punta Cana. However, Puerto Plata can offer you first-class resorts, including: Casa Colonial Beach and Spa, Barcelo Puerto Plata and Victoria Golf & Beach Resort.

Along north coast Puerto Plata has a number of small reefs that create good conditions for diving. Windsurfing is also popular view sports along the northern coast, especially in Cabarete.

The undoubted advantage of Puerto Plata is that local attractions are very close, no more than half an hour away. For example, just take a taxi from the hotel, and in 10 minutes you will already be in the city itself, where shopping, numerous museums and excursions are at your service.

The resorts of Sosua and Cabarete, located very close to Playa Dorada, are actually very different in terms of entertainment, lifestyle and recreation. Thus, a quick and easy change of environment is guaranteed to you. It is unlikely that anywhere in the Dominican Republic this can be done as easily as here.

Now let's talk about Punta Cana.

In Punta Cana there is no such compactness; you will have to spend much more time moving around. Sights are accessible mainly through excursions (read our). And the resorts in this area are not so different from each other. And this area itself was built and exists only for the sake of and for tourists. Therefore, of course, there can be no talk of any local flavor here; you won’t see the “real” Dominican Republic here. And there is no city itself here - just a chain of hotels.

Punta Cana is newer tourist place than Puerto Plata, since hotel chains appeared there relatively recently. Given the relative newness of the hotels, prices for holidays there are usually higher than in Puerto Plata.
Unlike Puerto Plata, where the sea under the influence of the Atlantic Ocean is not always calm (no wonder they actively windsurf there), the waters of the Caribbean Sea surrounding Punta Cana are much calmer.

This may appeal to someone looking for a relaxing beach holiday or vacationing with children. However, on the beaches of Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata the sea is quite calm, and on the beaches of Punta Cana you will have access to many active species water activities. For more detailed information you can read our article.

So, if you are looking for long, luxurious beaches with fine white sand, then Punta Cana is the place for you. The quality of the beaches here is, of course, higher. But if beaches really are your absolute priority, then perhaps you should seriously consider visiting.