To help tourists: what kind of sea is in the Dominican Republic? Puerto Plata beaches: where to swim

Punta Cana and Puerto Plata- these are the two largest tourist center in the Dominican Republic. Which resort should you choose? Today we will talk about the pros and cons of each of them. You will also learn about where the resorts are located, how to get to them, which hotels are better and what to see nearby.

Location

Punta Cana

The resort is located in the east of the Dominican Republic and belongs to the province of La Altagracia. It is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Punta Cana International Airport is located next to the resort. The distance to the capital (Santo Domingo) is about 180 km.

Puerto Plata

The resort is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic at the foot of Mount Isabel de Torres next to one of the most ancient cities countries - Puerto Plata. There is an airport not far from the city. Distance to Santo Domingo - 235 km.

Climate

Punta Cana

Punta Cana has a mild tropical climate. In summer it is more humid and there is precipitation. IN winter time(from November to March) clear and comfortable weather sets in, thanks to which by summer the ocean warms up very well (up to +29 degrees)

Puerto Plata

In Puerto Plata the climate is also very comfortable, but precipitation falls more often than in the east and south of the Dominican Republic. At the same time, this affects the appearance of nature, which in these parts is characterized by lush vegetation. Well, in the summer months in the northern region it is not as hot and stuffy as it is in other provinces of the country.

Beaches

Punta cana

The resort of Punta Cana stretches along the Atlantic coast for tens of kilometers. Exactly snow-white beaches with the most delicate sand and palm groves once inspired investors to settle here magnificent resort. The entrance to the water here is very gentle, and the swimming area is separated from open sea coral reef, which makes swimming in these places safe and comfortable even with small children.

Juaniyo Beach
Macau Beach
Bavaro Beach

Puerto Plata

In total, Puerto Plata has 120 km of wonderful sandy beaches located to the east of the city. It should be noted that the beaches closest to the city cannot boast of impeccably clean and white sand - it is a little darker and coarser here. One of the first beaches located outside the city is called Long Beach, which opens the golden series picturesque beaches for many kilometers.

Playa Grande Beach
Long Beach
Costa Dorada beach

Hotels

Punta Cana

In Punta Cana, club hotels of 4 and 5 stars, operating on an all-inclusive basis, predominate. Most of them have a huge territory and rich infrastructure: restaurants, bars, swimming pools, shops, discos, casinos, spa centers and much more. Here every tourist will find a hotel to suit his taste: in Punta Cana there are hotels aimed at a wide variety of people:

for newlyweds
families with children
adults only
for those who love luxury holidays

Puerto Plata

It was in Puerto Plata that Dominican tourism once began. Therefore, you should not be surprised that the hotel base here is not the newest, although it is being updated. Just a few kilometers from the city is resort complex Playa Dorada, which includes 13 hotels, as well as many bars, restaurants, discos and casinos.

Newlyweds, families with children, and lovers like to relax in Puerto Plata active rest and history.

Attractions

Punta Cana

Punta Cana has a very well developed tourism industry. From there they will organize a trip for you to any corner of the country.

Here are the most popular excursions in Punta Cana:

Saona Island and the City of Artists
Mount Redonda
Santo Domingo
Samana
Cap Cana town, Juaniyo beach and cave Blue Lake
Jeep or hummer safari through the Dominican countryside
Adventure Park
Dolphin Explorer Dolphinarium
Yacht trips in the Caribbean or Atlantic

Puerto Plata

The city of Puerto Plata itself will be very interesting to travelers, because its history goes back hundreds of years.

Be sure to visit:

Ancient fortress - Fortaleza de San Felipe
Church of San Felipe
Malecon
Amber Museum
Brugal Rum Distillery
Take the country's only funicular up Mount Isabel de Torres and admire the Christ statue and views of the city and coastline

The northern coast is also famous for such attractions as

Samana Bay
27 waterfalls
Cayo Paraiso Island

In addition, from Puerto Plata it is not difficult to get to the central part of the country and visit the town of Jarabacoa, which is famous for its clean air, rivers and waterfalls.

Leisure

Punta Cana

For lovers of active recreation, excellent conditions have been created both in the resort hotels and beyond.

Here are the types of entertainment awaiting you in Punta Cana

Surfing
Diving
Snorkeling
Golf
Zip line flights
Buggy
Fishing
Kayaking

Also in Punta Cana you have many opportunities to admire the Dominican Republic from above by flying

Parachute behind a boat
Helicopter
Hot-air balloon
Airplane

Puerto Plata

Very close to the resort there are 2 small towns- Sosua and Cabarete. This is a real mecca for surfers, as well as for kite and windsurfer lovers in the Dominican Republic!

From Puerto Plata you can also go inland and try rafting, taking a rubber boat along winding mountain rivers.

Well, for those who decide to conquer 27 waterfalls, a real natural water park awaits: such kayaking will be remembered for a long time!

Diving, fishing, as well as sailing on yachts and catamarans are also practiced in this resort.

Well, in the famous Ocean World aquarium you can not only touch and feed animals, but also swim with dolphins, sharks or fur seals, and also watch a performance with sharks and rays.

Restaurants, bars and nightlife

Punta Cana

Most Punta Cana hotels have their own à la carte restaurants, offering dishes from a wide variety of world cuisines. However, if you do want to dine somewhere new, we recommend the following places:

Restaurant JellyFish: Specializing in seafood, located right on the beach where you can relax and unwind on comfy cushions.
Fish restaurant Captain Cook: ideal value for money seafood.
Restaurant Kuku a: Outdoor terrace, swimming pool, gorgeous ocean view - perfect place for a romantic dinner. In addition to seafood, the menu also includes chicken and meat.

Well, the best way to get acquainted with local cuisine is in small family restaurants on the coast. They cook according to original recipes, and the establishments themselves have a cozy, homely atmosphere. This option is also suitable for those who want to save money.

As for nightlife, it is quite rich in almost every hotel. But even outside the hotel you can have a great rest and get a lot of new impressions.

Here are the best nightclubs in the resort:

Coco Bongo- a vibrant show with performances by celebrity doubles, acrobatic stunts, and broadcast of what is happening on big screens!
Oro- performances by the best DJs and world celebrities in the luxurious atmosphere of the club!
Imagine - night club, built right in a real cave!

Puerto Plata

What restaurants should you visit in Puerto Plata? Our advice:

restaurant La Perillada: famous for its grilled dishes
restaurant Papillon: offers excellent lobsters and shrimps
Cafe Cito: Canadian Consul's restaurant serving local cuisine and cocktails

But the most best restaurants Local and fish cuisine is concentrated in the towns of Sosua and Cabarete. There's a seething and stormy night life. There is a line of bars and clubs lined right along the coast where the fun never stops. Energetic music and international dating await you at these exciting parties!

Well, as you can see, both resorts are excellent and worthy of attention. Well, each of them has its pros and cons, of course.

Punta Cana is a newer resort and, at the same time, more expensive, compared to Puerto Plata. It is better to go there for those who want to relax at the highest level without thinking about anything, because the hotel itself has everything you could want.

Puerto Plata will appeal to those who like to travel a lot and spend time outside the hotel, especially since there are so many attractions available very close to the resort!

Guests of Punta Cana are deprived of the opportunity to walk around the medieval city, enjoying its atmosphere, but a much richer selection of excursions and entertainment awaits them.

Well, another important point is the beach and the ocean. For those who dream of calm ocean and snow-white sand on the beach near the hotel - it is better to go to Punta Cana. Well, for those who like waves and wind, the northern coast awaits!

Puerto Plata ( Puerto Plata) - a province located in the north occupies one of the leading positions in tourism business countries. Unique sandy beaches and luxury hotels make your holiday here bright and unforgettable. This resort, opened at one time by Christopher Columbus, has rich history. It was founded in 1496. Since so many smugglers lived in the city, it was called the city of bandits. In this regard, the Spanish king ordered it to be razed to the ground. And only in 1742 it was completely restored and began to live a completely different life.

The main distinguishing feature of the city is the activity of the sea off its coast. Tourists can not only enjoy a wonderful beach holiday, but also windsurf, which is considered the most popular entertainment here. Competitions in this sport are often held in the city. It is also worth mentioning the large number of attractions. Saturated excursion program allows tourists to diversify their vacation, and makes the resort increasingly popular among travelers.

Puerto Plata on the map of the Dominican Republic

Best time to go to Puerto Plata

Great weather in Puerto Plata all year round, so the tourist flow never dries up. Only between May and November does tourist activity drop slightly, as the rainy season begins in the city. Despite this fact, there are still a lot of tourists during this period. The rains here are mostly short-term and occur mainly at night. During the day you can enjoy a beach holiday and feel free to go sightseeing.

How to get there from Moscow

It is impossible to get to Puerto Plata directly from Moscow. There is an international airport 10 kilometers from the city, but it does not accept direct flights from Moscow. The fastest and most convenient way to get to Puerto Plata is to use the services of Air Berlin, which operates connecting flights from Moscow with a transfer in Dusseldorf or Munich. Another option is to take a direct flight to, and from there fly to Puerto Plata by domestic flight. The distance between these two cities is more than 400 kilometers.

The cheapest tickets from Moscow to Puerto Plata and back

departure date	Return date	Transplants	Airline	Find a ticket

		1 transfer
		2 transfers

Main attractions

Puerto Plata has not only stunning, white beaches, but also a rich historical heritage. There are many historical and natural attractions here that make a holiday here even more interesting.

Fort Fuerte San Felipe del Moro

Fort Fuerte San Felipe del Moro is the main architectural landmark in Puerta Plata

One of the main architectural monuments of the city can be called Fort Fuerte San Felipe del Moro. Initially, it was built to protect the city from pirate attacks. It was later converted into a prison. Currently, this structure is under state protection and is considered one of the most visited historical monuments cities. The fort is not very large, so you can explore it quite quickly. Most tourists linger only on the fortress walls, from which incredible views open up.

Cathedral of St. Philippa

Cathedral St. Philippa is a unique landmark of the country

Among the religious sites, it is worth paying attention to the Cathedral of St. Philippa. This is the most main temple city, which is distinguished by its interior decoration and unique stained glass windows. The construction of the temple dates back to the 16th century, but, unfortunately, its pristine view the cathedral was not preserved. Tourists can see the completely renovated building, built in 1929.

Mount Isabel de Torres

Funicular to Mount Isabel de Torres

Among the natural attractions we can highlight the most high mountain resort Isabel de Torres. Three roads lead to the top of the mountain. One walking trail highway, and a cable car. Climbing the mountain, you will not only be able to see incredible beautiful view on the city, but also take a walk through the botanical garden located here, and see the symbol of the city - the statue of Christ the Savior. At the top there is also a wonderful cafe with panoramic views, and a small souvenir shop.

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 those looking for have a relaxing holiday on the beach or relaxing 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 want long and luxurious beaches with fine white sand, then Punta Cana is more suitable 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.

The Puerto Plata resort area is one of the most attractive holiday destinations in Caribbean, which attracts about 600 thousand tourists annually. It is worth noting that the resort area includes not only the city of Puerto Plata, but also resorts such as Cofresí, Playa Dorada, Sosua and Cabarete. All of these resorts offer guests paradisiacal sandy beaches with tropical vegetation, warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a good selection of 4- and 5-star hotels, excursions, shops, cafes, restaurants, casinos and nightclubs.

Old sea port Puerto Plata, with its unique architectural style, is one of the best cities on the Amber Coast. The cradle of tourism in the Dominican Republic is located in Puerto Plata, and not in Punta Cana, because the Playa Dorada resort complex was built here in the 70s.

What is the sea like in Puerto Plata?

The resort area of Puerto Plata is considered one of the most popular in the Caribbean. This area is located on the Atlantic coast. Although it would not be a mistake to say that this resort area is located on the coast of the Sargasso Sea, it is still generally accepted that it is washed by Atlantic Ocean. The ocean in the Puerto Plata area is always warm, although some tourists may find the water in the area cool for swimming between December and March.

Puerto Plata on the map of the Dominican Republic

Not all tourists know where the Puerto Plata resort is located, because until recently only a few Russian tourists had heard this name. Finding Puerto Plata on a map of the Dominican Republic is not difficult, because it Big City in the north of the island of Hispaniola.

As we said above, the Puerto Plata resort area includes not only the resort town of the same name, but also several small resorts located near it.

Playa Dorada is located 10 minutes east of the center of Puerto Plata, and it is in this area that many famous hotels. Essentially, Playa Dorada is one huge complex for a holiday that includes more than a dozen beach hotels, having a common sand beach and an 18-hole golf course. Guests different hotels may meet in the evening at a casino or nightclub, and during the day they may cross paths at Playa Dorada Plaza, a shopping center with many shops and a cinema.

The resort of Cofresí is also an enclave of several small hotels and residential communities, but it is located west of the city of Puerto Plata. Not far from it is small resort Maimon, in which you will find new resort hotels all-inclusive, popular among North Americans. The Maimon resort area is a place for those who want to enjoy quiet rest and relaxation.

Luperon Resort is about an hour's drive west of Puerto Plata. It is quite isolated, so it is also ideal for those who want a quiet holiday in beautiful place. Nearby is national park La Isabela, where there is a small museum with a collection of objects dating back to the first European settlement in the New World.

The famous surfing resorts of Sosua and Cabarete are located east of Puerto Plata, 30 and 45 minutes' drive respectively.

Distance from Puerto Plata to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo

The resort areas of Puerto Plata and Punta Cana are quite far from each other, so you are unlikely to have the desire to travel from one area to another.

The distance between Puerto Plata and Punta Cana in a straight line is 278 km, but if you go from one resort to another by road, then you will have to cover a distance of approximately 380 km.

The distance between the cities of Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo is much shorter - it is “only” 200 km.

How long is the flight to Puerto Plata from Moscow?

Puerto Plata is one of the most distant resorts to which direct flights are offered from Moscow. Currently, direct flights from Moscow to Puerto Plata are operated by the airline " North wind", which flies to this resort area once every 10-11 days. The flight time Moscow - Puerto Plata in this case is 11-13 hours.

Weather in Puerto Plata

The weather in the famous resort area in the north of the Dominican Republic is warm all year round, and the annual and daily temperature ranges in Puerto Plata are small. Unlike Punta Cana, Puerto Plata's slightly drier season is summer rather than winter, so it's no surprise that most tourists come to this resort area between May and August. This time of year in Puerto Plata is ideal for many water sports and beach holiday weather.

During the “cold” season (the period from November to April is so called here), the weather in Puerto Plata is also warm and characterized by low relative humidity. Rains occur a little more often at this time than in summer. The air temperature during the day is usually 26-29°C, and at night it drops to 20-22°C.

During the "hot" season (from May to October), daytime temperatures generally range between 30-32° C, and at night it usually drops to 23-25° C. At this time, it is recommended to wear light clothing, preferably made of cotton or other natural materials.

Puerto Plata, like virtually all tropical resorts, has a mosquito problem, especially in summer season. Mosquitoes usually appear after dark, so it is advisable to wear long sleeve shirts and trousers in the evening. It is very advisable to have repellent on hand.

Hurricane season in Puerto Plata officially runs from June 1 to November 30, but if you look at the statistics, most hurricanes occur in August and September. Puerto Plata is located off the main path of tropical cyclones in the Caribbean, so hurricanes often bypass this resort.

Puerto Plata Airport

Puerto Plata Airport is one of the largest in the Dominican Republic. This international airport receives about 1 million passengers a year, including tourists from Russia. It is approximately 20 km from Puerto Plata city center and takes approximately 22 minutes by car.

Gregorio Luperon International Airport is conveniently located between the cities of Puerto Plata and Sosua, on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Built in 1979 to promote tourism in the northern region of the country, the airport is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. aircraft, including B-747 and A-340, as its runway is 3081 meters long and 46 meters wide. The Puerto Plata Airport passenger terminal has an area of 27,075 square meters and is capable of handling up to 1,200 passengers per hour.

As expected international airport, Puerto Plata Airport has a Duty Free store. True, this is a relatively small store with a modest selection of goods.

Beaches of Puerto Plata

It's no secret that many tourists go to the Dominican Republic mainly for the sake of relaxing in the beautiful and photogenic beaches. Bavaro is considered the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic, but the beaches of Puerto Plata can also amaze you with their beauty. Near famous city in the north of the Dominican Republic you can find some of the last remaining beaches in the Caribbean, untouched by tourism. However, most tourists relax on the popular beaches of Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua, which, despite a large number of vacationers are always kept clean.

Below are best beaches Puerto Plata, which is popular among local residents and tourists.

Cabarete Beach

Kiteboarders and surfers should definitely visit Cabarete Beach. This is the best beach in the Puerto Plata area for sports. There are almost no “seals” here, and most of the vacationers are active young people. Cabarete Beach is known as the best place for surfing in the Dominican Republic, so here you will meet surfers from different countries peace.

Playa Encuentro

This beach will also appeal to fans of surfing or kiteboarding. Playa Encuentro attracts not only experienced surfers, but also beginners. This is not a busy beach with bars, restaurants and local vendors, but rather a fairly secluded beach with only a few board and kite rentals. Since the waves at Playa Encuentro are relatively low most of the year, it is better suited for beginners.

Playa Dorada

If surfing and kiteboarding are not your thing, then you should pay attention to Playa Dorada beach, which is considered one of the most calm beaches in the resort area of Puerto Plata. Despite the proximity to big city, the beach offers a calm atmosphere most of the time. Aquatic species There are sports here, but still it’s mostly the “lazy” crowd who relax on the beach. There are several local vendors selling their wares, but you won't even notice them unless you're interested in shopping. Almost the entire beach of Playa Dorada is divided between hotels, and tourists spend almost all their time on the beach of their hotel.
Playa Dorada Beach is quite beautiful, with bright blue water and lush palm trees. The proximity of this beach to Puerto Plata is a definite plus for those who want to spend some time exploring interesting city and shopping.

Cofresi Beach

Cofresí Beach is just as stunning as Playa Dorada and also invites you to just relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle. Cofresi is one of the most beautiful beaches in this resort area. There are plenty of sun loungers and vendors walking along the beach offering souvenirs, food and drinks. In general, Cofresí is an ideal place for those who want to relax by the ocean from morning to evening.

Sights of Puerto Plata

Many tourists, who at a certain point in time are bored with a hotel holiday, wonder what they can see outside the hotel, where they can go. The resort area of Puerto Plata is one of the leaders in the Dominican Republic in terms of the number of attractions. At the same time, the attractions of Puerto Plata are quite diverse; even for children there are many interesting places.

Ocean World Adventure Park. A little west of the city Puerto Plata is home to an amusement park that includes a zoo and marine park. It features the world's largest dolphin lagoon, shark interaction pool, tiger feeding area and bird area. In addition, Ocean World Adventure Park has a large artificial beach and a marina. As you may have guessed, this park is great place for families with children.

Columbus Water Park. A fairly large water park by local standards with slides and pools is located about 10 km from Playa Dorada beach.

Fun City amusement park with go-kart. Also close to Playa Dorada is the Fun City amusement park, which attracts lovers of outdoor fun. Fun City opens in the afternoon and is open all evening.

Victorian architecture in Central Park. Puerto Plata differs from many other Dominican cities in its unique architecture. Here you will find about 150 houses and public buildings built in the Victorian style. Most of such buildings are located near Central Park cities.

Isabel de Torres National Park. It is located on the top of a mountain and is Botanical Garden, which is considered one of the best in the Caribbean. You can take a cable car to the top and explore the park along winding paths through subtropical vegetation and numerous streams. Cable car open from 08:30 to 15:30 from Monday to Saturday.

Paradise Island. The drive to Paradise Island can take up to 2.5 hours, but it's worth it if you love gorgeous beaches. Paradise Island is popular among scuba diving enthusiasts and tourists looking to spend time in a beautiful place.

Amber Museum. It's hard to find a souvenir shop in Puerto Plata that doesn't sell amber products. The largest amber deposits in the world are located near Puerto Plata. Amber is fossilized tree resin that hardened millions of years ago. Often plants and insects were found in this resin. If you want to learn more about this semi-precious stone, then you should definitely visit the Amber Museum.

Taino Art Museum. If you are interested in learning about the indigenous peoples of the Dominican Republic and their culture, then visiting the Taino Museum of Art should definitely be on your plans. Although the Taino Indians disappeared long ago, many modern Dominicans claim that they are the ancestors of these Indians.

This is an eco-tourist attraction located about half an hour from Puerto Plata. The area's many cascading waterfalls and pristine landscape make it an ideal place to test your physical abilities.

Fortress of San Felipe. A historic Spanish fortress looming over the entrance to the city's port. The fort was built in 1577 and was sometimes used as a prison. It is the oldest standing structure in Puerto Plata and the only example of colonial style architecture. In 1965, the fortress was turned into a museum, which now houses artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries, including cannons.

Brugal Rum Distillery. The largest distillery in the Dominican Republic, annually producing 1.5 million liters of white and dark rum. For guests at the plant there is free excursion, during which you can see how sugar cane turns into a popular alcoholic drink. You can also purchase high-quality rums from the distillery store.

Duarte Road. A street where you can see many artists working on their original works of art.

Shopping in Puerto Plata

The city of Puerto Plata and surrounding areas contain rich deposits of amber, giving the area the name "Amber Coast". So don’t be surprised that in all souvenir shops, markets and city streets you will find beautiful necklaces, bracelets and other accessories made from real amber. For many tourists, shopping in Puerto Plata is associated with the purchase of amber products.

As in all Latin America, Puerto Plata has several colorful markets where you can not only buy local crafts and collectibles, but also learn about the basic customs of the locals. Puerto Plata also offers several large shopping centers for travelers who want to visit boutiques and specialty stores to choose elegant evening wear, beachwear or even exclusive jewelry. The main shopping centers in Puerto Plata are Plaza Turisol, Playa Dorada Mall and Plaza Isabela.

The Playa Dorada Mall is an ideal place for shopping, especially for tourists who stay in one of the hotels in the Playa Dorada hotel complex. In Playa Dorada Mall you will find a cinema, bars and restaurants, pizzerias, jewelry stores, travel agencies, Internet cafes, casinos, souvenir shops and a children's playground.

Which is better: Puerto Plata or Punta Cana

As you probably already understood, Puerto Plata is an interesting and beautiful resort area with good hotels and beautiful beaches. But now it's time to compare it with the most popular resort in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana.

Which is better: Puerto Plata or Punta Cana? As is often the case, each of these resorts has advantages and disadvantages.

Punta Cana is very popular resort in the east of the Dominican Republic, and most tourists from Russia vacation here. This popularity has ensured that there are many companies in Punta Cana working with Russian tourists, so here you can easily buy excursions, order a photo shoot and even organize a wedding.
Punta Cana has a fairly large selection of hotels to suit every taste and budget; there are quite a few luxury hotels here, which Puerto Plata cannot boast of.

In turn, Puerto Plata boasts big amount attractions, because it is a large city with a relatively long history. If in Punta Cana there is practically no place to walk outside the hotel, then the city of Puerto Plata offers a large selection of places suitable for walking. It is also worth noting that the resorts of Sosua and Cabarete, located near Puerto Plata, are the best places for surfing in the Dominican Republic.

Overall, Punta Cana looks like the preferred option in most cases, but for surfers and those who want to explore on their own interesting places, Puerto Plata may be a more attractive holiday destination.

Puerto Plata: photos

Amazingly beautiful and clean beaches with white coral sand and incredible emerald waves of the most romantic Caribbean Sea in the world, warm sea wind, authentic local kitchen, amazing sunrises and sunsets - the pearl of the Caribbean - Puerto Plata - welcomes you.

Weather and climate in Puerto Plata

- a country with an ideal climate. Summer here lasts forever and at all Dominican resorts, including Puerto Plata, you can splash in the Caribbean waves and sunbathe all year round.
The average annual air temperature in the Caribbean is +27 C, water temperature is +25 C.
The average January temperature in Puerto Plata is +24 C, July +27 C. The climate here is tropical and very comfortable.
The high season begins in winter and continues until early summer. In the summer, prices for housing and services in the Dominican Republic fall, but this does not mean that there are fewer tourists. Just relaxing in winter is a fabulous pleasure, especially considering the weather we are used to in December.
The rainy season begins at the end of April and can continue until the end of June. The rains mostly fall at night, and in the morning they leave a wonderful fresh aroma and coolness. Even the rains in the Dominican Republic bring joy.
Dominican resorts are always waiting for you!

Accommodation in Puerto Plata: hotels, guest houses, apartments

Puerto Plata is a city where large hotel complexes are located all inclusive, swimming pools, parks, spas and a lot of entertainment. Everyone can find accommodation in Puerto Plata: those who want to relax in luxury and those who want to save money and still see everything.
We have already found for you dozens of options for the best villas, apartments, hotels in Puerto Plata at the most low prices. Find and book accommodation in Puerto Plata fast and easy.

Puerto Plata beaches: where to swim

The most best beaches in Puerto Plata and how to find them

City beach of Puerto Plata
Free sandy beach, just as luxurious as all the other beaches in the Dominican Republic. It has everything you need for a beach holiday, and nearby is an entertainment and shopping mall Wel-Mart, where you can eat and hang out.

Private beach RIU (located on the territory of the RIU hotel)
15 minutes walk from the city center
In general, in order to get to the beach you need to stay at a hotel, but you can try to go there by simply walking past the security guards in beach clothes and not paying attention to them.
This amazingly beautiful beach has a lot of entertainment, cafes and restaurants, comfortable sun loungers and much more.

Beach
address: Luperon, Duarte Avenue
Those who want to escape the heat in the canopy of palm trees come here, as well as diving and windsurfing enthusiasts. You will be offered to rent the equipment necessary for this right on the beach.

Beaches
Sosua, 24 km from Puerto Plata
Gorgeous beaches and exciting parties from early in the morning until the next morning are what attract people here. Here you can just relax, or you can listen to music, dance or find other entertainment to suit your taste. In addition, here you can retire to a secluded place under palm trees away from the crowd and just relax in silence, or you can take advantage of the active recreation offers and go diving or windsurfing.

What to bring from Puerto Plata: souvenirs, gifts, memories

Cigars and cigarettes, produced in the Dominican Republic, especially the famous brands Antonio Fuente, Davidoff, Courvoisier, La Aurora, Carbonell;
Dominican rum, made from sugar cane, brands Brugal, Ron Barcelo, Ron Barcelo Imperial, Bermudez. A high quality product can be bought in a simple supermarket, and Brugal brand rum can be bought directly from the Brugal distillery, which is located in Puerto Plata;
Coffee and cocoa, produced in the Dominican Republic. The most famous brand of coffee is Santo Domingo;
Jewelry made of silver and semi-precious stones. Pay attention to the local curiosity - the amazingly beautiful blue larimar stone;
Exotic fruits, grown in the Dominican Republic.

What to do in Puerto Plata: is it worth going to Puerto Plata and why?

1. Beaches- them here great amount— more than 100 km of absolutely stunning beaches with azure water and coral sand;
2. Water activities — on the beaches you will be offered many exciting leisure activities: water skiing, diving, banana boat rides, windsurfing, catamaran riding and much more;
3. Walk around the city, which you can organize yourself, or with the help of your hotel, for example, or private companies. Be sure to visit the Statue of Christ, take the funicular up to the top, go on an excursion to the jewelry factory and the cigar and cigarette factory, and also explore;
4. Damajagua Falls— 27 waterfalls that you must not only see, but also take a bath in;
5. Ruta Panoramica- most picturesque Mountain road, which connects Puerto Plata and. If you are planning to rent a car in Puerto Plata, be sure to drive around.

How to get to Puerto Plata

There are no direct flights from Moscow to Puerto Plata yet, despite the fact that there is an airport in the city. To visit Puerto Plata you need buy a plane ticket - or -, and from there get by taxi or intercity bus. The flight takes about 14 hours. The distance between Puerto Plata and Puerto Plata is about 400 km.