Funny thing about the Dominican Republic-it's one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean, and yet most people couldn't tell you much about it beyond all-inclusive resorts. That reputation does the place a massive disservice - there are beaches here that would stop you mid-sentence!
There's an interior that most tourists skip entirely, but they really shouldn't. There's food worth planning meals around. Getting there is less complicated than people assume-entry requirements are handled online. Dominican Republic e ticket should be sorted in advance, which only takes about 10 minutes. Do it early, then start thinking about the actual trip.
Anyone you know who has been to Punta Cana would have definitely described their experience as "it was lovely" and "I barely left the pool." And rightfully so, it’s no big deal for both to be true.
What most people don't do is leave the resort strip for even half a day. El Cortecito is maybe a ten-minute scooter ride from the main hotel zone, a proper village with plastic chairs, cold beer, and grilled fish that came out of the water that morning.
Bávaro Beach runs along the whole stretch, and it's genuinely beautiful. That turquoise water you see is for real. But the resort bubble is a choice, not a requirement, and stepping outside it even briefly changes the whole feeling of the trip.
The Samaná Peninsula is where the country looks completely different. Drive north, and suddenly it's green and hilly and far less built-up. Las Terrenas sits on the north coast of the peninsula. It started as a fishing village, now has a quiet expat community, good restaurants, and Playa Bonita just down the road, which is one of those beaches that doesn't need much explaining.
Punta Cana: The Resort Reputation Isn't the Whole Story
Anyone you know who has been to Punta Cana would have definitely described their experience as "it was lovely" and "I barely left the pool." And rightfully so, it’s no big deal for both to be true.
What most people don't do is leave the resort strip for even half a day. El Cortecito is maybe a ten-minute scooter ride from the main hotel zone, a proper village with plastic chairs, cold beer, and grilled fish that came out of the water that morning.
Bávaro Beach runs along the whole stretch, and it's genuinely beautiful. That turquoise water you see is for real. But the resort bubble is a choice, not a requirement, and stepping outside it even briefly changes the whole feeling of the trip.
Las Terrenas, Samaná: This Is Where Dominicans Go on Holiday
The Samaná Peninsula is where the country looks completely different. Drive north, and suddenly it's green and hilly and far less built-up. Las Terrenas sits on the north coast of the peninsula. It started as a fishing village, now has a quiet expat community, good restaurants, and Playa Bonita just down the road, which is one of those beaches that doesn't need much explaining.
What is really good about Las Terrenas is its pace. You wouldn’t find anyone trying to sell you things. You can find a market there, a few bars that are open till late, and a vibe that’ll turn your three-day stay into five in no time. If you're in the country for above a week, make sure Samaná is on your list.
Many people are not aware that the Dominican Republic is home to a mountain range, Jarabacoa, in the central cordillera at approximately 500 meters above sea level, with the weather being much cooler, more pine tree forests, as well as rivers flowing through deep gorges. It resembles nothing like what many people envision when they think of a Caribbean island or country.
The Yaque del Norte River flows through this valley and has some of the best white-water rafting available. Nearby is also Armando Bermudez National Park for those who want to hike instead of just walking on the beach. Spending two days in Jarabacoa after spending time on the beach will provide you with the best combination of experiences; Simply being able to experience the contrast between the two will be worth the trip.
La Bandera is the national dish. A simple yet delectable meal of rice, red beans, vegetables and spice that almost every home across the country has for lunch daily. Another breakfast staple, mangu, which is mashed plantain and fried onions on top, will have you hooked in just 30 seconds!
It feels surprising to know that Dominican cuisine hasn’t gained as much attention as Jamaican or Cuban food has. Find a small, family-run comedor, and have your lunch there, whatever they have cooked for the day. Trust that it’ll probably be one of the better meals of the trip, yet easy on your pocket!
The Dominican Republic keeps getting underestimated by USA travellers, and the all-inclusive reputation is mostly to blame. Get the e-ticket sorted, build in a day away from the beach, eat where locals eat.
Jarabacoa: The Part That Surprises Everyone
Many people are not aware that the Dominican Republic is home to a mountain range, Jarabacoa, in the central cordillera at approximately 500 meters above sea level, with the weather being much cooler, more pine tree forests, as well as rivers flowing through deep gorges. It resembles nothing like what many people envision when they think of a Caribbean island or country.
The Yaque del Norte River flows through this valley and has some of the best white-water rafting available. Nearby is also Armando Bermudez National Park for those who want to hike instead of just walking on the beach. Spending two days in Jarabacoa after spending time on the beach will provide you with the best combination of experiences; Simply being able to experience the contrast between the two will be worth the trip.
The Food: Genuinely Underrated
La Bandera is the national dish. A simple yet delectable meal of rice, red beans, vegetables and spice that almost every home across the country has for lunch daily. Another breakfast staple, mangu, which is mashed plantain and fried onions on top, will have you hooked in just 30 seconds!
It feels surprising to know that Dominican cuisine hasn’t gained as much attention as Jamaican or Cuban food has. Find a small, family-run comedor, and have your lunch there, whatever they have cooked for the day. Trust that it’ll probably be one of the better meals of the trip, yet easy on your pocket!
So - Is It Going on the List?
The Dominican Republic keeps getting underestimated by USA travellers, and the all-inclusive reputation is mostly to blame. Get the e-ticket sorted, build in a day away from the beach, eat where locals eat.
It gives back more than most people expect - and usually more than they went looking for! (Photo credits: Marc Coenen and Flickr)
