The Dominican Republic - the colourful palette of the Caribbean
General information
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea and borders Haiti to the west. To the north it opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south onto the Caribbean Sea. The capital, Santo Domingo, is the largest city and one of the oldest European cities in the Americas.
The country's history began long before the arrival of Europeans, but today's Dominican Republic is closely linked to the voyages of Christopher Columbus and Spanish colonisation. The island was one of the first places in the Americas to become a centre of the Spanish presence after the expeditions of the late 15th century.
Today the Dominican Republic is one of the most popular Caribbean holiday destinations. Its beaches are the main reason people choose it, but the country also has mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, colonial towns and nature reserves.
Climate
The climate is tropical and warm all year round. Temperatures on the coast are usually high, and the sea is warm enough for swimming in every season.
The most popular tourist period is December to April, when the weather in many areas is drier and more pleasant. Summer and early autumn are more humid, and the Atlantic hurricane season covers roughly June to November.
Because of the mountainous terrain, the climate varies by area. In the higher parts of the country temperatures are much lower than on the coast.
Culture and history
Santo Domingo is the most interesting place to begin a cultural tour. Its historic centre - the Zona Colonial - preserves buildings from the early Spanish colonial period and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here stands the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, begun in the early 16th century and considered the oldest cathedral in the Americas, as well as the Alcázar de Colón - the palace of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus. Its stone streets, small squares and colonial façades make the historic centre quite different from the atmosphere of the modern resorts.
Santo Domingo also has a strong musical tradition. Merengue and bachata are the two styles most associated with the Dominican Republic. Both are part of everyday culture, not just tourist shows, and music and dance are an important part of local festivals and social life.
Baseball also holds a special place. The Dominican Republic is one of the countries that have given American professional baseball a large number of famous players, and the sport is part of everyday culture in many towns.
Outside the capital, nature quickly takes centre stage. Punta Cana is the best-known resort area and lies at the eastern tip of the country. Its coast is known for its wide beaches, palm trees and relatively calm waters in the reef-protected stretches.
Bávaro is part of the same tourist zone and offers a wide choice of hotels and resorts. The area is especially popular for all-inclusive holidays, but from here you can also arrange excursions to natural sights and islands.
One of the popular excursions is to Saona Island, part of Cotubanamá National Park. The island is known for its long beaches, shallow turquoise waters and coconut palms. The route often includes natural sandbanks where you can see starfish.
On the north coast lies the Samaná Peninsula - an area with a greener and less built-up atmosphere. Here you will find rainforests, waterfalls and beaches, some of them reached on foot or by boat.
One of the best-known waterfalls is El Limón. It can be reached on foot or on horseback through tropical vegetation, and at its base there is a natural pool.
Samaná is also known for its humpback whales. Every year, roughly between January and March, they come to the warm waters around the peninsula to breed. During this period the area is one of the places in the Caribbean where these animals can be seen in their natural habitat.
In the centre of the country the landscape changes completely. The Dominican Republic has mountainous areas, and in the Cordillera Central stands Pico Duarte - the highest peak in the Caribbean at 3,098 metres.
This is a country often associated only with beaches, but its mountains, rivers and rainforests show another side of it. In some areas hiking, rafting and other adventure activities can be arranged.
The food is also a mix of different cultural influences. Rice and beans are the basis of many dishes, and meat, plantains and local vegetables feature often in Dominican cuisine. Sancocho - a thick soup or stew with various meats and vegetables - is one of the traditional dishes.
Rum has a special place in local culture and is used in many popular cocktails. The Dominican Republic also produces cocoa and is an important coffee producer.
The country also has an interesting history of tobacco growing. Cigars are made inland, and visitors have the chance to learn about how they are produced.
Why and when to visit?
The main reason to choose the Dominican Republic is its combination of a tropical climate, Caribbean beaches and well-developed tourist infrastructure. Punta Cana and Bávaro are ideal for a classic beach holiday, especially if you are looking for a hotel with a wide range of services and direct beach access.
If, however, you want to see more of the country, you can add Santo Domingo, the Samaná Peninsula or a trip to Saona Island to your holiday. This way a beach holiday can be combined with history, nature and local culture.
December to April is one of the most popular periods to travel. The weather is usually drier then, and whale watching around Samaná is one of the seasonal attractions. The summer months are also good for the sea, but bear in mind the higher humidity and the possibility of tropical storms.
The Dominican Republic is a convenient choice for people who want both relaxation and the chance to take excursions. You can spend a few days hardly leaving the beach, and then quickly find yourself in a rainforest, on the colonial streets of Santo Domingo or on a boat off Saona Island.
It is this variety that keeps the country from being just another Caribbean resort. Behind the palms and beaches there is history, music, mountains, rainforests and a culture you can feel from the very first days of your trip.
