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The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola, washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Mention it and most people picture coconut palms and endless beaches of powder-soft sand lapped by warm water. But the beaches are only part of the story — the country is also rich in attractions, from striking colonial architecture to national parks and nature reserves, plus plenty for anyone who prefers an active holiday.
Holidays to the Dominican Republic suit all kinds of travellers, as locals are famously warm and welcoming, and genuinely enjoy having visitors. Nor do Dominican Republic packages come with a hefty price tag: even the most popular resort areas remain surprisingly good value.
Climate in the Dominican Republic
Almost the entire country enjoys a humid tropical climate year-round, with an average temperature of around 25°C. It rarely feels stifling, thanks to the trade winds and sea breezes blowing in from the northeast. The rainy season — frequent but short downpours — runs from late spring to early autumn, though brief showers can also occur in November and December. August is the hottest month.
Main resorts of the Dominican Republic
Travellers often describe some of the Dominican Republic's resorts as pure paradise. Here are the main ones:
- Santo Domingo – the ideal base for sightseeing, and also the birthplace of the now-traditional merengue dance;
- Punta Cana – a hugely popular resort built for first-class, carefree beach holidays, with pristine coastline, superb local cuisine, a string of upscale hotels and national parks nearby;
- Cabarete – a paradise for windsurfers;
- Sosúa – the spot for thrill-seekers, with lively beaches, clubs and bars that make it a great place to meet new people;
- Playa Dorada - a resort built around all-inclusive hotels, with plenty of entertainment, shops and restaurants;
- Cap Cana – a newer resort area popular with the likes of Donald Trump;
- Samaná – home to countless secluded spots of untouched nature, where you can spot dolphins, manatees and humpback whales.
Good to know before you travel to the Dominican Republic
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality: many passport holders can enter visa-free for short stays, while others must apply in advance, so check the current rules for your own passport before you book. Either way, it's worth arranging travel medical insurance. The country's currency is the Dominican peso (DOP). Currency exchange is available at the airport, in hotels or at commercial banks. The most common way to get around the Dominican Republic is by comfortable, air-conditioned coach.
Important things to know about the Dominican Republic
- All hotels in the Dominican Republic are grouped by class, with an official star rating that reflects the range of services they offer;
- A rental car is a great way to get around between towns;
- Check the country's customs regulations before you travel;
- The country stays on Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-4, all year round;
- Every day here feels like a celebration — a sea of smiles and laughter, and the rhythms of sultry, passionate dances like bachata and salsa.
