Travel to the white beaches of the Dominican Republic

Geography

The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. Both by area and population, the Dominican Republic is the second-largest Caribbean nation (after Cuba), with 18,705 square miles and nearly 10 million people, one million of which live in the capital city, Santo Domingo.

From the Lake Enriquillo (the lowest point in the Caribbean at 44 m below sea level) to Pico Duarte, (the highest point in the Caribbean at 3098m), the Dominican Republic is a paradise for tourists. It is home to beautiful lakes, tropical forests, waterfalls, caves and mangroves, as well as whales which pass through the Samana region from January to March. Relax on the beautiful Caribbean beaches or explore the country on one of the many wonderful excursions - including the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, the amazing medieval village of Alto de Chavon reconstituted, or the paradise islands of Saona and Catalina. You can even swim with dolphins in Ocean World Adventure Park in Cofresi, 10 km from Puerto Plata.

Contrary to popular belief, the Dominican Republic isn't completely taken over by all-inclusive resorts, which are actually confined to a very small fraction of the country on the east coast in Punta Cana. The rest of the country has a strong authentic feeling - those who travel to the Dominican Republic will not be disappointed. The island has an abundance of cocoa, coffee, sugar cane, rice, palm, coconut and fruit tree plantations, birds, nature reserves and of course, it is all surrounded by clear turquoise waters and white sand.

The country is divided into several key areas - the first is the west, where Barahona and its surroundings are far away from tourists. The northeast, Monte Cristi, is the driest part of the country and is ideal for travellers looking for tranquil beaches - this area is the least touristy of the country. The most popular part of the country for those seeking sun and cheap beer is Punta Cana in the east. The centre of the country is home to the beautiful green Cibao mountain range, which includes Pico Duarte. For a truly spectacular beach experience, head to the Samana Peninsula in the northeast. The town of Samana is the main port of call for major excursions including the Limon waterfall, whale watching and Los Haitises National Park.

Santo Domingo, the capital, lies to the south of the country and it is worth spending a day or two to meander the dilapidated yet charming streets of the Zona Colonial on the east bank of the Ozama River. The Natural History Museum is also worth visiting to get a grasp of the country's history as well as its contemporary culture. In 1492, the Spanish, led by Christopher Columbus, first arrived in the country, which marked a clear change - the capital on the other hand was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, Christopher's younger brother.

The north coast is home to sublime exotic beaches and charming villages. There are an abundance of activities available - watch humpback whales, explore the Los Haitises park, swim in the waterfall El Limon, horseback riding, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Near Puerto Plata, the seaside resort of Playa Dorada is perfect for tourists: big hotels, a golf course, casinos, nightclubs and a big shopping centre.