Dominican Republic Holidays
Famed for exporting silver, sugar and Cuba Libre rum, holidaymakers flock to the white sandy shores of the island to enjoy great value all-inclusive breaks under the heat of the Caribbean sunshine.
Spreading across the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, the Dominican Republic has Spanish on its tongue and African heritage at its heart. When Christopher Columbus landed here in 1492 he made Santo Domingo the first Spanish capital of the New World. The ancient Taino people stamped their footprint on the history of the island too and there are archaeological sites worth visiting - if you can peel away from the sparkling shoreline.
On the north of the island you'll find the Atlantic Ocean and places such as Puerto Plata, Sosua, Bahia Maimon, Costa Dorada, Playa Dorada and Cabarete, plus the Samana Peninsula, which is home to beautiful Cayo Levantado. There's also Punta Cana, which is where you'll find the resort of Bavaro.
Down south, where Caribbean waters lap gently on to the sand, is the exciting capital city of Santo Domingo, and the resorts of Los Ranchitos, Boca Chica, La Romana, and Bayahibe. Dominican Republic holidays are as delightful as the varied resorts, and couples, groups, and families will get a warm welcome here.
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Should you ever get bored of sipping cocktails by the pool or swimming in the clear Caribbean waters, there are many day trips worthy of your time. The islands of Catalina and Saona are well served by boat charters and both offer picture-perfect beaches. San Felipe Fortress is the place to gaze into the past and pretend you are helping to protect the island from swashbuckling pirates, while nature is at its tropical best in the island's mangroves. Gri Gri Lagoon is also a notable trip by boat, and a cable car will whisk you to the top of Mount Isabel del Torres if you can't summon the energy. If you are an active type, there are opportunities for white-water rafting around the Dominican Republic too.
Ocean World is in Puerto Plata and is an adventure park, marina and casino - you are sure to find something for the whole holiday party at this Mecca of fun.
Dip your toes in the warm waters of the Dominican Republic and find one of the most affordable long-haul holidays available from the UK. TravelSupermarket can help you to find your dream break at the best price - search for your holiday today.
Weather
Totally tropical temperatures see holidaymakers enjoying pleasant averages of 24-28C year round. Travel between December and April and take advantage of the dry season. Travel between May and November and you can take advantage of lower prices, but you are likely to see rainfall, as this is the wet season. It can also get extremely hot and humid during these months.
Events
La Vega Carnival; February: The nation's African heritage is celebrated with wild masks and colourful costumes at this energetic festival, where merengue moves and salsa beats are compulsory!Santo Domingo Carnival; February/March: Things have hardly calmed down since La Vega Carnival when the attention shifts to the exertions of the Santo Domingo Carnival, where party-goers in devil costumes and masks parade the streets.
Dominican Republic Jazz Festival; October/November: Sway to the sultry beats when the nation gets groovy with a range of jazz events.
Best of Dominican Republic holidays for...
- Shopping: The Dominican Republic is famed for vibrant amber and many gift shops sell jewellery made from the stone, which comes from the island's pine trees. The tourist shops in Juan Dolio are good for picking up bargains.
- Relaxing: The bars of Santo Domingo sway to soothing and soulful guitar music. Let go, let your foot tap, and let your holiday in the Dominican Republic really begin!
- Kids & teens: Youngsters might want to try their hand at windsurfing in Cabarete, where Atlantic winds help them along. Courses are available..
- Grown-up families: Get wet with the local wildlife and swim with dolphins at Punta Cana.
- Romance: Savour the history and romance of the old colonial quarter in the city of Santo Domingo.
- Nightlife: Wherever you party, make sure you try some Cuba Libre rum - it's the local brew and it would be rude not to! If that gets you in the mood to dance, head to the clubs of Boca Chica.
- Free & cheap: There are snorkelling lessons on offer in the resorts in and around Punta Cana. Even if you don't need a lesson, taking a snorkel and exploring the underwater world is a bargain activity. .
