Compare Dominican Republic holidays

Occupying the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, an island shared with the Republic of Haiti, the Dominican Republic is a lot more than a cheap package holiday hub. It's a place of multiple personalities, whether you're looking to live it up in a luxury all-inclusive or get down to a do-it-yourself adventure, the Dominican Republic can come up with the goods.

Here, paradise comes with a refreshing range of price tags. So will you hunker down in cheap digs or spoil yourself with a luxurious stay?

Explore the wilder side of paradise

Framed by the Caribbean to the south and the Atlantic to the north, the country's coastline is dotted with hidden coves, fishing villages and long stretches of perfect sand. But beyond the beaches, the island also has a natural wonderland of waterfalls, deserts, mountains and jungles carpeted with wild orchids.

Zip-line through rainforest treetops, spot green cockatoos in the canopy, speed about in a dune buggy or snorkel with barracuda in bright blue water. If you're after an active getaway, a holiday to the Dominican Republic will deliver.

Enjoy history and parties - side by side

Mixing natural beauty with Afro-Latino buzz, holidays in the Dominican Republic are pretty hard to beat. Christopher Columbus washed up on these shores way back in 1492, making Santo Domingo, the capital, one of the oldest cities in the New World.

There are spots of historical interest to be found everywhere among its cobblestone alleys and Spanish colonial churches, while old men clack dominos on street corners and bachata music blares from passing cars. Life is celebrated on a daily basis, so grab a rum punch and join the party.