A world of spellbinding beauty, invigorating leisure, fabulous entertainment and blissful relaxation awaits in the Dominican Republic, the second largest and most diverse destination in the Caribbean.

This sun-drenched holiday haven is the perfect place to create magical memories with family, friends or on a romantic escape as a couple. From glorious beaches, verdant rainforests and charming Spanish colonial towns to vibrant nightlife, luxury hotels and water sports galore, the Dominican Republic has it all. The Dominican Republic’s capital Santo Domingo is a goldmine of history and culture, while a myriad of national parks offer exciting outdoor adventures. A plethora of popular resorts include Punta Cana, Playa Dorada, La Romana, Puerto Plata and Miches. Let’s take a closer look at some of the very best things to do during your holiday in the Dominican Republic and the reasons why you’ll fall in love with this scintillating destination.

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Paradise beaches

The Dominican Republic is blessed with more than 200 beautiful beaches. Punta Cana’s palm-fringed Bavaro Beach is home to soft sands and aquamarine waters where you can snorkel to beguiling coral reefs, while Long Beach, in Puerto Plata, is a family favourite, with plenty of fun and games on the sands. Water sports galore are on offer at Kite Beach, in Cabarete, while Playa Boca Chica, in Santo Domingo, is a magnet for party fanatics and foodies, with its impressive range of restaurants and bars. Playa Rincón near Las Galeras is a tranquil spot overlooked by lush mountains, and the small fishing village of Punta Rucia, on the Amber Coast, is home to a beautiful curving beach. Other superb beaches include Cayo Levantado, near Samaná, Bahía de las Águilas, in the Jaragua National Park, and Playa Minitas, in La Romana.

Unbelievable attractions

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to epic attractions. Must-see sights in the capital Santo Domingo include Columbus Park, National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic, Plaza España, Parque Independencia, National Zoological Park and Calle Las Damas, a thoroughfare believed to be the oldest street in the New World. There's plenty to see and do on a trip to Three Eyes National Park, including the chance to descend along a series of staircases into a limestone cave, while Umbrella Street, in Puerto Plata, allows visitors to stroll beneath a canopy of colourful brollies. Other outdoor delights include El Limon Waterfall with its 170 feet drop and the Samaná Peninsula with its beautiful bay where you can gaze at schools of humpback whales. Attractions for families include Scape Park and the Chocolate Museum in Punta Cana, and Aquamundo in Santo Domingo.

Action and adventure

The Dominican Republic offers the chance to unleash your spirit of adventure. Enjoy white water rafting in Jarabacoa, set off on a buggy safari at La Hacienda Park, swim in an amazing turquoise lagoon at the foot of the 65-metre cliff in Cap Cana. Damajagua is the place where you can leap from the top of 27 waterfalls into glistening pools below, while the cable car in Puerto Plata will transport you to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres. Dolphin Encounter at Ocean World lets young holidaymakers interact with bottlenose dolphins, Zipline Park offers high-speed thrills, Caribbean Lake Park is ideal for water sports action and Monkey Jungle is a 5-acre grotto where you can get up close to capuchin monkeys. A plethora of other activities include whale watching, horse riding, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkelling and quad biking.

Vibrant culture

Culture enthusiasts will be in their element in the Dominican Republic. Fascinating museums, old forts, galleries and traditional markets are among the joys which await. Admire the golden coral-limestone facade of the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, marvel at Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest colonial fort in the New World dating back to 1502, or visit Columbus Alcazar, the first fortified European palace built in the Americas. The colonial architecture at the Museum of the Royal Houses is truly amazing, the Columbus Lighthouse is a grand homage to the discovery of America and the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, which was established in 1538, is the oldest university in the Americas. The bustling Colonial Market, in Santo Domingo, offers a flavour of local life and an impressive replica of a 16th century European-style village at Altos de Chavon is also worth a visit.

Exceptional resorts

The Dominican Republic has many incredible resorts to choose from. Punta Cana has a stunning 32km stretch of coastline, world-class beaches, crystal-clear waters and pulsating nightlife. La Romana offers pristine sands, great shops, historical buildings, a charming marina and some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean. Playa Dorada is an oceanfront playground featuring a 13-mile beach, two casinos, a championship golf course, top-class restaurants and plenty of nightlife. Puerto Plata will delight with its stunning beaches, lush valleys, rolling rivers and towering mountains, while Miches which will take your breath away with its untouched beauty. Las Terrenas is perfect for romantic couples, Constanza is great for nature lovers, and the resort town of Bayahibe is a dream come true for diving enthusiasts, with amazing coral reefs. Santo Domingo boasts wonderful historical attractions, verdant parks, excellent museums and the National Botanical Gardens.

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The weather remains warm throughout the year so there really is no bad time to visit. The dry season from December to April is a great time to holiday there, when the weather is sunny, pleasant and dry. June to September is hot and humid, with the country experiencing higher average rainfall when heavy and short lived showers occur. Most regions receive at least 100mm to 200mm of rainfall per month. Some people opt to visit during the shoulder season month of May when there is still around nine hours of daily sunshine, plus you can avoid the crowds and often snap up an excellent holiday deal. The hottest month of the year is August when the average daily maximum is 34°C and an average low of 23°C.

"There’s no shortage of fantastic things to experience in the Dominican Republic – the biggest challenge is trying to fit everything in during your holiday.

“This destination is renowned for its beautiful beaches for sunbathing and huge choice of water sports – but many of the attractions away from the coast are definitely worth exploring.

“Of particular note is the nation’s amazing range of national parks where you can spend many fun-packed hours, including Los Haitises National Park, National Park of the East and The Three Eyes National Park.

“Parents won’t have any problem keeping their little ones occupied, with plenty of theme parks, water parks and fantastic animal attractions to discover.

“Culture lovers are also well catered for, with some excellent museums and galleries where they can learn all about the colonial history of the Dominican Republic.”

Dreams Flora Resort & Spa

Live the dream at this luxurious 5-star beachfront retreat in Yas Bay, where you’ll enjoy hours of fun, relaxation and leisure. Enjoy a splashing time in the fabulous water park, savour gastronomic delights in an array of superb dining venues and succumb to head-to-toe pampering in the sumptuous spa. A host of other excellent amenities include a cutting-edge fitness centre, a lively kids club and a bumper programme of live evening entertainment.

Check out Dreams Flora Resort & Spa

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Prepare for thrills and spills at this charming 5-star haven of fun and pleasure where a glitzy casino and sensational water park are among the delights which await. Exquisitely-appointed accommodation, gourmet restaurants and a plush spa will wow every visitor at this magnificent getaway which is nestled beside powdery white sands. Other wonderful amenities include an arcade centre, tennis courts, golf course, nightclub and a kids club.

Check out the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

Jet off for a spectacular holiday adventure at this opulent 5-star beachfront escape where you’ll be surrounded by pure luxury, complete comfort and impeccable hospitality. You’ll spend heavenly nights in the largest suites in Punta Cana, have unlimited access to specialty restaurants and enjoy hours of fun and leisure in Caribbean Street which features a superb kids club, a fantastic casino, a sports bar, tennis courts and a multi-sports area.

Check out the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana