Repubblica Dominicana

Caraibi Selvaggi con Ritmo Latino

Caraibi Mode: ON

Caraibi Mode: ON

Welcome to the Dominican Republic

Set on the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, between the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic is a land that pulses with energy, color, and contrasts. Bordered to the west by Haiti, this Caribbean country is a mosaic of landscapes: miles of white-sand beaches, mountains covered in tropical forest, spectacular waterfalls, cocoa plantations, and villages where time seems to stand still. Its strategic position in the heart of the Caribbean has made it a cultural and commercial crossroads since the 15th century. It was here, in Santo Domingo, that Christopher Columbus founded the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. Even today, walking through the cobbled streets of the Zona Colonial, you can feel history come alive—among ancient convents, forts, and lively squares.

But the Dominican Republic is much more than history: it’s rhythm. It’s music. It’s a living identity. From the unmistakable sound of merengue (recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO) to the sensual sway of bachata, every corner of the island moves to the beat of celebration. Dominican culture is a fascinating blend of Taino (indigenous), African, and Spanish influences—reflected in the food, the traditions, the art, and the warm, tireless spirit of its people. Whether you're seeking a relaxing retreat in Punta Cana, a nature-filled adventure in the forests of Samaná, or an urban immersion in vibrant Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic welcomes you with a smile, sand between your toes, and sunshine all year round.

Costa Nord

Costa Nord

Dal Forte San Felipe a Cabarete: il cuore pulsante della costa Atlantica

La Costa Nord della Repubblica Dominicana, affacciata sull’Atlantico, è un luogo dove la vita scorre a un ritmo proprio, tra paesaggi intensi, città storiche e spiagge battute dal vento. A Puerto Plata, il passato coloniale si legge nei dettagli: il Forte San Felipe, le case vittoriane in legno, il vecchio tram che un tempo collegava il centro al porto. È una città viva, dove il merengue non è solo folklore, ma parte della quotidianità. Per divertirsi, una serata al Malecon è d’obbligo: tra bar sul mare e musica dal vivo, si respira un’atmosfera che mescola tradizione e voglia di festa. Più a est, Cabarete cambia le regole: piccola, giovane, informale. È il regno del kite e del windsurf, ma anche dei viaggiatori senza fretta. Le giornate iniziano con un tuffo nell’oceano, continuano con lezioni di surf o escursioni a cavallo nelle vicinanze, e passano spesso nelle grotte del Parque Nacional El Choco. La sera, i beach bar si animano con jam session improvvisate, dj set e barbecue sulla spiaggia. Da provare assolutamente i tacos di pesce e il ceviche fresco, accompagnati da una birra ghiacciata o un cocktail a base di rum locale. Poi c’è Las Terrenas, tra le colline e le spiagge della penisola di Samaná. Più tranquilla, ma piena di carattere. Ex villaggio di pescatori, oggi è un mosaico di culture: dominicani, europei, haitiani convivono in modo spontaneo. Qui si mangia bene, con piatti come il moro con coco (riso al cocco) e il pesce fresco grigliato direttamente sulla spiaggia. Le spiagge come Playa Bonita o Cosón sono perfette per giornate di relax, snorkeling o kayak. Per chi cerca qualcosa di più avventuroso, c’è l’escursione a cavallo fino alla cascata di El Limón, un must per chi vuole immergersi nella natura.

Il paesaggio è puro contrasto: montagne verdi che scendono al mare, sentieri di terra rossa, fiumi che sfociano sull’oceano, e spiagge che sembrano non finire mai. La natura è protagonista, ma mai ostentata.

Un consiglio da local? Assaggia la mama juana, la bevanda tipica a base di rum, miele e spezie, e non perdere una partita a domino con gli abitanti del posto

East Coast: Punta Cana and Beyond

East Coast: Punta Cana and Beyond

Beyond the Resorts: Where Turquoise Meets the Jungle

The eastern coast of the Dominican Republic—home to Punta Cana—is the most iconic and well-known face of the country, but it offers far more than postcard-perfect beaches and luxury resorts. Here, the sea is a mosaic of crystal-clear waters blending with powder-white sand. Punta Cana is the queen of all-inclusive holidays, but just step off the beaten path and you’ll find quieter corners like the hidden coves of Bávaro or the laid-back beach of Macao, where locals come to surf and soak up the sun in peace. Beyond the beach, the east coast offers a wide range of experiences—from the bustling artisan market in Higüey, the cultural heart of the region, to excursions through the Dunas de Baní lagoon, a golden sand dune landscape that feels almost lunar as it spills into the sea. For adventure lovers, there are buggy rides along dusty jungle trails, or snorkeling trips around nearby islands like Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. Want to experience it like a local? Try chivo guisado—slow-cooked goat stew—served in one of the small roadside comedores far from the tourist trail. One unmissable experience is Hoyo Azul, a natural freshwater pool hidden at the base of a 75-meter limestone cliff, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Getting there is part of the magic: you’ll cross a suspension bridge deep in the jungle, beneath towering trees, fluttering butterflies, and wild orchids. At the end of the path, the pool appears—an otherworldly turquoise oasis, cold, clear, and still. Once considered sacred by the island’s Indigenous peoples, Hoyo Azul is now one of those rare places that feel completely out of time.

Southeast Dominican Republic: Where History Meets the Sea

Southeast Dominican Republic: Where History Meets the Sea

Cathedrals, Cave Paintings, and Fishing Villages

The southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, where Santo Domingo meets Bayahibe, is perhaps the most multifaceted area of the country. On one side, you have the capital—vibrant, intense, and full of contrasts. On the other, peaceful beaches, national parks, and seaside villages where time seems to slow down. Santo Domingo, the first city founded by Europeans in the Americas, is more than just an urban center—it’s a living piece of history. Walking through the Colonial Zone, along its cobblestone streets, you’ll find 16th-century cathedrals, hidden courtyards, and old stone houses that now host bars, galleries, bookstores, and cafés. But the city also has a modern edge: buzzing boulevards, bold street art in up-and-coming neighborhoods, Caribbean DJ sets, and restaurants that blend criolla cuisine (a flavorful mix of Taíno, Spanish colonial, and African influences) with contemporary flair. Then there’s Bayahibe, on the opposite side of the southeast—an old fishing village turned gateway to adventure. It's the perfect base to explore the Parque Nacional del Este or set sail to Isla Saona, a protected island where white sand, mangroves, and starfish coexist in harmony. Boat excursions leave every morning, but Bayahibe is also the ideal spot to kick back with a plate of grilled lobster by the sea and a cold beer as the sun sets. For those looking to venture inland, Altos de Chavón—a replica of a Mediterranean village perched above a gorge—offers breathtaking views and a fascinating cultural center. The caves in Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, meanwhile, hide ancient Taíno rock paintings and carry a more untamed, mysterious charm. Local tips? In Santo Domingo, hop on a guagua (local minibus) instead of a taxi to see the real city, sip a café con leche at sunrise in Parque Independencia, and don’t miss the yaroa—arguably the most indulgent street food around. In Bayahibe, always ask the local fishermen where to eat: the best spots are never marked on a map. The southeast is where the country’s story began, but it’s also where the heartbeat of the present is strongest—a balance of memory, nature, and daily life that never stops surprising.

South-West: Barahona and Pedernales

South-West: Barahona and Pedernales

The Southwest of the Dominican Republic, home to the provinces of Barahona and Pedernales, is the wildest and least touristy part of the country. You won’t find resorts or perfect roads here—just spectacular landscapes and welcoming rural communities. This is the place for those who love unfiltered adventure, spontaneous road trips, and places you discover, not book. Barahona is your starting point: a seaside town, rough around the edges but full of heart, surrounded by green mountains that seem to dive into the ocean. The coastline is dramatic and rocky, with hidden coves and black-pebble beaches like San Rafael and Los Patos, where cold river water flows into the warm sea. There, you can eat freshly caught fish in a wooden shack, sitting on a plastic chair with an infinite view. Head farther south and you’ll reach Pedernales, the gateway to one of the Caribbean’s most stunning natural wonders: Bahía de las Águilas, a pristine, miles-long beach inside Jaragua National Park. No hotels, no beach bars—just powder-white sand, turquoise waters, and raw, untouched nature. You get there by boat or off-road vehicle, and it’s the kind of place that makes you feel blissfully off the grid. Unmissable experiences include a stop at Lake Enriquillo—the lowest point in the Caribbean, home to crocodiles and iguanas; a swim in the bright blue waters of La Plaza or La Zurza (natural pools hidden in the mountains); and chatting with local vendors of larimar, the sky-blue stone found only in this region. The food here is simple and honest: pollo guisado, fried plantains, and freshly made tropical juices. Local tips? Bring cash, forget Wi-Fi, and talk to the people you meet—tourism here is still about real connections, not packages. The southwest is an open secret—if you get lost here, you’re on the right track.

Santo Domingo and Punta Cana By Night

Santo Domingo and Punta Cana By Night

From Iconic Bars to the Hottest Clubs: Dominican Nightlife

The nightlife in Santo Domingo and beyond is a vibrant mix of contagious energy, rich culture, and irresistible Caribbean rhythms that pull you in from the very first beat. Whether you're looking to dance until sunrise or sip a cocktail in a laid-back bar, this city has it all. The capital offers a diverse scene: from live music venues in neighborhoods like Zona Colonial and Gazcue, where merengue and bachata are part of everyday life, to sleek, modern clubs that attract international DJs and partygoers from all over the world. Historic bars like La Bodeguita del Medio or El Sartén serve classic cocktails and live music, setting the perfect mood to let loose.Craving something more global? Jet Set and Lupita Bar are top spots for dancing to DJ sets that span house, hip hop, and electronic beats. You’ll also find plenty of rooftop bars offering panoramic views of the city and the Ozama River—perfect for a stylish start to the night. And if Jim Carrey dancing in a yellow suit in The Mask (1994) rings a bell, you know what’s coming: the legendary Coco Bongo club in Punta Cana brings that surreal world to life every night with jaw-dropping shows, live music, DJs, and performers dressed as iconic movie characters. It’s a wild blend of Las Vegas, Broadway, and Hollywood, easily accessible from Santo Domingo with convenient evening tours. Expect special effects, open bars, and a full-blown cinematic experience. Music is everywhere in the Dominican Republic. It often fuses with cultural events, street festivals, and spontaneous celebrations—especially on weekends and holidays. And beyond merengue and bachata, you’ll find salsa, jazz, reggaeton, and themed nights that keep the rhythm going all week long.

Rum, Tobacco, and Caribbean Scents

Rum, Tobacco, and Caribbean Scents

A Sensory Journey Through Historic Distilleries and the Art of the Cigar

No trip to Santo Domingo is truly complete without diving into two of the Dominican Republic’s most iconic traditions: rum and cigars—pillars of the island’s culture and identity. Just a short drive from the capital, historic distilleries like Ron Barceló offer a behind-the-scenes look at every stage of production: from the harvesting of sugarcane to fermentation, distillation, and aging in oak barrels, which give each bottle its unique and unmistakable character. The tour ends with a guided tasting, allowing you to experience the full range of Dominican rum profiles—from the crisp, light white rums perfect for cocktails, to rich dark blends and special reserves, full of intense and complex aromas developed through years of careful aging. But this sensory journey goes beyond rum. You’ll encounter the sweetness of agave honey, the spice of cinnamon and clove, the zesty brightness of tropical citrus, and the earthy richness of vanilla-scented tobacco—fragrances and flavors that define the Caribbean. Santo Domingo is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious cigar factories, where the craft of the torcedores—master cigar rollers—is passed down through generations. Visiting one of these workshops is like stepping into a ritual of precision, technique, and deep passion, watching skilled hands select, roll, and finish premium tobacco leaves with care. Many tours end in elegant lounges, where you can enjoy a top-quality cigar paired with stories and curiosities that unveil the legacy of a world-renowned Caribbean tradition. Surrounded by deep aromas, rich flavors, and time-honored craftsmanship, this experience invites you to truly connect with the Dominican Republic—through the senses, and straight to its cultural core.

Contact us