In-depth country guide

Dominican Republic

Old-city courtyards, mountain rivers and two very different coastlines.

A country worth knowing

Make room for a different kind of journey.

Start with Santo Domingo’s historic streets, then choose a coast or a mountain base. The Dominican Republic rewards a journey that leaves room for everyday life: a market conversation, a long lunch or a shaded square between bigger sights. These eleven destinations offer different ways to build that journey.

First-time highlights.

SOUTH COAST · CAPITAL

Dominican Republic on film

An introduction to the country from Go Dominican Republic. Begin your own journey in Santo Domingo, then follow the coast or head into the mountains.

Explore Santo Domingo Watch the introduction ↗

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

EAST COAST · BEACHES

Punta Cana

Long beaches, open skies and time to settle into the coast.

Explore Punta Cana

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

NORTH COAST · HISTORY

Puerto Plata

A sea-facing fortress and streets worth exploring slowly.

Explore Puerto Plata

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

CIBAO · CITY & CULTURE

Santiago

A monument on the skyline, art and everyday Dominican life.

Explore Santiago

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

NORTHEAST · BAY & PENINSULA

Samaná

A wide bay, seasonal wildlife and a greener coastline.

Explore Samaná

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

SAMANÁ PENINSULA · NORTH SHORE

Las Terrenas

A beach-town rhythm with room for an unhurried stay.

Explore Las Terrenas

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS · RIVERS

Jarabacoa

Cooler air, mountain roads and waterfalls with their own pace.

Explore Jarabacoa

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

SOUTHEAST · MAINLAND GATEWAY

Bayahibe

A fishing village, a beach pause and a starting point for island days.

Explore Bayahibe

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

COTUBANAMÁ · ISLAND DAY

Isla Saona

An island shoreline best enjoyed with time and care.

Explore Isla Saona

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

SOUTHWEST · COASTAL ROAD

Barahona

A working town and a coast of rivers, hills and open views.

Explore Barahona

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

NORTHWEST · DRY COAST

Montecristi

El Morro’s profile, mangroves and a quieter coastal rhythm.

Explore Montecristi

Where to stayDirect accommodation contact

Give each place its own time

Choose your next discovery.

The journey is in the details.

Sources, credits & editorial notes

Reviewed 12 November 2026. Pacing and base suggestions are ATA editorial choices. Accommodation links are direct enquiry points, not inspected-property endorsements or claims of ATA membership. Confirm current services, access and terms. Photographs are credited beside the images and may show earlier conditions.

Overview photography credits

Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, Mariordo (Mario Durán & German Valverde) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

Punta Cana’s resort coastline, Ryancoke2020 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

Puerto Plata from above, Jusunx · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

The Restoration monument, Santiago, Casualknit at English Wikipedia · Public domain · Display crop.

Santa Bárbara de Samaná, Anton Bielousov · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop.

The shoreline at Las Terrenas, Captain-tucker · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop.

Countryside around Jarabacoa, Adam Jones, Ph.D. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop.

Evening at Bayahibe, Cochoncarlos · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

Saona Island, Danu Widjajanto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

Barahona town, FronterizoRD · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop.

Montecristi Bay from El Morro, Afterimagefilms · CC BY 3.0 · Display crop.