Dominican Republic: Colonial splendour and Caribbean ambience in the land of merengue and bachata

The Dominican Republic is unbeatable value for money for a faraway country. No wonder it regularly tops the list of the most visited long-haul destinations! A journey that takes you to the heart of the Spanish Caribbean. Occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, the Dominican Republic is rightly renowned for its heavenly beaches and top-of-the-range all-inclusive resorts, particularly in Punta Cana. But it would be a pity to be content with just that. The infectious joie de vivre of its inhabitants, its verdant landscapes, its UNESCO-listed colonial capital, the spectacle of its whales, not to mention merengue, bachata, rum and cigars - there are plenty of reasons to make a trip to the Dominican Republic!

The Dominican Republic is a dream destination brimming with natural wonders in its 17 national parks, while 25% of the country is in protected ecological zones. From the Enriquillo salt lake (the lowest point in the Caribbean at 44 m below sea level) to Pico Duarte, the highest point in the Caribbean at 3175 m, the Dominican Republic is a real paradise for ecotourism, with its lagoons, tropical forests, waterfalls, caves and mangroves, not forgetting the whales that cruise the Samana region from January to March.

In the heart of the Greater Antilles, the island of Hispaniola, which means Little Spain, was given its name by Christopher Columbus, who landed there in 1492. Its capital, Santo Domingo, was the first city in the New World, and its superb colonial zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic centre boasts more than 300 monuments, most of them five hundred years old: cathedrals, churches, monasteries, palaces, fortresses, etc.

The Dominican Republic boasts 1,550 km of coastline, including 600 km of beaches with fine, shiny, soft sand: a paradise for fans of lounging and water sports of all kinds! A coastline of great variety, shaken by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, perfect for surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing, and cradled by the Caribbean Sea to the south, home to the most beautiful diving spots. To the east, Punta Cana, the country's most famous seaside resort, links the two for dozens of kilometres, culminating in Bavaro beach. A real postcard where three colours dominate: white sand, blue sky and turquoise waters. These beaches are the pride of the Dominican people and the world-renowned reputation of the Dominican Republic, with Punta Cana as its figurehead. It's worth noting, however, that Christopher Columbus didn't see a single coconut tree when he arrived in 1492 - they were imported from Asia much later!

The Caribbean coast, in the south of the island, unfurls its heavenly lagoons, from the fishing village of Bayahibe to the unspoilt peninsula of Barahona, on the border with Haiti, via La Romana, Juan Dolio and Boca Chica, a sultry little seaside resort just a few kilometres from the capital Santo Domingo, and its fabulous UNESCO-listed colonial zone. The whole region also offers the chance to combine lounging on the Caribbean beaches with some wonderful excursions, whether to the Cave of Wonders, the amazing reconstructed medieval village of Alto de Chavon, or the paradise islands of Saona and Catalina.

The north coast is home to delightful, exotic beaches and charming, typically Dominican villages... An unspoilt, authentic paradise, the Samana peninsula is an invitation to travel and meet the warm, endearing Dominican people, with a host of activities to choose from: humpback whale watching, exploring Los Haitises park, swimming in the El Limon waterfall, horse riding... Sports enthusiasts will love Cabarete, a world-renowned spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. You can even swim with dolphins at Ocean World Adventure Park in Cofresi, 10km from Puerto Plata, the historic city on the north coast, with its fort, Malecon, Amber Museum and cable car leading up to Christ the King, just like in Rio!

Rich and spicy, Dominican cuisine is the result of Creole, European and African influences. Starchy foods, fish and shellfish, and tropical fruits are the staples. Grouper is often cooked with coconut milk or in a green sauce (coriander, parsley, garlic and olive oil). For economic reasons, however, fried chicken is the most popular dish.