Sosua: an astonishing village developed by Jewish refugees

The story of Sosua begins thousands of miles away, in Evian, France. In 1938, on the eve of the Second World War, the French government wanted to find countries willing to take in German and Austrian Jews who were in danger of dying in their own countries. Unfortunately, to its credit, only one country agreed to take in these potential refugees: the Dominican Republic, which issued over 5,000 visas. Unfortunately, only 1,000 people were able to disembark at Sosua in 1940.

They settled in the district of El Batey. The Dominican government provided them with the land and resources to set up a dairy and cheese factory, called Productos Sosua, which still exists today. The descendants of the Jewish settlers who moved here in 1940 still live in Sosua, where they maintain their synagogue and a museum.

For its seaside resort: Cofresi

The seaside resort of Cofresi benefits from its location just 5 km from Puerto Plata, along the Amber Coast, and just 19 km from the airport, a 35-minute journey. The site is renowned for its Ocean World park, one of the best-known in the Dominican Republic for swimming with dolphins. Another must-see spot is Cofresi's Café del Mar, inaugurated on 24 September 2015. It has everything going for it: a location close to Puerto Plata, where many cruise ships dock. In particular, it attracts guests from the luxurious Lifestyle Holiday Vacation Resort, including the Cofresi Palm Beach.

Sosua beach

Together with the bay of Sosua, the beach forms a wild cove. The crystal-clear waters caress the fine golden sand. Sosua Bay is renowned for its many rocky diving spots. The water is turquoise and the sand warm, a real picture-postcard setting. Behind the beach is a row of wooden huts selling all sorts of souvenirs. Some have been transformed into bars and restaurants: don't forget to try the fresh fish plates! Bachata and merengue, the two local music styles, add to the Dominican ambience.

For the synagogue and the Jewish museum

This small museum, the brainchild of descendants of Jewish refugees, was inaugurated on the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of Sosua. It tells the story of the first Jewish settlers, through old photographs, documents and objects used by Jewish settlers in the 1940s and 1950s. The museum is regularly enhanced by personal donations. The synagogue is right next to the museum. If you wish to visit it, make an appointment with the owner (see the caretaker), as it is not always open.

As well as the museum, visitors can see a Star of David that pays homage to Sosua's Jewish community. Located in the Parque Mirador, this work of white cement overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

For the Mundo King Art Museum

The Mundo King Art Museum is a truly special, highly original museum. Its Haitian creator believes in extraterrestrials and has flying saucers on display! With over 1,000 works of Caribbean culture on display, there's a bit of everything in this zany hilltop museum. There are superb views over Sosua Bay from the upper floors.

When should you visit Sosua?

Thanks to a very pleasant climate, you can visit Sosua all year round. In fact, the maximum temperature in Sosúa averages 29°C over the whole year. It rises to 27°C in March and 31°C in September. May is the wettest month of the year, with 211 mm of rain recorded. To get the most out of Sosua without worrying about the weather, it's best to visit from January to April, from June to August and in December.

Documents and visas

The entry requirements for Sosua are the same as for Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic as a whole. French nationals must present a valid passport.

Health

No vaccinations are required, but a D-T-Polio update is recommended, as is anti-malarial treatment. Always drink bottled water and avoid raw vegetables and milk. Beware of heat shock between the over 30°C outside and the 15°C air-conditioned rooms, bars and restaurants.

Language

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, but in Punta Cana you'll have no trouble finding people who speak English and French.

Currency

The currency is the Dominican peso (RDS). ATMs can be found in the reception areas of major hotels. Most of the time, you can pay in US dollars, and sometimes in euros in European hotel chains. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted. Lastly, prices do not include VAT. In this case, you must add 16% tax to which it is a good idea to add a 5-10% tip.