The southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic is famous for its turquoise seas and bright sandy beaches. A picturesque coastal strip houses a long coral reef. The resorts of Playa Bavaro and Playa de Arena Gorda are a magnet for international tourists.
Historic colonial town of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. It was founded by the navigator Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. It was the first city in a new world. Today, Santo Domingo is the largest metropolis in the Caribbean with about three million inhabitants.
The restored historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the most famous sights are the Cathedral of the New World, the Gothic Palace, Santa Maria la Menor and the Faro Lighthouse.
The fashionable shopping streets of Santo Domingo are full of restaurants, bars and cafés. An attraction is the aquarium Acuario Nacional. Visitors can experience first hand the Caribbean Sea creatures. Local attractions include the Museo del Hombre Domicano museum and the Parque Mirador Sur park. The botanical garden analyzes for the visitor the tropical vegetation of the island.
Palm beaches by the sea
The beach of Arena Gorda is a rarity. The coconut palms moving slightly in the wind grow up to the sea. The clear, turquoise waters have made this beach one of the most spectacular places in the world. On the calm water even the little bathers can have fun. The pleasant surroundings of this wide beach invite you for a walk through the soft sand dunes.
The beach of Cabo Engaño is more of a quiet beach. It is ideal for those who want peace and quiet. The beach is a few minutes drive from Cabeza de Toro.
National Parks in Punta Cana
In the vicinity of Cap Cana there is the „Parque Nacional del Este“. The park is located about 50 km southwest of Punta Cana. The sandy beaches of Saona Island are an idyllic sight. This includes the tropical rain forest with a karst limestone landscape. The biodiversity is enormous with almost 600 different plants and more than 150 species of birds in the national park. The majority of this area is located in the mangroves. The nature lover can make Carey turtles and manatees. The coral reefs are very popular with deep-sea divers.
The „Los Haitises“ National Park leads into the Dominican wilderness. „Haitises“ in the Native American language means a highland. The authentic cave paintings, mangrove forests and secluded beaches exert a charm on the visitors. However, this park is only partially open to the public.
