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Holidays in the Dominican Republic

One of the most popular countries in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic finds its way to the top of many tropical wishlists. Which isn’t really that much of a surprise – this is a classic kind of paradise, where coconut palms sway over pearly white sands and sunshine bounces off clear turquoise waters.

When it comes to luxurious all-inclusive beach resorts, the Dominican Republic has it all – family-family hotels, adult-only hideaways and everything in between. But this Caribbean island isn’t exclusive. There are plenty of bargain package deals to be found, as well as smaller hotels that are ideal for a do-it-yourself adventure.

Santo Domingo, the capital, is reason enough to travel to the Dominican Republic. One of the oldest cities in the New World, it’s home to plenty of historical treasures and amazing culture. Expect to see old men clacking dominos on street corners, the sound of bachata music blaring from lively bars, and, from morning until night, an inimitable Afro-Latino buzz enlivening the mood. So grab a rum punch and join the party.

If you’re an active and outdoorsy type, a Dominican Republic holiday is a veritable treat. With the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic to the north, the island’s perimeter is dotted with hidden coves, fishing villages and long stretches of perfect sand. Into diving? Head to Rio San Juan and El Castillo. Prefer to windsurf? Enjoy the waves around Cabarete.

If you like to explore, there’s a natural wonderland of mountains, waterfalls, and jungles carpeted with wild orchids waiting to be discovered. Zip-line through rainforest treetops, spot green parakeets in the canopy, speed about in a dune buggy, or snorkel with barracuda in the bright blue water.

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When to go to the Dominican Republic

With average temperatures between 25C and 28C, there's never really a bad time for a Dominican Republic holiday.

High season runs from mid-December to February, when it’s hot and dry (you can expect highs of 29C). It’s nothing short of a perfect escape from the winter weather in the UK. February is also carnival time, so expect a party atmosphere across the island.

There’s another spike in visitors during July and August, when prices for all-inclusive holidays in the Dominican Republic are hiked up, and sunbathers pack the beaches.

Hurricane season stretches from August to December in the Dominican Republic, but if you're willing to take a gamble, you'll find some seriously cheap deals up for grabs.

March to May offers the perfect compromise, with mostly dry weather and plenty of space on the sand: the best of both worlds as far as Dominican Republic holidays are concerned.

What to do in the Dominican Republic

Many people head to the Dominican Republic to flop onto a sun lounger. But if you're looking for more from your Caribbean holiday, there's plenty to do. Hike to jungle waterfalls, dive into deep blue waters or dance the night away at a colourful music festival.

Playa Rincon

On the tip of the Samana Peninsula, Playa Rincon is paradise. Don’t take our word for it though – Rincon consistently picks up worthy accolades for being among the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Far from the madding crowds of Punta Cana, it's a perfect curve of powdery beach backed by coconut palms and lapped by azure waves.

Order a seafood platter, grab a coconut topped up with rum and pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming.

Dominican Alps

Smack bang down the middle of the country, the Cordillera Central mountain range forms a natural playground for active travellers. With a climate that’s cooler than the coast, the area is brilliant for mountain biking, hiking and white-water rafting. Expect an untouched wilderness with scented pine forests, gushing streams and waterfalls.

Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean at 3,098m (10,164ft), offers an irresistible challenge for avid hikers, and makes the views in ‘the alps’ even more epic.

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

If you’re looking for a real adventure, head inland – just beyond Puerto Plata, you’ll find a forest wilderness scattered with a series of 27 waterfalls. While a trip here isn't for the fainthearted, if you're happy to wade, swim, climb and trek through a water-wonderland, it's unforgettable.

From the top of some of the waterfalls, you can leap off the edge and slide down into the natural pools at the bottom. The adrenaline rush will keep you buzzing for days.

Whale watching

January to March sees the Dominican Republic’s most spectacular underwater visitors – humpback whales. These gentle beasts migrate down the east coast close to the Samana Peninsula at the start of every year and can be seen via daily boat trips.

Some tour operators offer snorkelling tours to get up really close, while others let you observe the remarkable courting behaviour from the comfort of a boat. Either way, don’t forget your camera.

Baseball

Baseball is a national obsession – and Dominicans go nuts over a good ball game. The season runs from mid-October until the end of January, so take a seat in the bleachers and watch the action unfold.

There are six stadia across the island where you can get tickets for a game. La Romana is convenient from Punta Cana (about an hour away), or there’s one in Santo Domingo. Otherwise, head further north to Santiago.

Where to stay in Dominican Republic

For food and drink

Exploring the local food and drink scene in the Dominican Republic is a lot of fun. Away from the all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find comedores (small, family-run restaurants), street food shacks and cafes serving the best of the island’s cuisine. Stay in Santo Domingo for the greatest variety of restaurants and bars.

Las Terrenas also has plenty of smaller restaurants to sample, while restaurants in the smaller inland towns have their pick of delicious fresh ingredients, such as homegrown veg and sweet strawberries.

For nightlife

Santo Domingo is home to the island’s lively party scene. Get ready for rooftop bars, rum cocktails, and live merengue bands. The nightclubs here are often open until dawn, and the February carnival is one of the Dominican Republic’s most colourful celebrations.

Many of the all-inclusive resorts enjoy a laid-back atmosphere after dark, but for a beach resort with night-time action, Las Terrenas has a good selection of bars that stay open until the wee small hours of the morning. Further north, Cabarete also has beach bars that attract a young surfing crowd.

For culture

The culture hub is Santo Domingo and its historic Zona Colonial. This walled area has pretty cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and a 16th-century cathedral to explore, plus art, museums and the island's favourite music – bachata and merengue – pumping out of the bars.

It's also easy to take cultural tours from the beach resorts along the southern coastline and Punta Cana. You can fit a lot into a day trip to Santo Domingo, from learning the history of the Tainos at the Museum of the Dominican Man to taking in a baseball game.