The Dominican Republic is set on one of the Caribbean’s most geographically diverse islands with virgin alpine wilderness, mangrove swamps, cultivated savannas and tropical rainforests. Located in the Greater Antilles on the island of Hispaniola the country takes up the eastern two thirds of the island, sharing a land border with Haiti. Its northern coast looks out across the rolling Atlantic, its south coast the tranquil Caribbean. If you want to learn to dance the merengue, knock back the rum and experience the pulsating nightlife of the Malecon – the beach-straddling board walk of the island’s capital Santa Domingo – holidays in the Dominican Republic are definitely for you. But if you also relish some soft adventure the island’s lesser known side of lush landscape, wildlife, mountains and national parks – best visited with a guide – are easily accessible.
Beaches with good facilities
Winter sun
Old colonial cities
Four national parks with striking landscape and wildlife
Windsurfing
No hassle all-inclusive resorts.
June to October are higher-risk months for hurricanes.
EU citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days but you will need to buy a tourist card issued at all points of entry and to show a return ticket.
Temperatures do not vary hugely throughout the year although the main season for holidays is December to late February when you can expect temperatures of around 29°C/84°F with generous hours of sunshine. February and March is when temperatures are at their lowest around 27°C/81°F
Flights from London take approximately eight hours
In theory driving is on the right hand-side road. Driving in the Dominican Republic is not for the faint hearted, streets in the cities are very congested and the standard of roads varies wildly. If you plan to explore the coastal and mountain back roads which give you access to the country’s finest scenery go for a good four wheel drive (don’t be tempted by a lighter weight cheaper Suzuki).