A magical spot with dramatic mountains, inviting lakes, pristine beaches and a cool 29C in January. (Image: Getty)
If you dream of a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, a diverse landscape, and balmy temperatures of look no further.
This spot offers dramatic mountains and an ever-changing landscape with a vibrant culture, rich traditions, and history.
In fact, this magical land provides the perfect paradox thanks to its landscape, which includes the highest peak in the region, Pico Duarte, and the lowest body of water, Lago Enriquillo.
It’s also home to the world’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal clear waters and vibrant turquoise hues. These make it ideal for water sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and more.
is a beach lover’s dream, filled with beauty, colourful festivals and warm and friendly locals.
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The Dominican Republic is found on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean. (Image: Getty)
The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles of the Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean.
This region is becoming popular among world explorers, and in 2022, it was named the best-performing nation in terms of tourism.
And it’s easy to see why, thanks to its diverse landscape of rainforests, savannah and highlands.
Visitors to this tropical paradise can enjoy merengue dancing, ancient relics, and a gastronomic journey like no other.
La Bandera is the island’s national dish. It is a colourful meal featuring rice, beans, meat, and tortillas or avocado.
Other tasty delights here include a thick stew known as sancocho, mashed green or ripe plantains with butter and garlic, fried eggs sautéed pickled red onions known as mangu, and twice-fried and salted unripened plantains known as tostones.
There’s plenty to do here including a spot of merengue dancing and ancient relic exploring. (Image: Getty)
After fueling yourself upright, a visit to the island’s earliest cathedral, monastery, castle, and fortress in the Americas should be high on your list of must-visit sights.
These are found in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone and are declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Dominican Republic has 250 miles of pristine beaches, including Macao Beach, Bayahibe Beach, and Bavaro Beach, which are considered the best in the world.
Several national parks, including Los Haitises National Park and The Three Eyes National Park, are also worth exploring.
For the brave souls, a hike up Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean at a staggering 10,174 ft, is on offer. It takes three days to complete.
There’s horseback riding, cruising on the Amber Cove Cruise Terminal, watersports, and even whale watching.
The Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Americas. The interior consists of wild lakes and vast swathes of untamed jungle.
“You can walk for hours and enjoy the surroundings – the ocean, waves, birds, sands, sun, happy people, palms, climate,” wrote one on TripAdvisor.
Adding: “In a particular moment, you can start thinking you are in Heaven.
Another added: “The best beaches we have ever seen. We liked it so much.”