Santo Domingo
Travel to Santo Domingo
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Santo Domingo / Boca Chica - Dynamic
Enjoy Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, specifically its colonial area, it is full of surprises that will captivate you from the very beginning.
It is particularly well known globally for being the first European settlement on the American continent, and this is where the conquests, led by the Spanish government, began to expand. The first cathedral and castle in the Americas were built, which you can visit during your getaway. They are the Catedral Primada and the Ozama Fortress; two examples, among many others, of how impressive the architecture is in this city.
Given its Caribbean waters, you'd expect this country to have paradisiacal beaches - and it’s true! Just an hour’s drive away, you’ll arrive at Boca Chica, which is considered the city’s official beach and is visited by locals and tourists alike. Neither here nor in the capital will you be short of options to sample its delicious cuisine and enjoy the best atmosphere in its bars and clubs.
And if you’re looking to explore the gifts of nature in this area, don’t miss the National Aquarium or Los Tres Ojos [The Three Eyes] National Park , which is well worth a visit. It takes its name from the three lakes within it that are aligned and look like eyes. But we leave the explanation to you to discover on your journey. Santo Domingo is waiting for you!
What to see in Santo Domingo?
Like any other region of the Dominican Republic you visit, there’s more than just perfect beaches to tan your skin under a sun that’s almost always out. Discover everything to see in Santo Domingo!
Colonial City
The most important part to see in Santo Domingo is the Colonial City or Zone. This is the first European settlement on the continent when the Spanish arrived and began the conquest back in 1502. They left us with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings such as the Alcázar de Colón, the Catedral Primada de America and the Ozama Fortress. Its charm and importance are such that it has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Boca Chica
If you want to visit the beaches you see in the magazines, the closest to the capital is Boca Chica, which is just an hour away. The whitest sand you’ve ever seen and calm waters await. Perfect for family visits or snorkelling.
National Aquarium
Located at the end of the Malecón (the seafront promenade), very close to the Lighthouse and by the sea, the National Aquarium is another of the things to do in Santo Domingo. Inside its facilities, which cover more than 34,000 m², a multitude of marine species that you have probably never seen before await you, divided between ninety freshwater and saltwater pools and seven ponds. Sharks, seahorses, turtles, trumpet fish and so many more that you simply cannot miss out on.
Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes National Park)
One of the must-see things to see in Santo Domingo is Los Tres Ojos National Park. The story goes that it was a single limestone cavern, but that it collapsed and gave rise to three lakes lined up, giving the impression of three eyes. There is a fourth one that can be seen from the outside.
Information you need to know before you travel
Local documentation and rates
For Spanish citizens with a stay of less than 30 days, a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry is mandatory, in addition to a return ticket. Country entry and exit fees are included in the price of travel. Citizens of other nationalities should consult the entry requirements at the Dominican Republic Embassy.
Upon arrival in the country, the COVID-19 migration, customs and public health form must be submitted. It is mandatory to process it online at: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do
Currency
The official currency is the Dominican peso divided into 100 cents (1€ equals approximately 69 pesos). It is recommended to bring EUROS and change the destination to local currency.
Time difference
The time difference from peninsular Spain is less than 6 hours in summer and less than 5 hours in winter.
Healthcare
Mosquito repellent, sunscreen and bottled water are recommended. There is no agreement with the Dominican Social Security, so healthcare is private. If you require regular medication, it is recommended to take it from home, and take any basic medication given its high cost.
Electricity
Almost all hotels have 220-volt electricity, although the national grid is 110 volts. Don't forget to bring an adapter for flat-pin plugs.
Weather
The climate in the Dominican Republic is a tropical climate that ranges from 27 to 30 or so you can enjoy the beach any time of year.
Shopping
Local handicrafts are everywhere, as well as amber and larimar jewellery, cigars, chocolate, coffee or a bottle of mamajuana which is a deep red liqueur made from rum, red wine and honey soaked in tree bark and herbs.
Curiosities
The Caribbean is affected at times by a seaweed called sargassum which is totally harmless to humans, although it may be unpleasant due to odour and density. It is a natural phenomenon and whether or not it arrives at the coast depends on sea currents. Hotels work to contain it as well as clean up the beaches daily.