Dominican Republic

If you've ever dreamed of being on a perfect beach, with the sound of ocean waves caressing your ears and soft, fine sand caressing your feet, now you can make your dreams come true with a flight to the Dominican Republic. Paradise exists!

In case you don’t know where the Dominican Republic is, it’s in the central area of the Antilles, giving it an added advantage. Its endless coastline is bathed in both the waters of the Caribbean Sea and of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a perfect place to play water sports, such as diving or snorkeling and surfing.

But even if the beaches are its biggest attraction, there are also other plans in this beautiful country to fill your days. The historic center of its capital, Santo Domingo, is a World Heritage Site, with colonial houses, architectural gems and spacious gardens to stroll through.

For those who prefer to stay in nature, a visit to Los Haitises National park is a must, with an ecosystem where a multitude of species live and which has become the stage for movies such as Jurassic Park. The bay of Samaná also receives many visitors, but without doubt the most outstanding is that of the humpback whales with their calves. And if you really want to fall in love with a unique place, don’t forget to stop by La Romana.

And as useful information when booking your flights, the best time to travel is during the dry season between December and April. With respect to time in the Dominican Republic, the difference with Spain is five hours in winter.

The sun and the myriad activities to be enjoyed in this destination can be exhausting, so make sure you recharge your batteries! And what better to do it than with local cuisine! Discover what to eat in the Dominican Republic.

What should you eat in the Dominican Republic? Best dishes

The cuisine of this country, and the Caribbean in general, is the result of combining Taino and Spanish flavours as a result of colonisations, and African flavours, brought over by slaves. Dishes such as the Dominican Bandera, a symbol of the country, were created from this fusion. It is prepared with white rice, red beans and chicken or beef.

Sancocho is another classic, which is prepared especially on special occasions. It is a stew with meat, vegetables and tubers, accompanied by rice. Other must-try dishes include mangú, a green plantain puree; yaniqueques, a kind of stuffed dumpling; and habichuelas con dulce, which roughly translates to sweet beans.

Where to eat in the Dominican Republic? Best Restaurants

Now that you know the typical dishes, you also have to know where to eat them in the Dominican Republic. While the options are limitless and extend beyond local cuisine, there are some restaurants in the Dominican Republic that enjoy a great reputation.

In Santo Domingo, Laurel is known for its excellent service, and Don Pepe restaurant has been creating outstanding dishes for more than five decades. La Romana is home to La Grasa, overlooking the sea where you can also dance. If you’re going to Punta Cana, visit SBG Punta Cana, with a varied menu and affordable prices, or Playa Blanca, literally on the beach and with the option to eat your dishes in the hammocks.

If you think it's all about lying on the sand and enjoying the sun at this destination, you still have a lot to learn about this amazing country! You’ll be short of time for everything you need to do in the Dominican Republic

What to do in the Dominican Republic? Adventure and Sports Activities

For those who enjoy adventure and entertainment, this destination doesn’t disappoint. Only on its coasts, you have the opportunity to practice a multitude of water sports.

Surfers of all levels can practice on Rio San Juan or on the Samaná peninsula, or of course in the tourist area of Punta Cana. There are still options for diving, as you can see coral reefs and exotic species almost anywhere. One of the best activities in the Dominican Republic!

But sport in the Dominican Republic isn’t just water-based. You’ll also love hiking, particularly in the Cordillera Central, where the highest peak is just over three thousand meters high. Forests, rivers and streams await. And if you prefer a good dose of adventure in the Dominican Republic, you can opt for canyoning and slide down natural slides and jump over waterfalls.

And for those who can’t do without a mountain bike, there are excursions in the Dominican Republic that combine a bike zone with a river ride. Some of the most outstanding trails are the El Choco National Park or the Yásica River.

In addition to beaches and adventure sports, activities in the Dominican Republic also centre around culture. In this country, as in the rest of the Caribbean region, there is a passion for music and art in general that fills the air. Make the most of your trip!

Culture and leisure activities in the Dominican Republic

One of the most popular and anticipated holidays in the country is carnival. One of the most important is the one in the capital of Santo Domingo during February or March, although if you are not in this area, it is organised in virtually every location.

Independence Day is celebrated on 27 February. A date on which the whole town takes to the streets, a parade and concerts are organised, accompanied by fireworks.

Culture in the Dominican Republic can also be appreciated through its museums, with a wide variety of themes, from the conquest and the loss of its aboriginal customs to the architecture that resulted from the conquest and, of course, art.

For leisure in the Dominican Republic, don’t miss the concert and theatre agenda. Jazz music is not only heard live in a multitude of venues, but festivals of this genre are held with Dominican and international artists.

Plus, because it’s such a popular tourist destination, there’s always somewhere to go dancing. And for game lovers, casinos are almost on every corner in this country. Countless options for active tourism in the Dominican Republic!

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. On time, the area may be affected by hurricanes, although all hotels have protocols and infrastructures that ensure the safety of customers.

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.

Other Information to Consider

The Caribbean Sea can be affected by a seaweed, called sargassum, which is completely harmless to humans, although it can be uncomfortable because of its odour or density. This is a natural phenomenon, and its arrival on the coast depends on ocean currents.

Hotels in this destination usually have one king-size bed or two queen-size beds in their rooms. The maximum occupancy of these rooms is 4 people, who must use the existing beds in the room, as the establishments do not contemplate the possibility of including extra beds.