Dominican Republic – island state between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea
The southeast coast of the Dominican Republic is famous for its turquoise sea and bright sand beaches. A scenic shoreline is home to an elongated coral reef. The places Playa Bavaro and Playa de Arena Gorda are a point of attraction for international tourists.
Historic colonial city of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the name of the capital of the Dominican Republic. It was discovered by the navigator Christopher Columbus in the 15. Founded in the nineteenth century. It was the first city in a new world.
Today Santo Domingo is the largest metropolis in the Caribbean with about three million inhabitants.
The restored historic old town is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Among the most famous sights are the Cathedral of the New World, the Gothic Palace, Santa Maria la Menor and the Faro Lighthouse.
Santo Domingo’s modern shopping streets are home to numerous restaurants, bars and cafes. One attraction is the Acuario Nacional aquarium. Visitors can get up close and personal with the marine life of the Caribbean. The museum “Museo del Hombre Domicano” and the park “Parque Mirador Sur” belong to the sights as well. The botanical garden analyzes for the visitor the tropical vegetation of the island.
Palm beaches by the sea
The beach of Arena Gorda is a rarity. The coconut palms moving gently in the wind grow right up to the sea. The clear turquoise water formed this beach to the most impressive places in the world. On the calm water even the little bathers can have fun. The pleasant environment of this wide beach invites to a walk through the soft sand dunes.
The beach of Cabo Engano is rather a quiet beach. It is ideal for those bathers who want peace and seclusion. The beach is a few minutes drive from Cabeza de Toro.
National Parks in Punta Cana
In the vicinity of Cap Cana there is the “Parque Nacional del Este. The park is located about 50 km southwest of Punta Cana. The sandy beaches of Saona Island are an idyllic sight. This includes the tropical rainforest with a karst-like limestone landscape.
Biodiversity is tremendous, with nearly 600 different plants and more than 150 bird species in the national park. Most of this area is located in the mangroves. The nature lover can spot carey turtles and manatees. The coral reefs are very popular with deep sea divers.
Los Haitises” National Park leads into the Dominican wilderness. “Haitises” means a highland in the language of the natives. The authentic cave paintings, mangrove forests and remote beaches exert a charm on visitors. However, this park is only partially open to the public.