Like you really need a list of reasons to visit this idyllic island, but here we go anyway!
Carnival is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in the country taking place in February or March, leading up to Lent. Colourful parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes fill the streets in cities like Santo Domingo, La Vega, and Santiago. The festivities feature traditional characters like ‘Diablos Cojuelos’ (Limping Devils) and ‘Roba la Gallina’ (Steal the Hen), and an energetic atmosphere that is irresistible to dance along to.
On February 27th, the island’s Independence Day marks its liberation from Haitian rule in 1844. The occasion is marked by parades, patriotic speeches, live music performances, and fireworks. The capital city, Santo Domingo, hosts the largest celebrations, including a military parade along the Malecón waterfront.
Held annually in Santo Domingo, the Merengue Festival celebrates the lively and rhythmic music that is an integral part of Dominican culture. The festival showcases renowned merengue artists and bands, and visitors can enjoy live performances, dance competitions, and workshops. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience the infectious energy of merengue music and dance.
Carnival in Punta Cana
The cuisine of the Dominican Republic is a vibrant blend of flavours influenced by African, Spanish, and indigenous Taíno cultures. The cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients, bold spices, and a variety of tropical fruits.
Whatever you do while you’re here, make sure to try La Bandera. The national dish of the Dominican Republic (meaning ‘The Flag’) typically consists of white rice, red beans, and stewed meat, often beef, chicken, or pork and is usually accompanied by fresh salad and fried plantains.
Mangú is a traditional Dominican breakfast dish made from boiled and mashed green plantains with sautéed onions, cheese, fried eggs, and salami - a great way to start the day! For those in search of something hearty and flavorful, Sancocho is a stew that is made with various meats such as beef, chicken, or pork, along with root vegetables like yucca, plantains, potatoes, and corn, often made for special occasions and gatherings.
It goes without saying that seafood is in abundance here. Pescado con Coco is a flavorful fish dish cooked in coconut sauce. Pair it with tostones - twice-fried plantains that are smashed, and then fried again to achieve a crispy texture. They are commonly served with a side of punchy garlic sauce, known as ‘mojo’.
Wash down these mouth-watering dishes with a local beverage. Morir Soñando is a refreshing and popular drink made by blending orange juice, milk, sugar, and ice. The result is a creamy and citrusy treat, perfect for hot tropical days Its translation is ‘to die dreaming’, but we’ll leave you to make your own review!
You should also get your hands on a glass of Mamajuana, a traditional herbal drink made by soaking tree bark, herbs, roots, and spices in rum, red wine, and honey. The mixture is left to steep for several days (or even weeks!) resulting in a potent and aromatic beverage, totally unique to the island.
The Dominican Republic offers a plethora of breathtaking sights and attractions - there’s no possibility of getting bored on a visit to this exciting isle. Explore the historic heart of Santo Domingo, the capital city, by visiting the Colonial Zone. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to numerous well-preserved colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and fascinating museums.
Punta Cana is known for being home to countless pristine beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. Relax on the palm-fringed shores, indulge in water sports like snorkelling and diving, or take a catamaran cruise to explore the nearby coral reefs.
On the northeast coast, the Samaná Peninsula is a natural paradise with stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Don't miss the picturesque town of Las Terrenas, known for its European charm, or the breathtaking El Limón waterfall. Take a boat tour to Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) and witness the area's stunning natural beauty.
Don’t miss the Dominican Republic's mountainous region. Visit Jarabacoa and Constanza, known as the ‘Dominican Alps’ which offer stunning landscapes, including the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte. Enjoy hiking, river rafting, and lush forests.
Take a boat tour to Saona Island, a pristine Caribbean paradise located off the southeastern coast. Relax on its picture-perfect beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and enjoy a barbecue lunch. The island is part of the East National Park and offers an opportunity to spot diverse marine life.
El Limón waterfall
