DK Travel : Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a country of surprising contrasts and extraordinary variety. From the chilly peak of the Caribbean’s highest mountain to some of the region’s most delightful beaches, the country boasts lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and sun-baked deserts. The past and present also blend in a fascinating mix of colonial buildings and modern hotels, sleepy rural villages and lively tourist resorts. The people, too, reflect a kaleidoscope of influences — Spanish, African, indigenous — creating a culture that emphasizes both creativity and fun in the fields of music, sport, and art.

Lambi

The country’s seafood, including sea bass, lobster, and shrimp, is varied and delicious. Of almost legendary status among locals, however, is lambi or conch, served cold with a vinaigrette or hot in a tomato and garlic stew. This large mollusk may seem a little chewy, but its appeal lies in its supposedly aphrodisiac qualities.
Langosta del Caribe

Lobster and shrimp are big here, cooked on the grill and served indoors or outside under shade.
Larimar

This cool blue mineral is mined in the country and is sold uncut or as jewelry.
Larimar Mines

A rough track leads inland from the village of El Arroyo to the open-cast mines where semi-precious larimar is excavated. You can buy pieces of the blue mineral.
Las Brisas

One of the most sought after night spots, Brisas hosts beach volley ball tournaments on Thursday nights (see Las Brisas, Cabarete).
Las Brisas, Cabarete

At the east end of the town, on the beach, this lively nightspot offers a reasonably priced Tex Mex buffet. Las Brisas is the only place in Cabarete that plays Dominican music at night – merengue and bachata.
Las Caritas

The “little faces” chiseled into the coral rock of the cave overlooking Lago Enriquillo have a range of expressions. Some represent Tanios praying. Local legend has it that the renegade Taino leader Enriquillo (see Enriquillo (1498–1535)) hid in this cave while on the run from the Spanish.

Taino cave, Las Caritas
Las Galeras

Lying at the eastern extreme of the Samaná Peninsula, the charming village of Las Galeras has witnessed significant tourist development over the last two decades. But it has not yet lost the ambience of a remote and relaxed fishing community. The main attraction is the beach, a strip of fine sand set in a pretty curving bay backed by cliffs and forested hillsides. Unspoiled by commercial sprawl and hustling, this is a beautiful place, with its calm, shallow, and inviting water. A smattering of hotels, guest-houses, and restaurants offers a choice of accommodation and eating options.
Las Matas de Farfán

The archetypal Dominican market town, Las Matas (literally roots) is supposed to be named after the tree under which the 18th-century merchant Farfán used to enjoy a siesta. It’s still a sleepy sort of place, except on Saturdays when the market brings crowds of campesinos into town for some bartering and gossip. There are few tourist sights as such, but Las Matas, as well as the surrounding countryside, gives a taste of small-town rural life.
Las Palmas al Mar Residence

Very comfy and well-equipped chalets, with air/con and fan, big shady patio and rocking chairs, all mod cons in kitchen tv, etc, just across the road from the beach (soft sand, clean, calm sea), with small pool.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal and a beer for one including tax and service.
- under $10
- $10–$20
- $20–$30
- $30–$40
- over $40