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.

Las Salinas

Casual bar and restaurant overlooking Las Salinas. Popular with sailors for its seafood, burgers, and pasta.
Las Salinas

Has a varied menu from substantial burgers to lobster at $10.
Las Salinas

The small peninsula forming the southern edge of the Bahía de Las Calderas creates an attractive ecosystem, containing salt flats and the most extensive sand dunes in the Caribbean. A naval base is sited here, but visitors can drive through to reach the outpost of Las Salinas, where a hotel and restaurant caters exclusively to windsurfers. The working salt extraction plant is conspicuous through its huge white mountains of finished salt. But the most spectacular views are from the sandy hillsides facing out to the Caribbean.

Hotel Las Salinas, Las Salinas
Las Salinas

Another firm favorite with surfers, a white-sand beach set among saltpans and rolling dunes.
Las Terrenas

The most developed tourist spot on the Peninsula is a fairly relaxed place, where life revolves around a couple of beaches, seafood restaurants and a busy nightlife. Hotels and guest-houses are mostly small, and situated along the main town beach or the next-door Playa Bonita. A single main street is lined with stores, cafés, restaurants, and nearly all entertainment needs are catered to in town.
Las Terrenas

One of the coolest spots in the country, a once-tiny fishing village surrounded by idyllic beaches has become a magnet for independent travelers and sun-seekers.
Las Terrenas

Many activities are available, including swimming and snorkeling.
Lax

Popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders for its Mexican specials and sushi.
Lax

This bistro and bar is a fun venue for beach parties. The bar has a Chinese-style low table, and guests sit on straw matting laid on the sand.
Le Café de Paris

Good for light snacks as well as alcoholic beverges. A pleasant location, ideal for watching the boats in the harbor, sipping a cocktail, and listening to loud rock music.

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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