DK Travel : Dominican Republic : Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas

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A tiny ramshackle fishing village only 30 years ago, Las Terrenas has developed into one of the Dominican Republic’s most sought-after tourist centers. An influx of expatriates from North America and Europe has brought a wide array of guesthouses and restaurants, tailored to the independent traveler. But development has not ruined this welcoming seaside community’s relaxed atmosphere. Lying on the North Coast of the Samaná Peninsula, a lush strip of land pushing out into the Atlantic, the town is blessed by the proximity of some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and by spectacular countryside around. Extensive groves of coconut trees fringe expanses of white sand which slope gently and invitingly into clear warm water.

Top 10 Attractions

1. Playa Las Terrenas

Stretching a mile in either direction from the small town center, the attractive beach is clean and safe with ample shade. Heading westwards, Playa Cacao, close to small hotels and bars, is slightly more developed than the others.
2. Diving

2. Diving

Relatively unspoilt coral reefs lie close to Las Terrenas. Divers are attracted to nearby Playa Las Ballenas, where a group of small islands stand just offshore. There are many dive shops, such as Stellina Diving Center, and snorkel hire shops.
3. Beachside Restaurants

3. Beachside Restaurants

Spread along the beach either side of the main intersection are many top-rate but informal fish eateries. Fish with coconut is recommended. Early evenings are atmospheric with technicolor sunsets over the water.

Painted walls of a beachside restaurant
4. Haitian Art

4. Haitian Art

Naïve Haitian art is widely available and is often mediocre and mass-produced. The Haitian Caraïbes Art Gallery has a good and reasonably-priced selection of wooden sculptures and voodoo-influenced images.
5. Shopping

For a small town, Las Terrenas offers a surprising range of shopping opportunities, from the small modern mall to outlets along the main street. Bargains can be had by bartering with stall-holders, especially near the beaches.
6. Nightlife

Las Terrenas is rightly celebrated for its busy but laid-back after-dark ambience, particularly at weekends when locals and tourists mingle at an open-air street fair or visit its many bars.
7. Playa Bonita

7. Playa Bonita

The immaculate “Beautiful Beach” is fringed by coconut trees, in which guesthouses are hidden. Less crowded than Las Terrenas, and ideal for kids.
8. Playa Cosón

This isolated curve of powdery white sand, limpid water, and palm groves looks every bit the idyllic image of the tourist brochures. A couple of fishermen’s shacks sell cold drinks and grilled fish to this beach’s few visitors.
9. El Portillo Beach Club

9. El Portillo Beach Club

One of the largest all-inclusive resorts, complete with its own airport, this complex offers various sporting and entertainment options. Day visitors can admire its beautiful beach from the bar.
10. Salto de Limón

A 130-ft (40-m) cascade of white water ends up in a delightfully clear pool, reached by a one-hour horseback ride from El Limón village. The trek to this remote waterfall is through beautiful and fertile countryside.

Practical Information

ATMs in the village are often empty, especially in peak tourist periods. Make sure you have enough cash before you arrive. Although undeniably attractive, coconut trees are dangerous, and deaths are known to occur from falling nuts. Avoid sitting directly below. Tourist office: Carretera Las Terrenas, Open 9am–12pm, 2–5pm Mon–Fri Stellina Diving Center, Hotel Cacao Beach: 868 4165; www.stellinadiving.com Beachside Restaurants: Le Lagon, 240 6603; La Bodega, 865 6868 El Portillo Beach Club: 240 6100