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After a challenging climb up a spiral staircase, look out to the mouth of the Ozama River and across the water at the looming Columbus Lighthouse. Best of all is the panoramic view of the Zona Colonial, a grid of low-level whitewashed buildings nestling amid lush tropical trees.

The winding but well-maintained road leading up from Bonao to the Constanza Valley is one of the country’s most fabulous. It meanders through pine forests and over rushing streams. As the temperature drops, there are superb views of the mountain range and the valley.

The site of a Spanish victory over the Tainos and a holy pilgrimage place, this mountain-top church is surrounded by a belvedere from where views extend for miles over the fertile Cibao Valley. The forested mountains and green valley floor might look European were it not for the palm trees.

This peak offers excellent views, though only the toughest hikers can undertake the expedition to the top of the Caribbean’s highest mountain. On a clear day, the Caribbean Sea can be seen to the south and huge Lago Enriquillo to the west (see Pico Duarte).

Trujillo’s monument is not to everyone’s taste, but a climb to the top of the tower results in a wonderful view over the surprisingly large city and the surrounding countryside. The lift, alas, is out of use, but the exertion is well worth the effort (see Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración, Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración).

Standing on the battlements of this ancient bastion situated on a promontory, behold the Atlantic, over the calm Puerto Plata Bay, or the majestic Pico Isabel de Torres. Late afternoons are spectacular, as the mountain changes color with the setting sun.

Watched over by a 54-ft (16-m) statue of Christ, the long Atlantic coastline stretches to the horizon. You can find hotel clusters and other modern developments lined along the white beaches. The town of Puerto Plata lies beneath, the cathedral clearly visible, and inland the mountains of the Cordillera Septentrional.

The serpentine road linking the beach resort of Las Terrenas (see Las Terrenas) to the town of Sánchez works its way over the spine of the peninsula, reaching 1,312 ft (400 m) near Naranjita village. From the roadside you can take in enormous vistas of coconut trees, offshore islands, and the coastline ahead.

This mock Tuscan village stands on a bluff commanding wonderful views of the Chavón River, as it flows gently through a wooded ravine. Thick forest sweeps down to the water’s edge, bordered by coconut trees.

A long, gray-sand beach backed by a few fishermen’s huts and palm trees faces the Bahía de Ocoa, a calm inlet of glittering water ringed by mountains. The view across the bay is a marvelous mix of distant hillsides and sky, while the imposing Sierra El Número mountain rises behind.