fastest-developing destinations in the Caribbean, with hundreds of affordable all-inclusive resorts, 1,000 miles of sugar sand beaches shaded by coconut palms, and diverse, striking topography. The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola -- the region’s second-largest island after Cuba -- with Haiti. Columbus discovered Hispaniola in 1492 during his first voyage to the New World. The economy of the Dominican Republic is poor, so be aware of tourist crimes. Bask in the local Latin culture, sample island-grown coffee, take a cigar factory tour, catch a baseball game or attend a merengue festival.
On the south coast is the capital Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the Americas, founded in 1496 by Columbus. The cobbled streets of the Colonial Zone house the continent’s first cathedral, hospital, chapel and university. The otherwise bustling, modern city has an effervescent nightlife along its Malecon seaside strip. Nearby is the cave complex the Three Eyes of Water, with three turquoise lagoons on different levels.
South coast vacation areas include Boca Chica, environmentally forward Bayahibe, whose national park contains 200 pre-Columbian caves, and La Romana, with its luxury 7,000-acre Casa de Campo resort designed by Oscar de la Renta. Nestled within the resort is Altos de Chavon Cultural Center, a reconstructed 15th century village that hosts concerts in a 5,000-seat Grecian amphitheater.
On the eastern tip is rapidly growing Punta Cana/Bavaro, with 21 miles of white sand beaches and more than 30 all-inclusive properties. On the northern Atlantic coast, where amber is mined, are the majority of tourist attractions and resorts within the 40-mile zone incorporating Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete. Also in the north are Playa Dorada and Samana, a breeding ground for humpback whales.
The north coast is a natural playground of environments, with dense jungles, waterfalls, mountains and golden sand beaches. Outdoor activities abound, including diving, snorkeling, whitewater rafting, tubing, cascading, canyoning, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, birdwatching, rock climbing, caving, four wheeling, hiking, jeep safaris, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking and sandboarding.