A Guide to the Dominican Republic

Columbus discovered the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (little Spain) in 1492 and it became his main base for further exploration of the region. Today the Dominican Republic covers two thirds of the island with the other third occupied by the former French colony of Haiti.

The Dominican Republic is a region of unspoilt golden beaches, pine forested mountains, lush jungles and coral reefs with the warm waters of the Caribbean lapping lazily against the pristine white sands of the coast. At most of the more popular beaches on the island, vacationers can enjoy a number of water sports and aquatic activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing. Amazing coral reef formations are located just offshore of several beaches and are home to an array of ocean life. Generally, the whole island is sunny with tropical weather

There are a number of landmarks, monuments and museums that commemorate the country's fascinating history and culture combining Spanish, French and African influences. With over two-dozen national parks, other quieter options for communion with nature like hiking and bird watching are also available or shop for curious mementos like carnival masks, amber, and a strange, liquid cure-all called Mamajuana.

The Punta Cana region is made up of the areas of Juanillo, Cabeza de Toro, Bavaro, El Cortecito, Arena Gorda, Macao and Uvero Alto and is an area of miles of silky-fine white sand and deserted beaches with coconut palms.The nightlife on the island is particularly exciting, with vibrant nightclubs and bars from which can be heard the beat of the meringue and salsa and with so many options, you'll never have a dull moment in the Dominican Republic

Average Temperatures:

 
Currency: Dominican peso (DOP)
 
Time: GMT - 4

Getting There: Charter flight flying time from most UK airports is about 10 hours. The major airports are at Punta Cana and La Romana.
from most UK airports. Budget airline Wizz Air has recently begun flying to the country. The major airports for each region are Bourgas for the Black Sea resorts and Sofia for the Pirin mountain resorts of Bansko and Raslog.