White sand beaches, fantastic year-round climate, excellent snorkelling and well-preserved colonial towns combine to make the Dominican Republic one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Every year, travellers from the UK flock from Dominican Republic flights to enjoy the glorious beaches. The DR shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, occupying the eastern half. Its coastline is rich with perfect Caribbean beaches – white sand and palm trees. The interior has a diverse landscape, including rainforests, 27 waterfalls, mangrove swamps, mountain ranges and savannas.
But the DR is not just a natural paradise: the country is proud of having one of the more illustrious histories of the Caribbean islands. Take some time on the flight to the Dominican Republic to read up on its fascinating history. Records of the island date back to the Taino inhabitants – whose marks can still be seen on caves and whose dances are a staple after-dinner entertainment at many of the inclusive resorts. Hispaniola was also the first island on which Christopher Columbus landed in 1492. The DR’s capital city, Santo Domingo, was settled by Columbus’s brother Bartholomew and was the first seat of Spanish colonial rule. It is the oldest inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Today, monuments to Columbus and the city’s history abound but the city is also a vibrant, modern, thriving town – the most populated in the Caribbean.
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Dominican Republic climate
The Dominican Republic’s climate is great all year long. In the summer, temperatures range from 21 to 32 degrees, and it only drops a bit in the winter. The weather can get much cooler in the mountains, and rainstorms are usually brief.
When to fly to Dominican Republic
Peak season:
Most of the year is peak season for flights to the Dominican Republic. Between October and May rain hits the north coast. The duration of the rain can last up to half a day so carrying an umbrella is a necessity. The “winter” months of December-April are the most popular months for tourists.
Off season:
The best time to find cheap flights to the Dominican Republic is after the Easter holidays. The least popular time to visit is during the hurricane season, between June and November.
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Getting around Dominican Republic
The country has seven international airports and Air Santo Domingo provides domestic cheap Dominican Republic flights between the main tourist regions.
The best way to get around the country is by bus since there is no train service. The buses are frequent, inexpensive and often air-conditioned. The network is extensive covering most of the country. Be aware that travel throughout the night is not possible as services stop at 9pm.
Taxis are available but prices are not cheap and tend to be more than double those of the “city taxis”.
Driving is not advisable as roads are unsafe and car hire is expensive. If stopped by police be prepared to pay some brides since they are corrupt.
Dominican Republic insider information
- Finding an idyllic spot on the beach isn’t hard since there are more than 1,000 miles of coastline with golden sand, swaying palm trees and warm clear waters. If you’re after a remote beach then head to the less-visited beaches on the southwest coast.
- In an island in the middle of Lake Enriguillo sits the National Park Isla Cabritos where one of the world’s largest populations of American crocodiles lives. Visit early in the morning or in the evening to see these elusive creatures. Alternatively you take a boat trip into the lake.
- The most visited area by tourists is Punta Cana in the easternmost tip of the country. Here the beaches are made up of white sand and the nightlife is always buzzing. Most of the all-inclusive resorts are based in the area. A popular day trip is to Manati Park to see the dolphins.
- Visit Jaragua - the largest of the national parks in the Dominican Republic. More than 130 species of bird, including a large population of pink flamingos live in the park.
- Avid divers can’t miss out on diving here. In the south of the country the waters are warm and protected while the north boasts some ancient shipwrecks. Cayo Arena, also on the north coast, is a circular sand island with stunning coral reef.
- Unlike most Caribbean capitals, Santo Domingo is a vibrant city that’s also the oldest inhabited European city in the Caribbean. The shopping here is top-notch, so come with an empty suitcase.
- The Dominican Republic is the world’s biggest producer of cigars with varieties that even top Cuba. Its most famous brand is Romeo y Julieta. Take some home as gifts but be sure to check what the customs’ allowance is.
