Dominican Republic Holidays

Destination Highlights

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Beaches | Hotels | Nightlife | Food | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

What are the best beaches in the Dominican Republic?

Holidays to the Dominican Republic are all about the sun, sea, and sand. This island nation is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and there are over 200 to choose from! Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

• Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana - Stretching along the coast for miles, the soft sand and inviting water of Bavaro are mere steps away from many resorts.
• Kite Beach, Cabarete - Watersports fans will want to head to this spot, where you can try your hand at surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing.
• Playa Boca Chica, Santo Domingo - A favourite of partygoers and foodies, this stunning city beach is lined with restaurants and bars of every kind.
• Long Beach, Puerto Plata - This sociable beach is popular with families and joins onto a 3km coastal boardwalk, suitable for casual strollers and wheelchair-users alike.
• Catalina Island - Take a catamaran ride to this small island where you can relax on the private beach, or get up close to the local marine life while snorkelling.

What are the top hotels in the Dominican Republic?

Whether you’re booking your family holiday to the Dominican Republic or planning a romantic getaway, these hotels offer a host of facilities a stone’s throw from the beach:

• Dreams Punta Cana Resorts & Spa - This hotel offers beachside access along with a selection of pools, with a range of family rooms available.
• Secrets Royal Beach - A luxury adults-only destination for couples and friends who deserve a tranquil break.
• Majestic Elegance Punta Cana - The best of both worlds - this hotel has a fantastic family section, as well as exclusive adults-only accommodation and facilities.
• Be Live Grand Marien - If you like to stay active, this hotel won’t disappoint! Their weekly entertainment programme offers all kinds of beachside activities including scuba lessons.
• Iberostar Dominicana - All the family will be entertained at this five-star hotel, with a dedicated club for the kids and even an on-site escape room.
• Baha Principe Grand La Romana - The perfect destination for those who prefer to kick back and relax in peaceful surroundings.

What's the food like in the Dominican Republic?

No Dominican Republic holiday is complete without trying the nation’s unique cuisine, which often includes influences from Spain and Africa. Keep a lookout for these delicacies:

• Mangú - The national breakfast dish, mashed plantains often served with eggs, cheese, and salami.
• Morir Soñando - Translated as ‘die dreaming’, this poetically named drink is a surprisingly delicious blend of milk and orange flavours.
• Sancocho - A seven-meat stew popular across Latin America, the local version includes plantains.
• Habichuelas Guisadas - A hearty stewed bean dish, commonly served with traditional white rice and fab for vegetarians.
• Habichuelas con Dulce - Another bean dish, but this time it’s a dessert - you’ll have to trust us, this is well worth a try!

The restaurants at all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic often provide every dish your heart could desire, but if you’re looking further afield, try these eating spots:

• La Yola, Punta Cana - Delicious seafood served by the marina, atop a unique boat-shaped terrace.
• Nola Bar and Grill, La Romana - A local favourite serving authentic Caribbean cuisine.
• C-Orgánico Juguería, Santo Domingo - With a focus on the natural surroundings and ingredients, this fully vegan restaurant is a treat for foodies of every kind.
• La Cava, Punta Cana - An exclusive fine dining restaurant for special occasions, with thousands of world-class wines on offer.

Where’s the best nightlife in the Dominican Republic?

Punta Cana is 100% the place to be for the hottest nightlife, with tons of bars and places to dance. Many beachside resorts across the island put on evening entertainment too, so you won’t miss out on partying if you’re staying elsewhere.

• Imagine Punta Cana Night Club, Punta Cana - If you go to one club - go here. Where else in the world will you get to party inside a natural cave system?!
• Coco Bongo, Punta Cana - Live music, acrobats, light shows, and dancing await you every night at this carnival for the senses.
• Coffee, Rum & Cigar Lounge Bar, Punta Cana - Aside from fantastic beach holidays, the Dominican Republic is world-famous for these three exports. Experience the very finest at this stylish bar.
• Cacibo Bar, Santo Domingo - If you’re more rock ‘n’ roll than reggaeton, head to the friendly Cacibo Bar and hang out with the local alternative crowd.
• El Mosquito Art Bar, Las Terrenas - Sip signature cocktails at this open-air beach bar with amazing views of the sunset.

What events can I go to in the Dominican Republic?

Choose the Dominican Republic for your sunny getaway and experience the ultimate cultural shake-up. These annual events are a riot of colour and sound that will have you singing, dancing, or just enjoying the show.

• Día de los Santos Reyes (January) - A parade through Santo Domingo marks the end of the festive season, with a big focus on children receiving gifts.
• Carnival (February) - The biggest event on the calendar! Spectacular parades take place every Sunday across the island, with each area having its own traditional costumes and performances on show.
• Isle of Light (March) - A huge music festival attracting international acts, with artistic light installations.
• Semana Santa (Easter) - Locals throw parties and concerts on the beaches and squares, or watch the nightly Easter procession at Colonial City.
• Mango Festival (June) - Over 100 types of mango are on display in every form imaginable, with eating contests and live music.
• Festival del Merengue (July/August) - This colourful weeklong event attracts the world’s best merengue musicians and dancers.
• Cabarete Kite Festival (August) - A celebration of water sports and the ocean, with a focus on conservation.
• Santo Domingo Restaurant Week (October) - Every restaurant in the capital puts on an affordable set menu of their most delicious dishes.
• Baseball Winter League (October - January) - A chance to see the nation’s favourite sport played in stadia throughout the island.
• The Dominican Jazz Festival (November) - Five days of live jazz, travelling across towns on the North Coast.
• New Year’s Eve (December) - A huge party along the boulevard by the sea, with live music, dance, and fireworks.

Things to do in the Dominican Republic

Strictly fun dancing

If Saturday night telly has given you the ballroom bug, you’re in for a treat in the Dominican Republic. See the national dances Merengue and Bachata performed for free twice a week in the Colonial Zone, or try out some moves at the Jet Set Club on Monday nights. Take comfy shoes!

Larimar is a girl’s best friend

If you love unique jewellery, there are two semi-precious stones found only in the Dominican Republic that you just need to see. Head to one of the Harrison’s jewellery stores across the island to find stunning pieces made of local larimar, and black jade.

Be at one with nature

There are 18 national parks to choose from, and at an entry cost of around £1.50 per person, they make the perfect day out on a cheap holiday to the Dominican Republic. Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco is the best place to see as much local flora and fauna as possible, including 160 species of orchid!

Viva La Revolución!

The island won its independence from Spain in 1844, and throughout Santo Domingo you can find walking tours to catch you up on the local history of rebellion and abolition. For a closer look at the island’s heritage, check out the Afro-Dominican History tour.

What's the weather like in the Dominican Republic?

The tropical climate means there are two seasons: Wet and dry. The dry season runs from December to April and is the best time for visitors to enjoy the sunshine. Rainfall in the wet season varies across the island, with the South Coast typically seeing fewer showers, but levels of humidity can still be very high.

Important Information about travelling to the Dominican Republic

How long does it take to fly to the Dominican Republic?

Flights from the UK mainland to the Dominican Republic take around 9 hours.

What’s the time difference between the UK and the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, which is 4 hours behind the UK.

What currency do they use in the Dominican Republic?

The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso.

What language do they speak in the Dominican Republic?

The national language is Dominican Spanish, which has some differences to the original language but is still understandable to Spanish speakers. Many in the Dominican Republic speak English as a second language.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit the Dominican Republic?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to the Dominican Republic?

Travellers to the Dominican Republic are subject to a $10 tourist tax.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Dominican Republic?

You don’t need a visa to travel on holiday, and the tourism entry tax fee should now be included in your airfare. Your passport will need to have at least 6 months remaining validity, so make sure that’s the case before booking any last-minute holidays to the Dominican Republic.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to the Dominican Republic?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to the Dominican Republic on the FCO website.

Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...

• Cuba
• St Lucia
• Jamaica
• Barbados

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to the Dominican Republic for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.