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The Samana peninsula on the Dominican Republic's north easterly coast is often referred to as the 'real Caribbean', and it's easy to see why. Breathtakingly white sands great you on holidays in Samana, sparkling turquoise waters and a luscious green back drop fulfill the Caribbean's aesthetic criteria, but it's the air of tranquillity which tourists seem to come back for year upon year. The atmosphere of calm is the perfect way to enjoy the soothing Dominican sun, and the seemingly endless stretches of beach mean if you want to put your feet up and forget about the stress of home. If this sounds like your idea of a proper break then a Samana holiday is the thing for you!
With flights to the Dominican Republic leaving on a daily basis from airports across the UK/Ireland, there's never been a better time to get away. So take advantage of On The Beach's unrivalled offers and book today: your dream holiday in the Dominican Republic is only a few clicks away!
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Samana Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
Holidays in Samana are great for the whole family, and are a great way to completely unwind. The beaches which dominate the peninsula's coast are ideal for relaxation, and the clear, tranquil waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. For those looking for a little more excitement, mountain biking and horseback riding are two very popular ways to explore the local environment.
Samana will also keep the photographers amongst you, with some of the greatest whale watching in the world available between January and March, as well as the breathtakingly picturesque El Limon waterfall which is just a short journey away. Both Samana City and Las Tarrenas town are worth a visit, in particular Samana City, which still has a surprising number of good English speakers due to its American heritage.
Hispaniola, the island which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, was originally controlled by the Tainio Indians before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, and Spanish occupation began a year later. In fact, the Dominican Republic didn't actually gain independence until 1884 after having been sold to the United States for one million pesos. Samana City itself is a different story, as it was settled by a group of freed American slaves in 1842, their influence, particularly the language, still prominent today.
The influence of the 'Americanos' stretches further than the language however. If your holiday in Samana falls between August and October, then you will see the Dominicans come alive as this is their period of harvest festival, dating back to the West African traditions on the slave settlers. Bright colours, loud music and a lot of dancing means this is one of the most entertaining ways to see the locals at their authentic best.
For a more relaxed Samana holiday experience, look for the previously recommended locally owned bars and clubs, where jazz and 'merengue' are particularly popular, or the restaurants where the locally caught seafood always tops the menu.
Samana is one of the quieter resorts in the Dominican Republic, so may not be the place for those of you looking for a non stop party atmosphere. Nightclubs are scarce, but often the hotels and resorts themselves provide the best entertainment for their guests. For a more authentic experience on holiday to Samana, the quieter, locally owned bars and restaurants are a great way to see the Dominican's relaxing as well as trying some local cuisine.