The best area to stay in the Dominican Republic

Are you heading to the Caribbean Islands for your next holiday? Find out where to stay in the Dominican Republic!

The second largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba, Hispaniola is also the most populous, with 21 million inhabitants. A Spanish-speaking country, the Dominican Republic has a population exceeding 10,7 million inhabitants over an area of 48,442 km². A hot and humid tropical paradise, the Dominican Republic is a world-renowned tourist destination. Between heritage-infused urban settings, heavenly beaches, and the lush jungle inland, the Dominican landscape has much to offer its visitors. Besides, accommodation in the Dominican Republic is relatively affordable.

Whether you are looking for accommodation to stay in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Santiago de los Caballeros, Jarabacao, Barahona, Las Terrenas or Puerto Plata, you’ll come across a diverse range of options, from resorts and hotel complexes to homestay rentals. Discover the best places to stay in the Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana and the south-east of the island are among the most touristic parts of the region. Many hotel complexes dot the coast, offering all-inclusive holiday packages. In this idyllic setting, relax on the white sand under the shade of coconut trees, and take a dip in the turquoise-hued waters. While Punta Cana has only 54,218 inhabitants, the population rises when tourists arrive – it is a major landing site on the island – and nightlife suddenly becomes much livelier. If you like to party, sunbathe on the beach, and meet lots of people, this is where you should stay in the Dominican Republic. But there’s more to it than beachside tourism: the Ojos Indigenas ecological reserve houses 600 hectares of tropical forest where more than 80 species of birds and more than 500 varieties of plants live peacefully amidst a paradisaical scenery of lagoons and crystal clear waters.

Find a hotel in Punta Cana
Find an Airbnb in Punta Cana

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, the capital, is the oldest European settlement site in the Americas. It was here that the Spanish conquistadors landed in 1492. With a population of 3,516,597, the city is an open-air museum where colonial buildings coexist with modern architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santo Domingo offers a unique architectural and cultural setting. Smell the enticing aroma of Rum, dance to the sound of Latin music and feel the ghosts of the colonial past as you wander through the streets of the Dominican capital. Indulge in a festive time in the city! Don’t miss the Centre for Fine Arts and its shows happening all year round. If you choose to stay in Santo Domingo, the Malecon river walk, with a splendid view of the sea, is a definite must-see.

Find a hotel in Santo Dominguo
Find an Airbnb in Santo Dominguo

The Southwestern part of the island

If you’re looking to experience quieter and less touristy areas, head for the Pedernales peninsula and the area near the beautiful Oviedo lagoon, both excellent places to stay in the Dominican Republic. You will find many deserted beaches, mountains, and natural parks boasting an exceptional fauna and flora. The Bani dunes, sometimes 35 meters high, are among the must-sees of this part of the island. To enjoy these amazing natural sceneries, plan to stay in Santa Cruz de Barahona or Azua de Compostela. Welcome to one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Caribbean.

Find a hotel in the Southwestern part of the island
Find an Airbnb in the Southwestern part of the island

The center of the island

The Central Cordillera, the island’s green lung, is a must in the Dominican Republic: the La Vega region, Constanza, the Pico Duarte mountain (rising to 3,175 meters above sea level), Jarabacoa, Concepción de La Vega, Moca, and its coffee and tobacco plantations. Take the opportunity to taste local cigars – Havana isn’t the only place where they are made – and go on a hike through these magnificent landscapes. If you’re keen to explore the center of the island, Santiago de los Caballeros is an excellent place to stay in the Dominican Republic.

Find a hotel in the center of the island
Find an Airbnb in the center of the island

The Northern side of the island

On the Atlantic coast, discover Samana, one of the country’s most beautiful regions, protected from mass tourism. The area is home to Los Haitises National Park, nicknamed Halong Bay of the Caribbean. Las Terrenas is the island’s principal seaside resort, surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear warm waters. Finally, staying in Puerto Plata allows you to enjoy the heavenly beaches of Playa Dorada, Sosua, and the Costa Dorada (the golden coast). Puerto Plata’s city center houses a maze of charming alleyways winding their way through colorful Victorian architecture.

Find a hotel in the Northern side of the island
Find an Airbnb in the Northern side of the island