Cheap Holidays Dominican Republic

The fairest land under Heaven, proclaimed Columbus when he first spotted the coral-fringed island of Dominican Republic. His statement rings as true now as it did then, with the island offering an abundance of natural beauty, incredible contrasts, a warm Latin American welcome and a simple charm.

The second largest nation in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island, with Haiti to the west. A land of geographical diversity, it is home to towering mountains, rain forests, fertile valleys, cacti-studded deserts and 1,600km of coastline, offering fabulous soft sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise seas.

Four rugged mountain ranges divide the island northwest to southeast, the largest being the Cordillera Central with Pico Duarte, the tallest peak in the Caribbean, rising over 3,175m. Three large fertile valleys rest between the ranges, one of which holds Lake Enriquillo in the southwest, the only salt water lake in the world inhabited by crocodiles.

The island enjoys an excellent sunshine record and on the coast, an average daily temperature remaining around 30?c year round. Those looking for a respite from the Caribbean heat head up to the mountain ranges where temperatures cool off.

On the south coast, where the Caribbean Sea bathes the coastline, turquoise clear seas lap gently on to sandy beaches. To the north, where the island is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, the more rugged coastline is exceptionally beautiful with tropical sandy beach coves and protected coral reefs waiting to be explored.

Puerto Plata, the largest city of the north, is home to many historical and cultural attractions dating from the 16th Century, as well as lovely Victorian buildings. The Amber Museum, Brugal rum factory and the impressive Mount Isabel de Torres National Park are fascinating places to visit.

Most of the northern coast beach resorts run along the coastline west from Puerto Plata, the first being the modern leafy resort of Playa Dorada, which offers an upbeat atmosphere and plenty to do by day and night with facilities including a shopping plaza, cinema and an 18-hole golf course.

Further on, the charming village of Cabarete, with its variety of simple bars and excellent fish restaurants, is popular with the windsurfing crowd and is host to many international competitions. At the tip of the north eastern peninsula is the impressive Samana Bay, a village settled by American slaves in the early 1800s but better known as the place to see huge numbers of humpback whales arriving in winter to mate and rest off shore. To the east of Puerto Plata lies Cofresi Beach, a small, pretty palm shaded cove with beautiful golden sands, ideal for those seeking a tranquil, relaxing retreat.

Whether you’re looking to relax on one of the tropical beaches, intending to explore a little into the island’s scenic interior or fascinating history and culture, the Domincan Republic is a Caribbean oasis to satisfy all visitors’ tastes.