25 Comments

Tweet

Everyone hears a lot about Punta Cana, but this is only the most famous region of a beautiful country called Republica Dominicana. I have been there twice, and it was a quick trip, as usual, but enough to fall in love with not only the Caribbean weather but also the fabulous paradise-like beaches.

The flag and the Dominican sea

Boats in Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic is half of one of the Caribbean islands. The second biggest island in the region, after Cuba. Just like other islands, this one split into two: a French colony, which is now Haiti on the west; and a former Spanish colony on the east side. Both countries took different directions and nowadays the Dominican Republic is a touristic destination in the Caribbean, with a few millions of visitors each year, attracted by the spectacular beaches all over the country.

Beach in Punta Cana

Turquoise sea

The turquoise blue water draws your attention, the temperature is perfect and the waves are so gentle that it is possible to practice several water sports like paragliding, which I tried.

Paragliding over the sea of Punta Cana

Ludmilla before flying

Walking around the resorts

Do not miss the opportunity; it is affordable and very safe. They take you in a boat and, when they reach the right spot, lift you up in the paraglide quite calmly. You fly over the sea for about 20 minutes, almost 100 feet above the water, and the view is awesome. It is like being in heaven. I went with my friend Ludmilla, who lives in Santo Domingo, and we loved it. Going to this country and not doing this air tour is the same as not going at all. I repeat: do not miss it!

Ressort in Punta Cana

The resorts in Punta Cana are wonderful. There are many options, all you have to do is ask your travel agent to check which one is more appropriate for your plans, but they are all great. Under my hosts’ guidance, I checked in a small hotel in Bávaro, near the sea, for I wanted more freedom and I stayed there only one night. If you are looking for peace and quiet, it is worthwhile paying for a one-week package.

The capital of Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic is not only about beaches. It is a very big island with its mountains, plains, farms and the chaos of a big city: traffic jams and insane drivers and bikers, pedestrians and cars transporting all kinds of products. Santo Domingo has a population of over 3 million people, with a very busy life. The most touristic part of this capital is the historic center, especially in the evening with its cafés and trendy restaurants. Do not miss it!

TAKE NOTE

Cafe Milano

This paradise is full of restaurants and nightlife too. The coolest is CAFÉ MILANO, in Santo Domingo, with a refined atmosphere and sophisticated dishes.

Paella in Pulpo Loco

PULPO LOCO, in Bávaro, has paella with sea food, and you can enjoy Dominican beer with salt and pepper under a tree, on the coast (better saying, in heaven!).

AQUA is another beautiful restaurant, in the neighborhood of Santo Domingo. My friend Jorge Brett is the owner of this lounge on the sea coast, where it is possible to enjoy a bed-tent by the Caribbean water! So nice! 

Search hotels in Dominic Republic on Booking.

Beer with salt and pepper by the sea

View from Aqua restaurant

In the countryside, meat is sold outdoors

Santo Domingo

Bávaro

historic center

island

sea

beach

centro histórico

ilha

paraglider

mar

Praia