BavaroCity/Region: East Coast
Originally developed as a town for resort workers from Punta Cana, Bavaro quickly became a holiday resort in its own right when hotels started springing up along its tropical eastern coast. Ideally situated on the famous Costa del Coco (Coconut Coast) and known for its six miles (10km) of pristine sandy white beaches and shimmering crystal waters, Bavaro's vast stretches of beach rarely experience overcrowding so everyone can have their very own piece of paradise! For more adventurous travelers, a trip off the not-so-beaten track to the
nearby town of Cortecito, the only fishing village left on this stretch, is an absolute must. This little village, known as the downtown area of Punta-Cana-Bavaro where friendly local vendors can be found selling their wares along the edges of palm-fringed beaches, is frequented mostly by backpackers and independent European travelers intent on having a truly authentic Dominican experience.
Punta CanaCity/Region: East Coast
Punta Cana is center of the east coast region and is becoming a growing tourist destination with several attractions. The 40-mile (64km) stretch of coast where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic offers pearly-white sand sprinkled with thousands of coconut trees and is largely unspoilt. Attractions in and around Punta Cana include the Manati Park (
www.manatipark.com), with its performing dolphins and sea lions, and an authentic replica of an ancient Taino Indian village.
Puerto PlataCity/Region: Amber Coast
Puerto Plata, the city capital of the Dominican Republic province of the same name, sits on the country's north coast and is the gateway to the numerous holiday towns and resorts on the coast. The coastline itself is blessed with beautiful stretches of pristine beach, lush green valleys and backed by the majestic Mount Isabel de Torres. Columbus described the spot as 'the fairest land under heaven' when he arrived there in 1492, and the thousands of visitors that arrive every day today tend to agree with him. The city sports a romantic air of days gone by, enhanced by its Victorian architecture with its filigree lace wood and ironwork and 'gingerbread' motifs that characterize most of the historic homesteads and public buildings.
SosuaCity/Region: Amber Coast
To the east of Puerto Plata is Sosua, a small village with a cosmopolitan character, which offers a superb crescent-shaped beach and numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. The town was developed by a group of approximately 600 Jewish refugees from Europe who settled here in 1940 and founded the now-thriving dairy industry for which the village is noted. The original synagogue built by this expatriate community is still standing and features a museum dedicated to the history of the community. Near to Sosua is a major family holiday attraction, the Columbus Aquapark, offering plenty of watery diversions.
CofresiCity/Region: Amber Coast
One of the most beautiful resort towns on the north coast, Cofresi, to the west of Puerto Plata, has its fair share of golden beaches. The town was named after one of the most infamous Caribbean pirates, but is a peaceful place with plenty of hotel and private villa accommodations and sweeping ocean views.
CabareteCity/Region: Amber Coast
A small, laid-back Caribbean seaside town, Cabarete is considered by many to be the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the Caribbean and the town has hosted international competitions since the 80s. It is the perfect tropical destination, particularly for younger travelers seeking sun, adventurous sports and has a buzzing beachside bar and restaurant scene. Tour operators also offer plenty of other activities including hiking, horseriding, canyoning, mountain biking and surfing.
