Travel Guides: All Countries / Caribbean / Dominican Republic
 |  | Destination Guide : Dominican Republic |
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| | | Tropical temptations |  | Why go on holiday to the Dominican Republic?
Mile after mile of palm-fringed sandy beaches, tropical weather, lush rainforest and an elegant colonial history charm visitors to the Dominican Republic.
The people are passionate about the sounds of merengue and use any excuse to turn an event into Carnival.
How much does it cost?
Package tourists tend to get the best deal in the Dominican Republic, with prices starting from around £300 for seven days at an all-inclusive resort, rising to around £900 for two weeks during peak season.
Flights also vary quite dramatically - from between £250 to £450 and upwards; expect to pay from £30 to £100 per night for a hotel room.
When should I go?
The Dominican Republic has tropical temperatures year round with an annual average of 24C (75C). Avoid the rainy season unless the only purpose of your trip is to check out the colonial architecture, since heavy downpours and hurricanes are the norm.
The climate in the Dominican Republic varies by location: the dry season for the north coast is between June and September; in the south, it runs from November to April.
The best times to visit are at the beginning and end of these periods, since then it is possible to avoid both hurricanes and the crowds of tourists who visit the Dominican Republic over Christmas and New Year.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to the Caribbean here.
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| | | Chill out |  | What should I do when I get there?
Lazing on the beach and sipping fresh coconut milk is popular, but don't miss the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo. The old colonial district is one of the finest in the world, and the restored Alcazar de Colon is a good place to chill out.
But what about those beaches?
Windsurfers head for the world-famous bay at Cabarete. Even if renting a board seems too much like hard work, it's a good place to hang out with a cold one and take in the local scene, especially during the Encuentro Classic championships in February.
Deep-sea fishing is found at Cabeza de Toro, Boca de Yuma and Montecristi in the north-west.
And if I feel like a stroll?
As well as beaches, the Dominican Republic has rainforests, lowlands, deserts and coastal swamplands. It has five national parks, but you need permission to visit, obtainable in Santo Domingo.
Watch out for the varied birdlife, including hummingbirds and the zumbadorcito, one of the smallest birds in the world.
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| | | Time for fiesta | | Where's good for nightlife?
Merengue is the island's favourite beat and can be found from the beach to the bar and everywhere in between. Dominicans love to party, with merengue festivals held in Santo Domingo during July and Puerta Plata in October.
Santa Domingo hosts Carnival twice a year, once in late February and then again in mid-August. If you want more action, try the country's casinos or venture into one of the galleras (cockfight pits) found in every town.
What's the food like?
Traditional Dominican cuisine is a savoury blend of African and Spanish ingredients.
The most popular dishes are sancocho (pork roasted on a spit), a rice and bean combination called moro, cassava bread, longaniza (pork sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), goat stew and fish with coconut milk.
What should I buy?
Merengue fans will have no problem finding cassettes or CDs to take home; the nation's favorite artists include Juan Luis Guerra, Miriam Cruz and Los Hermanos Rosario.
Resist the temptation to buy articles made from endangered species such as sea turtles and crocodiles, choosing instead products that use Dominican amber or larimar, the blue stone unique to the region.
What is there for children to do?
Children are welcome all over the Dominican Republic, catered for at every gathering and fiesta.
All but the most nervous will enjoy a boat ride on Lago Enriquillo to see the crocodiles, followed by a visit to Isla Cabritos, home to some startlingly large iguanas.
Bahia de Samana on the north-east coast is recommended by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the best spots in the world to watch whales, while the tranquil zoo in Santo Domingo offers animal-spotting up close.
Tourist office
Dominican Republic Tourist Board, 18-21 Hand Court, London WC1V 6JF. Tel. 020 7242 7778.
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| | Available rental properties in Dominican Republic |
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| |  | | Las Canas
Bright 1-bed apartment in a complex with a large pool, surrounded by lush tropical scenery. Set in a peaceful location yet minutes from all the amenities of the town of Sosua.
|  | | Villa Golf
Golf Villa in Guavaberry country club&beach resort 40 minutes to santo domingo city. Elegantly appointed furniture accomadates upto 6 people. It's near the beach
|  | | Laguna Golf
Apartment in course golf in bavaro - punta cana
|  | | Luxury Villa, Dominican Republic
If you're looking for barefoot luxury then you've found the right place. Simply lie back, relax and enjoy the land of the endless summer.
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Luxury, contemporary stunning hilltop villa with 65ft infinity pool. Six double bedrooms (all with air con) and beautifully designed interior makes
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