Dominican Republic

Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the Dominican Republic is one of the most famous vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Known the world over for its gorgeous picture perfect white sandy beaches, complete with tall palm trees and azure waters, this West Indian nation has so much more to offer tourists who visit here. Along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic you can find some of the best windsurfing and kite boarding in the world, while north of the capital Santo Domingo on the Samana Peninsula, you can enjoy some great whale watching. The Dominican Republic is also home to the highest mountain in the Caribbean Pico Duarte, which stands over 10,400 feet high.

Covering a total land area of 48, 717 sq km, the Dominican Republic offers tourists who visit here a plethora of activities to enjoy. From white water rafting to hiking and biking, you can enjoy an endless array of things to do out here. Well worth exploring properly, you will need at least two weeks here to see at that this exciting country has to offer.

Discovered by Christopher Columbus, the Dominican Republic declared its independence from Spain in 1821, however, soon after Haiti invaded the country in a bid to unify the island. This attempt remained unsuccessful and in 1844, Juan Pablo Duarte led a bloodless coup to make the Dominican Republic an independent nation once more.

Santo Domingo is the capital and is the political, economic and cultural hub of the country. Home to a majority of the population, this city is also the holder of many records. Santo Domingo is home to the first hospital in the Caribbean as well as the first paved road, the first university and the first double storey home. This city also contains the oldest church in use, the oldest European made fortress and the oldest monastery as well. Thus, making it full of tourist attractions and worth exploring.

You will find some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic along the southeast coast. Bavaro and Punta Cana are two of the most stunning beaches in the area. If you are looking for some action head to the north of the island, which offers some great surfing, diving and mountain biking, all of which are centered in and around the city of Cabarete.