Relax in Punta Cana

Situated on the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Sea, Punta Cana is a popular beach resort destination. In fact, more than 30 resorts (all of which, by law, must not extend higher than a palm tree) are found in the area, long a draw for many European visitors. Nowadays more and more North Americans have discovered the area often referred to as the “coconut coast” due to the hundreds of coconut palms along the beach.

While the all-inclusive resorts and beach relaxation are the main attractions, other things to do include playing a few rounds at Punta Espada or La Cana Golf Course, heading southward to explore Bayahibe, (including a celebrated national park area) or trying your luck at one of the area’s casinos, like the Barcelo Bavaro or Majestic Colonial. Of course, with 21 miles of white sand beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze and the easygoing entertainment options of the all-inclusive resorts, most simply choose to sit back with a beverage and enjoy the relaxation.

Located in the east part of the island in the region of Bavaro, this park include interesting exhibits of different types of birds, reptiles and fish. Its main attraction though, are the shows with animals, especially the one with the dolphins and sea lions. People can swim with the dolphins for an extra fee, when they participate in the show. There is also a parrot show and a "Dancing Horses" show. Four small restaurants and some souvenir shops are available on premises. Admission: USD25 adults; USD15 children; UDS60 to swim with the dolphins.

With an approximate area of 110 square kilometers, this island belongs to the National Park of the East. It can only be accessed by boat from Bayahibe, a small fishing town neighboring La Romana. The white sand beaches adorned with turquoise shallow waters, the incredible underwater panorama offered its coral reefs bordering, the mangrove inlets, the dwelling endemic and endangered species, as well as the caves featuring archaeological discoveries, are just some of the reasons for visiting the Saona island.

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. The old city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Until recently, it was a huge city, but it has now been split into 5 independent municipalities: Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo Este, Santo Domingo Oeste, Santo Domingo Norte and Boca Chica. Fortunately, nearly all tourist attractions and shopping, dining and entertainment venues are located relatively close to each other in the Distrito Nacional, making it easy to get around and see the sights.

Santo Domingo was the first major European settlement in the New World. The Colonial Zone offers many examples of 15th and 16th century architecture. Don't miss the Ozama Fort, the Alcazar de Colon and the Cathedral, all built in Columbus' lifetime. Also worth a visit is Atarrazana Street after dark for a variety of romantic outdoor cafes with a spectacular view of the bay.

This waterfront boulevard (George Washington Avenue) is home to several huge hotel/casino complexes and dozens of small restaurants, clubs and cafes. Go there to people watch, take a romantic carriage ride or just have a few beers. Nature lovers should find their way to the Parque Mirador Sur, an impressive park overlooking the coast. From there, visit the Jardin Botanico, a vast, beautiful and lush park situated near one of Santo Domingo's most exclusive neighborhoods.

Bordering the Ozama River, this area boasts cobblestone streets and an impressive group of buildings dating back to the 16th century. The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo permits us to travel back through more than 500 years of history and architecture. The palaces have been converted into fascinating museums, but many of the area's oldest structures are now quaint bars, cafés and small hotels and restaurants. At sunset an air of enchantment and romance settles over the neighborhood, letting the day's worries fade away.

Built in the 1520s, the palace was primarily constructed in Italian Renaissance style with some gothic details. The main entrance, however, was designed in Isabeline style. The building comprises of two rectangular floors, two wings joined by a central corridor and two galleries. In 1770 the building was abandoned. Attempts were made to turn it into a prison, but none were successful. In 1809 and 1835 major landslides collapsed parts of the building, but in 1957 it was restored by stonemasons to its present condition.

Built in the 16th century, the Royal Household Museum houses both the Palace of the Governor General and the Palace of Royal Audiences. The former, in the northeast part of the building, is a sober design embellished with gothic Isabeline decorations. The latter, in the southeast section, has a series of arches in white porcelain brick on the ground floor, and low-arched windows of gothic style on the upper level. Since 1976 the entire complex has been a museum, housing pieces from the island's Hispanic period. Admission is DOP10 for native adults, DOP15 for tourists, DOP5 for students. Children get in free.

This cathedral, the first in the New World, is the most important monument in Santo Domingo. It was constructed from 1514 to 1546. Its complete translated name is the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of our Lady Holy Mary of the Incarnation. Constructed in mostly late Gothic architecture, it includes Romanesque characteristics and the main façade was built out of coral rock. The chapels were built later than the main temple, and until 1992 one chapel housed the remains of Christopher Columbus, which are now in the Columbus Lighthouse. Please note that you must be appropriately dressed to enter the cathedral.

Designed by architect Joe Gleave, this monument to Christopher Columbus is a cross 46 meters tall and constructed of completely white marble. It has housed the remains of the explorer since his tomb was moved from the Cathedral of Saint Maria the Lesser in 1992. At night, powerful lights illuminate this Christian symbol and project its shadow against the sky. Areas inside the monument are used as exhibition rooms, archives, a library and a museum. Admission costs about DOP20 for adults, DOP5 for children and students.