Occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic (the DR or Dom Rep, as it's often known) is a hugely popular destination, thanks to the portion of the country that most resembles the image of a Caribbean playland: the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches lined with palm trees, of which the DR has plenty. This vision of leisurely days spent by the sea and romantic nights filled with merengue and dark rum is supported by what turns out to be the largest all-inclusive resort industry in the world.

Set on the most geographically diverse Caribbean island, the DR also boasts virgin alpine wilderness, tropical rainforests and mangrove swamps, cultivated savannas, vast desert expanses and everything in between within its relatively small confines - slightly smaller than the US states of New Hampshire and Vermont combined - providing staggering opportunities for ecotourism and adventure travelling.

Dominican Republic Map

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The DR also lays claim to some of the more intriguing culture and history in the area, dating back to its early cave-dwelling groups, the Taínos , who recorded much of their activities in the form of rock art - it's quite likely you'll find yourself clambering down a dark cave to view some of these preserved paintings during your stay. In addition, as Dominicans are often quick to point out, their land was the setting for Christopher Columbus's first colony, La Isabela, and Spain's first New World city, Santo Domingo , at the end of the fifteenth century. Though the island quickly lost this foothold, the events that took place during its brief heyday did much to define the Americas as we know them.

First of all a huge big Welcome to the Dominican Republic. Bienvenidos (welcome) as we say over here to one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. After checking into your hotel and getting your bearings somewhat you may want to discover what is in fact beyond the boundaries of your hotel reception and golf course.  A country of contrasts from the deliciously lush north of the island to the flat and dry landscape of the south, there are so many places to go to and activities to participate in it can get quite mind boggling.  Below are some brief descriptions of places to visit, from mountain ranges, virgin beaches, fresh water rivers, deserts, tropical sugar cane fields, white water rapids, jungles and architecture with a city seeped in mystery and history – to but a few!!

If you are staying on the north coast Culture enthusiasts will enjoy the town of Puerto Plata.  It has some great places to visit and walk around. Inside this old colonial town you will find the Amber Museum, San Felipe Fortress and the Brugal Rum Bottling Plant and the church by the beautiful antique Parque Central. A great malecon (sea front/promenade) to walk along and lots of souvenir shops too.

The picturesque bay of Sosua on the north coast offers swimming, sunbathing, snack bars and a long line of souvenir shacks on the beach market, where no price is fixed and all items are great reminders of your stay here in the island. The village also has a great variety of bars and restaurants and Jewish museum.

Centrally Jarabacoa also known as the Dominican Alps is found by making your way through the breathtaking scenery of the Cibao valley.  Defiantly the centre for adrenalin pumping sport enthusiasts the area offers white water rafting, tubing, canyoning; don't worry if this all seems a little too energetic then there are some marvelous walks, beautiful waterfalls to explore, horseback riding to take in with the cool atmosphere surrounding you in the Dominican Alps.

Nearby Santiago is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic has some interesting monuments and churches to view and wonder around in. A huge area for the tobacco industry it is worth popping in to a cigar factory and watching cigars being hand rolled. Great shopping too.

Santo Domingo is the nation's cosmopolitan capital – retrace the steps of Christopher Columbus in the first city of "the new world". Visit the National Aquarium, the underground lakes and caverns of the Tres Ojos Caves (three eyes), the new Columbus light house and nestled in the colonial quarters the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Great shopping too in the El Conde and Mercado Modelo where bartering for a bargain is the order of the day.

Playa Grande is the largest beach on the north coast and one of the most unspoilt and beautiful treasures you can find.  Miles of golden sand are lined by coconut palms and local shacks offering the favourite pina colada cocktail served in a whole pineapple! Boogie boarding is a popular pastime or jumping the waves as they wash across the spacious bay.  Gri Gri Lagoon is minutes away where a short motor boat ride will take you through the naturally formed tunnels of the Mangrove Swamp out to the Atlantic ocean where on a calm day Swallow Cave can be visited. Fantastic golf course at Playa Grande too (See the Real DR golf excursion planner for courses all around the country).

Saona Island on the south east coast is the epitome of paradise and no words in the English language can describe the beauty of this island.  First of all stroll around the famous cobbled streets of Altos de Chavon, the replica of an old European style village with its huge amphitheatre and view the Chavon river (where one of the Rambo movies were filmed). Craft shops and restaurants. By boat you will reach Saona Island traveling across the warm crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The uininhabited island offers beautiful snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing of course.

Catalina Island is another great little island to hop too for those who want to try snorkeling at one of the best locations on the south coast. You can take a leisurely cruise over on a glass bottomed boat, have a few drinks, top up your tan and swim and snorkel off the reef.