Where to stay in La Romana: Casa de Campo, Bayahibe or Dominicus

Top bezienswaardigheden in La Romana

1. 

   1.Altos de Chavón

   A re-creation of a sixteenth-century Mediterranean village, built in the late 1970s and early 1980s above the Chavón River. Cobbled lanes lead to craft shops, galleries, a small church on the central plaza and a regional museum of archaeology with artefacts from the island's first inhabitants. The Roman-style amphitheatre has hosted major concerts.

2. 

   2.Chavón River

   The river winds through a green gorge beneath Altos de Chavón, and the view from the village terraces is one of the finest in the area. It is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when the light softens over the water and the surrounding palms.

3. 

   3.Parque Nacional del Este

   A protected area at the south-eastern tip of the island, covering coastal forest, mangroves, caves with Indigenous drawings, and beaches. Most visitors see it on a guided boat or road excursion that also takes in the offshore island of Saona.

4. 

   4.Catalina Island

   A small, low island just offshore, with sand dunes, mangroves and a coral reef. Day trips by boat from La Romana or Bayahibe mix beach time with snorkelling in clear, shallow water.

5. 

   5.Dominicus Beach

   A long beach of pale sand and calm, shallow water a few kilometres from Bayahibe, with big resorts along much of its length. Beach restaurants make it easy to spend a whole day here.

Waar verblijven in La Romana

• Casa de Campo

  A huge resort estate with golf courses, a marina, villas and Altos de Chavón inside its grounds. It suits golfers and families who want everything in one place, with quiet roads and plenty of services.

• La Romana town centre

  The city has markets, local restaurants, shops and a central park, and it shows everyday Dominican life. It suits travellers who want an authentic base, though the best beaches are a drive away.

• Bayahibe

  A former fishing village about 16 kilometres east of La Romana, now the base for diving and boat trips. It suits travellers who prefer a smaller, more local place, with small hotels and seafood restaurants by the water.

• Dominicus

  A beach strip with several large all-inclusive resorts close to Bayahibe. It suits families and groups who want a fuss-free beach holiday with meals and activities included.

Beste tijd om La Romana te bezoeken

December to April is the driest and sunniest period, with comfortable temperatures and calm seas, and it is also the busiest and most expensive season. From May to November the weather is hotter and more humid, with more showers. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and August to October carry the highest risk of storms, which can cancel boat trips and flights, so take out travel insurance. The sea is warm enough to swim all year round.

Verplaatsen in La Romana

Resorts usually arrange airport transfers, and La Romana International Airport has regular flights, while Punta Cana and Santo Domingo airports are other options. In town, use licensed taxis or ones booked by your hotel and agree the fare before you set off. Minibuses called guaguas are the cheapest way to travel locally. Motorbike taxis called motoconchos are everywhere, but they come with real risk: helmets are rare, riders often carry several passengers and you will have no accident cover.

Eten en drinken in La Romana

Dominican food is simple, filling and generous. La bandera, the national dish, combines white rice, red beans, stewed meat and a small salad, and sancocho is a rich stew of meat and root vegetables. Mangú, mashed plantain topped with fried onions, is a classic breakfast, and tostones, twice-fried green plantain slices, accompany most meals. Fresh seafood is the highlight in Bayahibe, and tropical fruit juices are sold everywhere. Dominican rum and coffee are worth trying, and La Romana is also known for its cigar factory.

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