Celebrate in the capital of carnivals

Located on the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is part of the Greater Antilles archipelago. Christopher Columbus declared it one of the first settlements of the Americas in 1492. Discover the beauty of the second-largest Caribbean nation and unwind on the idyllic coastline. Try windsurfing or kite boarding on Cabarete beach and explore Punta Cana known locally as the coconut coast. Travellers arrive every year to play a round of golf on the expansive courses at La Hacienda and the renowned Teeth of the Dog resort. See more of the lush tropical landscape and hike into the National Parkland where fields, mountains and forest meet. Take a tour to spot rare bird life and explore the azure waters on a snorkelling or diving expedition. Visit some of the cities of the Dominican Republic for great bars, clubs and shops; browse the stores and pick up precious Larimar and Amber jewellery.

Why Go?

Travel to the Dominican Republic and imbibe the electric carnival atmosphere of the lively bars playing merengue beats in the downtown area. Sample traditional seafood and sip on locally produced rum. Enjoy a hike through rainforest and grass plains or unwind at a serene cove.

When To Go?

The Dominican Republic has a Tropical climate with an annual average temperature of 25°C. The weather differs between elevations with cooler breezes and temperatures of 18°C found in the hillsides and 28°C in the valleys and at the shoreline. January and February are the coldest months of the year with reports of snow on the peak of Pico Duarte. August is the warmest month of the year; travel in mid-September for steady temperatures and fewer crowds.

How To Get There? 

The Dominican Republic is served by 9 international and 6 domestic airports. Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP), La Romana International Airport (LRM) and Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) offer flights to European and American destinations. Fly from London Gatwick with British Airways into Gregorio Luperón International Airport; journeys from the UK take up to 11 hours with one stopover. Passengers can reach the cities and travel throughout the Dominican Republic on the metro rail service.

Must See

A trip to the Dominican Republic would not be complete without visiting the carnival towns of Santo Domingo, La Vega and Cabral. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the bars and clubs playing the meringue or try your luck at the blackjack table in one of the town’s casinos and sip stylish rum cocktails. For an authentic meal, sample traditional mangú and Sancocho, delicious food influenced by Spanish and African flavours.