When you hear The Dominican Republic, most of us think of white sand and the bright blue sea of divine beauty. There is no wonder for that. This tropical island situated in the Caribbean Sea is a popular destination among beach resort fans. However, not many people know that the first Spanish colony was established on this island, having been discovered by Christopher Columbus himself in 1492. He called it “Paradise on Earth.” Here is my top 12 favourite photographs compilation that I have put together, which may inspire you to visit this unique and gorgeous island. But please, leave out the overcrowded Puta Cana right away. 

Isla Saona Beach with Palm

The most beautiful beach on the island Isla Saona

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Male of great frigatebird, whom we disturbed when he was nesting on the tops of mangroves

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Caribbean Cuba libre – and this is how you can spend an afternoon 🙂

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Boat trip around Play Dominicus never get tired

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Occasional evening rain showers could create unique sunsets

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View from boat to Playa Dominikus where is no any resort hotel yet.

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“Party catamaran” sailing towards the island – Isla Saona

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A tiny little island hidden among the mangroves is full of beautiful shells

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Like a Robinson Crusoe I am climbing on the palm tree on deserted beach 🙂

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Brown Pelicans are sitting on a piece of wood stuck.

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It is looks like sunset in paradise.

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Catedral Primada de América – the first Christian cathedral built in America. It is part of the beautiful colonial city of Santo Domingo.

They say that the most beautiful beaches can be found in the Dominican Republic. After hearing that, I decided I must see it with my own eyes. But the reality blew me away. Not only that these were the most beautiful beaches I had ever seen, but also, I was totally impressed by the locals’ warmth and hospitality. Rum is drunk like water there. If you are offered the Cuba Libre in a local variation, better turn down. According to local conventions, they mix cola and rum in a ratio of 1:2, respectively. And this version is served everywhere there.

tom_profilI would strongly recommend not to go to the city of Puta Cana for the local beaches. Especially, if you are not too fond of crowds of tourists and hawkers. The place is perhaps too popular among tourists and everybody travels there. Instead, I headed for the Playa Dominicus beach near the city of La Romana. I can confirm that it is calmer and you can have more privacy there.

When you get fed up with drinking rum and bathing in the bright blue sea after a while, you can arrange a trip to Isla Saona (Saona Island in Spanish). You might not believe me, but the things I said about the beaches in the beginning, stopped being valid the moment I landed on the island. Actually, that was the highlight of The Caribbean!

Palm tree alleys contouring the dazzling white sand beaches. Sunrays shimmering on the azure sea surface, and frigatebirds, the seabirds characterized by a red gular pouch, circling in the sky. That is what I call the perfect place for relaxing.

Would you like a bit of culture? The Dominican Republic offers many opportunities for culture vultures as well. The oldest cathedral in America, Catedral Primada de América, is located in the capital city Santo Domingo. In 1992, Christopher Columbus’ memorial called The Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón) was built there. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a lighthouse, even though its name says so. In actuality, it is a megalomaniac, concrete, cross-shaped building, with a museum inside of it. If you are not quite fond of having a sight of the concrete monster among your memories, I recommend to avoid it. In terms of design, it is a rather uninteresting modern building, looking tragic from both the inside and the outside.

Please, be patient with the locals. Try to understand that life there is much slower and less hectic than the one we are used to. If a waiter forgets about you, or they do not have your reservation in the hotel, or waiting for services takes too long, don’t hang your head. If I lived in such a country, I would take my time as well. Mañana, baby.