The Dominican Republic belongs to the Greater Antilles. Is located on the island of Hispaniola. The island is divided between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, with the Dominican Republic having ca. Takes up 2 thirds of the area.
The Dominican Republic is largely mountainous. Relatively flat are only the east of the island. A wide longitudinal valley in the north. 31.5% of the state's land area belongs to various nature reserves. The dream of miles of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear, tropically warm sea and hot Caribbean rhythms is dreamed with eyes wide open in the Dominican Republic. Whether it's the unique nature of the Samaná Peninsula, the sporting challenges and vibrant nightlife of the north coast, or the picture-book beaches around Punta Cana – the Dominican Republic offers the perfect Caribbean experience for every conceivable taste.
The Dominican Republic has 1,600 kilometers of coastline, the east-west extension is 320 kilometers, and that from south to north is about 240 kilometers. The southeast coast is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise sea. A long coral reef acts as a natural surf protection on this coastline. Especially the almost 50 km long bay of Playa Bavaro is an attraction for tourists from all over the world because of its picturesque atmosphere.
No visitor to the Dominican Republic should miss the lively city of Santo Domingo, the first European city in the Americas. The first cathedral was built here, the first governor resided here, the first bishop was consecrated here, and the first hospital opened here. In 1990, the historic Old Town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Pico Duarte is the highest point in the Caribbean at 3,117 meters above sea level. It is located in the Cordillera Central mountain range. The longest and most important rivers of Hispaniola rise in it: the Río Yaque del Norte, the Río Yaque del Sur and the Río Yuna.
Samaná Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can see the whale calves with their mothers up close. Every year from January to the end of March, almost the entire humpback whale population of the North Atlantic Ocean gathers in its waters. In these warm and protected coastal waters the mating as well as the birth of the whale calves takes place.
The southwest of the Dominican Republic is still very untouched. Here you can experience the diversity of the country in its origin. You will find, among other things, the largest salt lake in the Caribbean, Lago Enriquillo, flora and bird life in the cloud forest Cachote, national parks and one of the most beautiful and longest natural beaches in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is an exceptionally scenic island and is perfect to travel and discover on your own.