Dominicana - The Pearl of the Caribbean Sea
The Dominican Republic is fantastic people, an extraordinary history and modern resorts on azure coasts neighbouring primitive villages where you will discover the secrets of the local culture. It’s where everyone will answer the question “Vamos a la playa?” (Are we going to the beach?) with a resounding “YES!”.
The Dominican Republic – The Pearl of the Caribbean (by http2007)
Dominican Republic – its place in the world
The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean Sea after Cuba. It occupies the larger part of the island of Hispaniola, sharing it with Haiti. Although the histories of these two countries have common beginnings, they have developed in very different ways . As a result Hispaniola is inhabited by two separate, often hostile nations. The Dominican Republic and its splendid island neighbours Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the archipelago of the Lesser Antilles, constitute the truly heavenly, exotic and world-famous region known as the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic – history and culture
Before the Spanish appeared in 1492, the island was inhabited by the Taino and Carib “Amerindian” tribes, the latter giving the Caribbean heaven its name. The history of the Dominican Republic has been very turbulent, with violence, slavery and ruthless dictatorships. Throughout the centuries, Spanish and French settlers, as well as African slaves, have set foot on the island. Having survived a period of unrest , the local culture has become a true mosaic of beliefs, customs and rituals. The local traditions have blended with Spanish, African and American influences.
Natural Conditions
As many as 8 mountain ranges are located on the island, including the highest peak in the Caribbean – Pico Duarte at 1375 m. You can admire the charms of the flora and fauna in the splendid national parks of the Cordillera Central range. Here where springs the source of the longest river on the island, Yaque del Norte. Particularly enchanting are the coasts of the Dominican Republic, overgrown with thick mangrove forests, whose tangled submerged roots offer safe haven for exotic herons and pelicans. A rare curiosity - whales - sometimes appear in the Samana gulf.
The heavenly landscapes of the Dominican Republic (by itsallaboutmich )
Tourist attractions in the Dominican Republic
For many years now, the Dominican Republic has been among the top Caribbean holiday destinations, and is famous, first and foremost, for its splendid beaches. Just the name of one of the regions – the Coconut Coast – typically evokes the image of turquoise waters washing golden sands ... branches of palm fronds bowing, swaying, under the weight of juice-filled nuts. The Amber Coast is equally enchanting in name and nature. Many fine resorts, like Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, nestle close to the beaches, offering hotel complexes with splendid facilities. Apart from lazing about on the beach, you can take part in more - or less - demanding activities such as diving, windsurfing and golf. It’s also a good idea to sample the big-city lifestyle in the historic capital – the 500-year-old Santo Domingo – the first European settlement and oldest city in the Americas.
The reason the Dominican Republic is so popular on the tourist market is not only the picturesque beaches and eternally beautiful weather. Of no small importance are the innate hospitality, openness and friendliness of the native Dominicans. The local folk have incredible joie the vivre, which they try to “pass on” to visitors.
A Dominican resort (by weskroesbergen)
Dominican cuisine
The Dominican cooking is as varied as the culture of the country, with flavours originating from Spain and Africa and beyond. Local dishes reign supreme in the street eateries, while menus in the luxury hotels tend to be dominated by European fare, with some gentle exotic influences. Meals can be accompanied by delicious strong coffee, famously fresh fruit juice and celebrated Caribbean cocktails.