La Romana and Bayahibe

Towards the East of Santo Domingo, and about two hours away on an almost deserted highway, one can find the city of La Romana, which is also a very important tourist pole.

The city has been prosperous for a long time. Initially, it was due to the sugar industry, where the Central Romana Company was the owner of the country's biggest sugar mill, and immense sugar cane fields. Later, during the 70s, part of the cultivated areas became one of the most luxurious residential and leisure resorts in the world: Casa de Campo, home of many celebrities such as singer Julio Iglesias and fashion designer Óscar de la Renta. There are a marina and sports harbor, several golf courses, luxury shops and private beaches.


On the top of a hill near Casa de Campo you can find a picturesque place, imitating a mediterranean village: it is called Altos de Chavón. It is actually both home and school of artists, and boasts an open air amphitheater for 4000 people, which has witnessed many international artists performing there: Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra, Joaquín Sabina...


Bayahibe

Bayahibe is a little fishermen's village famous for its seaside views from the beach, although the beach itself is very small. Nearby Dominicus Beach, has a much better zoning and has long, beautiful beaches of soft, white sand.

Boats depart every day from Bayahibe with destination Saona island and Catalina island, two spectacular, "postcard" islands that are part of a National Park and where you can spend the day and swim or dive into their turquoise blue waters.