The North Coast: Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete

Puerto Plata is one of the oldest cities in Dominican Republic, founded in 1496 by Bartolomé Colón, son of Christoper Columbus. The city spreads at the feet of the impressive mountain called Loma Isabel de Torres (where you can ride to the top on a cable car), and its recently restored malecón is a very pleasant place for a stroll by the sea. When in Puerto Plata, it is worthwile visiting the Amber Museum and the 16th century San Felipe Fortress, or maybe you prefer a trip to the Brugal distillery, where you´ll be offered the chance to taste their world class rhums.


The city has indeed a certain British colonial influence, and still preserves many of its old Victorian-style wooden houses. But it is probably better known in the world because of the nearby Playa Dorada beach tourist resort, which includes shops, restaurants and hotels all around a golf course.

Just a few miles away are the International Airport and the city of Sosua, which is also a tourist hotspot with a very peculiar history: During World War II, there was a thriving Jewish colony formed by refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, who were brought there by Dominican dictator Trujillo. There is still a synagogue, a Jewish museum and a flourishing food industry whose origins can be traced down to those determined and hardworking immigrants.

Near Sosua there is one of world's best spots for windsurf and kite surf, the miles long beach of Cabarete. Every year, a world contest of kitesurf and another one of windsurf are held here, and there are several schools where you can learn these sports.

Following the main seaside road towards the East we will arrive to Río San Juan, little coastal village that boasts one of the biggest and most famous beaches in the country: Playa Grande, together with other equally superbe but smaller and less known beaches. There are big hotels and agolf course in the area.

Río San Juan has yet another two natural wonders: the Gri-Gri lagoon. Its name is due to the mangroves that grow on its shores; and the Cabo Francés National Park.

If, instead of going East, we turn towards the West of Puerto Plata, following the coast line, we will se how the landscape changes, gradually becoming more arid and dry. The so called Línea Noroeste (northwest line), the area closest to the border with Haiti, is one of the hottest, driest regions of the country. Its capital, Montecristi is a tranquil provincian city, famous for its typical dish, the spicy goat stew called chivo liniero.