Columbus explored the Dominican Republic on his first voyage in 1492. He named it La Española, and his son Diego became its first viceroy. The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere.
The Dominican Republic has a colourful if not bloody past, having been squabbled over by the Spanish, French, Haitian’s, and Americans for much of its history. For many years this jewel in the Caribbean has suffered political, and economic turmoil.
The Dominican Republic's spectacular beaches, water sports, golf, fabulous nightlife, unique souvenir shopping, and world class casinos give tourists a fun filled vacation in the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic has the largest coastline in the Caribbean, with more than 800 miles of diverse ecological environments ranging from desert to tropical rainforest. The many gentle stretches of beach, strong surf, and powerful winds offer many holiday makers a chance to experience a large range of water sports like windsurfing, boogie boarding, and kiteboarding. Incredibly clear waters and a variety of colorful marine life also make it a favorite for snorkeling, fishing and scuba divers.
Golfers in the Dominican Republic will enjoy playing on world-class courses favored by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H. Bush as well as other luminaries.
With over two-dozen national parks, tourists to the Dominican Republic can go hiking and bird watching. Holiday Makers here in the Dominican Republic can try their luck at one of the many 24 Hour Casinos or dance the night away.
When you have soaked up enough sun, what better way to beat the heat than to go indoors - Shopping. The Dominican Republic has some amazing souvenirs for the holiday maker to take home.
Amber
There are three reasons why amber from the Dominican Republic is considered the most valuable of all amber. First, Dominican amber is 90 percent more transparent than amber found in the Baltic and other parts of the world.Second, the chances of finding an ancient insect in the hardened tree sap are 10 percent more likely than in other types of amber. The third reason involves color. While yellow amber is common in the Dominican Republic, additional colors can be found, including deep red and extremely rare smoky green and blue. Amber can be purchased as a collectable piece or in a variety of jewelry designs.
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Larimar
The only place on earth where the opaque blue semiprecious gem of larimar can be found is the west region of the Dominican Republic. The result of ancient volcanic activity, the stone is mainly blue with hints of green and white, while shades of brown, grey or red can be woven throughout. Larimar jewelry makes a wonderful and lasting souvenir.
Rum
While rum can be found throughout the Caribbean, the rum produced in the Dominican Republic is sweeter and heartier. This is a result of a more natural process of distillation and aging done using special American white oak kegs. The top three brands produced in the Dominican Republic are Bermudez, Brugal and Barcelo.
Cigars
The Dominican Republic is the largest producer of cigars in the world and its varieties are superior in quality, even to Cubans. Dominicans take exceptional pride in the careful cultivation and management of its tobacco plants, thereby producing distinctive tastes. Well known cigar brands include Romeo y Julieta, Leon Jimenez, Cojimar and Montecristo.
Mamajuana
For half a century, Dominicans have turned to Mamajuana as a liquid cure-all from flu and other ailments, in addition to serving as an aphrodisiac. Only a few families still create the concoction of natural herbs, spices, tree leaves and exotic tree stems mixed with honey, molasses and lemon juice and various alcohols such as rum and wine. Taking home a bottle of Mamajuana will definitely add color to travel stories.
Art
Colorful art in a variety of sizes and mediums can be found all over the Dominican Republic. The paintings often depict the Taino petroglyphs found in the hundreds of caves and the countryside views of mountains, sugarcane and coastline.
Presidente Beer
The ice cold taste of Santo Domingo-brewed Presidente beer is a memorable experience. While it is possible to find the refreshing pilsner brew back in the United States, the Dominican Republic version contains a higher alcohol content (six instead of five percent) and therefore, a different taste. Presidente is very popular with Dominicans and can be found in every part of the country.
Coffee Dominican coffee grows in six different regions of the country, resulting in several different levels of acidity, or taste. All coffee is 100 percent Arabica species. The beans are hand-picked and processed within 24 hours, ensuring freshness. Dominicans typically serve coffee black with a large pour of sugar in an espresso cup. Several brands of coffee can be found at resorts and shops.
Merengue Music
All throughout the country, the joyous sounds of merengue can be heard through the streets of the Dominican Republic's colorful towns. This is the country's national music and it gets the hips shaking and the feet moving. Tourists like to take the music home with them as it is difficult to forget the melodies once back on U.S. soil.
Bachata Music
When meringue isn't played, the rhythmic sound of bachata fills in the gaps. A few artists to seek out include the bachata sounds of Aventura and the rhythmic beat of Juan Luis Guerra.
Carnival Masks
The elaborate papier-mâché masks worn by Dominicans during their numerous festivals, celebrations and Carnival make a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Finding the masks can be more of a challenge outside of the Carnival towns of Santo Domingo, La Vega or Cabral, but they are definitely worth the hunt.
Communication is trouble-free because although Spanish is the official language, most employees in hotels and tourist spots speak English.
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