TOWNS ALONG THE NORTH COAST (from west to east)
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LUPERON:
A port town of approximately 20,000 inhabitants, is located in a large bay, approximately 50 km west of Puerto Plata. It is predominantly known for its marina, Puerto Blanca Marina, located on the outskirts of town and is considered to be the safest harbor in the Dominican Republic. The earliest foreign residents were predominantly Belgian and Swiss and there is a small development of good quality housing in the area of El Castillo, with its beautiful, tranquil beaches.
COFRESI
Located on a beautiful bay approximately 10 km west of Puerto Plata, is Cofresi. One of the area's major attractions is the Ocean World Marine & Water Park with its much loved dolphin encounter.
COSTAMBAR
Many locals enjoy the golf course at Costambar as well as the lovely beach and lively restaurants. Costambar embodies the rustic nature of much of the DR. A day in Costambar is always a good day,
PUERTO PLATA
Puerto Plata has a somewhat faded glory with its Victorian gingerbread-like mansions from the late 1800's located in the older part of the city and its many parks and cafes offering Dominican specialties. Many visit the city to see the historic fort, Fuerte de San Felipe. There is a 2 km boardwalk, or Malecón, lined with typical Dominican restaurants, where you can take a walk and enjoy views of the port and the Atlantic Ocean. Above the town sits Mount Isabel de Torres, accessible by a cable car which affords spectacular views of the city and coastline and the surrounding botanical gardens
SANTIAGO
This is the second largest city in the DR hosting a population that is rapidly approaching the 1 million mark. Santiago is a major commercial centre and can find lively night life, great shopping centres, numerous cultural activities and much more…So please don't leave Santiago, la Ciudad Corazón (The Heart City) of the Dominican Republic, without visiting the many ancient monuments, churches and other cultural icons it has to offer
SOSUA
Sosua offers several excellent sandy beaches, including Playa de Sosúa, Playa Chiquita and La Playita. This small town is situated around a large bay. The nightlife is fun and exciting, especially for such a relatively small town. The beach, Playa de Sosúa, has good water-sports facilities and consists of an unbroken line of small shops selling souvenirs, snacks, drinks etc.
A centre of commerce, Sosúa has ease of living for most Expats looking for a centre with shops, banks, supermarkets, pharmacies and day-to-day necessities. For families, some of the best schools are available close by.
CABARETE
Cabarete is a small Caribbean town nestled some 12 kilometers from Sosúa. The town, with its beachside bars, restaurants and hotels, appeals to all ages but comes to life in the evening as one of the 'hottest' destinations in the Caribbean. It can also boast some of the finest soft white sand beaches on the north coast and is as friendly and welcoming as it can be. This is home to the kite and wind surfers, but offers scuba diving, quad and mountain biking or just sun worshipping on one of the best beaches on the north shore.
RIO SAN JUAN
This is an up and coming fishing and farming town with a few hotels and beautiful beaches, as well as the Gri Gri Lagoon, where you can take a boat tour to see the unusual rock formations and magnificent mangrove trees.
PLAYA GRANDE AND CABRERA
Playa Grande offers one of the most beautiful beaches in the DR and many of us love to spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying lobster right on the beach. Playa Grande Golf Course must be played to be believed with its oceanside holes and outstanding views. Cabrera is a lovely little town and very popular with those who like a quieter pace of life and a natural environment.
LAS TERRENAS
Located approximately 245 km east of Puerto Plata, must be accessed by one of two mountain roads. Upon arrival in Las Terrenas, you'll be awed with the calmness of the area and the beautiful white sand beach lined with tall palms and pastel-colored wooden fishing boats. The next thing you may notice is its Mediterranean-influenced atmosphere. There are plenty of cafés and oceanfront restaurants where people can be found sipping wine over long, leisurely lunches, or having a mid-day break over a café latte. Shops there offer a variety of arts and crafts, many of them unique handmade items that can be difficult to find elsewhere in the Dominican Republic.
SAMANA
Samana is a destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Green, green mountains, long beaches, solitude, lively little towns in between, turquoise waters. Samana is also a romantic destination, and several of its small hotels are perfect for honeymooners. It is also a good choice for experienced scuba divers. The place to stay if whale-watching is high on your agenda. It is the place to sit on a porch or in the shade of a palm tree, sipping something cool and discovering the rare feeling of being happy just being alive.