Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, east of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It has always been one of the favourite destinations for Italians to spend a few days of relaxation when the winter months become truly unbearable. It offers many solutions for a stay that is sure to remain unforgettable for the colours of the sky and the sea, the warm wind that blows through the palm trees at sunset and the possibility of excursions in the surrounding area.
Rich in history, museums and monuments, this city is also the obligatory starting point for those who want to reach the most secret corners of the island.
Travel information: useful info
Inhabitants: 965,040
Capital: Santo Domingo
Languages: Spanish, widespread English
Local currency: Pesos (€1.00 = Pesos55.00)
Climate: tropical.
Vaccinations: no vaccination required
Entry requirements: a valid passport is required. No visa is required for stays of less than 30 days.
Distance from Italy: 80,036 km and 13 hours flight time
Location
Santo Domingo is located on the island of Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean, and shares its borders with Haiti. Its south-facing coasts are washed by the Caribbean Sea and to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, and its geographical location strongly influences both its climate and economy. The warm waters, pleasant year-round temperatures and the coral reef that protects it, favour virtually constant tourism, but the hurricanes that systematically strike the area, create extensive damage to both buildings and the landscape. Santo Domingo was Columbus' first port of call and has always been a crossroads of routes and trade as well as the site of furious battles by pirates, privateers and buccaneers.
SEE ALSO: When to go to the Caribbean: climate, best time and months to avoid
How to get there
From Milan or Rome: the best flights to Las Americas airport are charters organised by various tour operators, which offer all-inclusive packages and departures from major Italian cities. If you want to organise a holiday in freedom, Neos connects Milan with direct flights of 12 hours, while from Rome you can opt for Air Europa with a stopover in Madrid for a flight of around 13 hours.
Compare flights from Rome or Milan - from €453.00From themain European capitals: from London you can arrive with Delta with a stopover in New York in 13 hours, from Madrid Iberia and Air Europa are connected with direct flights of 8 hours and from Paris always Air Europa with a stopover in Madrid for about 14 hours.
Compare flights to Santo Domingo - from €463.00
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Rainfall (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 20/ 29° | 8 days/ 65 mm |
February | 20/ 29° | 6 days / 55 mm |
March | 20 / 30° | 6 days / 55 mm |
April | 21 / 30° | 7 days / 70 mm |
May | 22 / 30° | 11 days / 190 mm |
June | 23 / 31° | 10 days / 140 mm |
July | 23 / 31° | 11 days / 145 mm |
August | 23 / 32° | 12 days / 175 mm |
September | 23 / 31° | 12 days / 180 mm |
October | 22 / 31° | 13 days / 185 mm |
November | 21 / 30° | 9 days / 100 mm |
December | 20 / 30° | 9 days / 85 mm |
Climate: the climate is tropical and hot all year round, with a sultry and rainy season from May to October, and a dry season from November to April. Humidity averages 72% and rainfall, always stormy, occurs frequently from May to October. The hurricane season runs from June to December and the highest risk of a hurricane warning is from August to October.
Best time: The best time to visit the island, like the entire Caribbean area, is from December to April, being the least hot and least rainy. The temperature of the sea water is always pleasantly warm.
Period to avoid: in August, September and October the whole Caribbean area is constantly on hurricane alert, which vary in power and trajectory according to the winds.
Advice: given the lack of adequate hygiene services, overcrowding, lack of resources and pollution around the capital, the health situation is problematic. Vaccinations are not necessary, but disease outbreaks often occur. It is a good idea to be very careful what you eat or drink and to carry all the medicines you need for your illnesses when travelling, as they are difficult to obtain on the island. Hospitals are inadequate and even private clinics are not very reliable. It is advisable to take out health insurance before leaving, which also guarantees repatriation if necessary. Pack disinfectants, protective creams, light cotton clothing and a hat.
What to see: beaches and places of interest
Tres Ojos National Park: is a complex of caves and lagoons in a natural park about 8 km from the capital. Not very big but impressive for the bright colours of the waters and the lush vegetation. It can be visited by boat.
Alcazar de Colon: A colonial palace from 1512 in perfectly preserved Gothic style. The residence of Diego Columbus, Christopher's son, it now houses a museum of works dating back to the 16th century.
Catedral Primada de America: built between 1510 and 1540 in Gothic style, it is the first cathedral in the New World. The remains of Christopher Columbus were found here in the 19th century.
Ozama Fortress: a military building dating back to 1508 with an 18-metre fortified tower. It served as a defence against pirate attacks and was later used as a warehouse.
Colon Lighthouse: at the centre of the Mirador del Este park, it is a 230 metre long and 70 metre wide monument dedicated to Columbus in the shape of a cross. It is also worth visiting for the wonderful view.
Botanical Garden: it is the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean and Central America, in 2 square kilometres you can admire thousands of birds, aquatic plants, ferns, medicinal and aromatic plants, palms, exotic cacti and orchids. The visit can be done on foot or on board a small train.
Barcelò Rum Factory: Those who love rum and want to learn more about this spectacular distillate made from the agave can go to the Barcelò factory for a guided tour and to make purchases.
Boutique del Fumador: if you are interested in cigars and their production process, you can go near Parque Colon to this small factory where you can also buy them.
Boca Chica: this is the beach closest to the capital. The water is very shallow, ideal for children, and there are also many beach bars and restaurants here, as well as the classic all-inclusive resorts.
Playa Caribe: a beautiful beach about 50 km from the city. Its shape resembles that of a crescent moon and, given its location, there are always beautiful waves. In fact, it is mainly frequented by surfers and bodyboarders.
Punta Cana, Bayahibe and other beaches: from Santo Domingo it is possible to reach almost all of the country's most touristy beaches, such as Punta Cana, Bayahibe, Playa El Caleton (La Romana), Isla Saona, Bahia de las Aguilas in Cabo Rojo, Playa Sosua in El Mirador and others. Discover the most beautiful ones here
What to do in Santo Domingo: excursions and tours
Entertainment and Nightlife: Movida Venues
Santo Domingo is considered one of the liveliest places in the Caribbean. In addition to the beaches, those who want to network with the locals and have fun late into the night should definitely frequent the pubs, clubs, and nightclubs along the Malecón (the waterfront).
Santo Domingo is also a popular destination for adult entertainment. The district to mark in your mind is Gazcue: here you will find the best pubs such as the Golden Legs Club or Casa Theresa.
How much does a holiday in Santo Domingo cost? Prices, offers and tips
Santo Domingo, like the whole island of the Dominican Republic, is one of the favourite destinations for those who want to go on an all-inclusive beach holiday pampered by the services of good facilities. Obviously, it is a destination that can also be organised independently, but the competitive prices of specialised tour operators such as Eden, Alpitour, Dominicana and Bluvacanze allow for a very wide and stress-free choice.
In the best period for a stay, from December to April, Eden offers 3-star resorts from €2614.00 in double occupancy including flight and transfer. Bluvacanze sells the 4-star from €2840.00 in double occupancy with flight and transfer. For children under the age of 12, a discount ranging from 20% to 50% is normally applied. If you want to rent a car, it is possible to do so in Santo Domingo as well as in some affiliated resorts with prices ranging from €30.00 to €40.00 per day, but keep in mind that road conditions and traffic make driving very challenging. Local agencies also offer guided tours in Italian.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €55.00 per room - see offers
Low cost flights: from €558.00 - look at the offers
