The Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest European city in the Western Hemisphere, earning it the nickname of the “Cradle of the Americas.” Today, the streets of the old town, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, resonate with five centuries of Colonial tradition. History buffs know it as a place of firsts, boasting the first European-built cathedral, palace, monastery and fortress in the Americas. For many visitors, history is overshadowed by beaches.
The Dominican Republic boasts more than 250 miles of spectacular white-sand strands, including more Blue Flag beaches than any other destination in the Caribbean. Golfers tee off at championship courses while vacationers find relaxation in a stellar collection of all-inclusive beach resorts. Naturalists and hikers take to the cool pine-covered highlands, and intrepid trekkers make the multi-day ascent of Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s highest peak.
18,792 square miles (48,671 square kilometers)
10.8 million
809, 829, 849
Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC−04:00)
Santo Domingo
Right
Dominican Peso (DOP)
110V, 60Hz
Representative democracy
Spanish
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)
