Why visit Dominican Republic?
Let me give you 5 reasons.
1) Santo Domingo is oldest European city in the Americas. Much of the historic buildings are still around and they are very beautiful and interesting. Definitely worth visiting where Christopher Columbus landed... (Many of Santo Domingo's most notable landmarks are located within the Zona Colonial district of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. The Colonial Zone, bordered by the Río Ozama, also has an impressive collection of 16th century buildings, including palatial houses and majestic churches that reflect the architectural style of the late medieval period.)
2) Santiago is a very interesting city as well, with the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, a big building on top of a hill built to honor all the past. Construction of the monument began in 1944 on the orders of then-dictator Rafael Trujillo. He named it the "Trujillo's Monument to Peace", and was designed by architect Henry Gazón Bona. Trujillo was assassinated in 1961, after which the monument was renamed the "Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration", in remembrance of the Independence Restoration War of 1863, in which the Dominican Republic regained its independence from Spain.
3) Beautiful Beaches. Popular - Punta Cana -- the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. The area is best known for its beaches and balnearios, which face both the Caribbean and Atlantic, and it has been a popular tourist destination since the 1970s. The ocean waters are mainly shallows, with several natural marine pools in which visitors can bathe without any danger. Away from Tourists - Monte Cristi -- The northwest of the country, a sleepy town away from large cities with a unique sand dune and beautiful beaches. The beaches near the cliff face of the sand dune is pretty beyond description.
4) Great weather. 30 degrees in the day, 20 degrees at night... No snow.
5) Highlands to get away from it all. Waterfalls, Strawberry fields, Cherry Blossoms... Yep, its all there.
If you have not been to Santo Domingo, it is definitely worth a visit.
-- Robin Low
