La Romana & Bayahíbe

La Romana

The fourth largest city in the country (approx. 140,000 inhabitants) is the sugarcane center of the Dominican Republic and the location of the legendary Casa de Campo — one of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean (7,000 hectares, 3 golf courses, polo club, private airport). La Romana itself is an authentic Dominican working town without tourist glamour, but with real flair: colorful houses, loud colmados, merengue on the street.

In the city, a visit to the Mercado Municipal is worthwhile — a lively market with tropical fruits, spices, and fresh fish. The real Dominican Republic experience.

Bayahíbe

The former fishing village (30 km east of La Romana) has developed into the starting point for boat tours to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. The village center is still charming: colorful fishing boats on the beach, small restaurants with fresh fish, a relaxed atmosphere. The Playa Dominicus next door is lined with resorts, but the public beach of Bayahíbe still belongs to the locals.

Bayahíbe is also the best starting point for diving — the underwater world in Parque Nacional del Este is among the best in the Caribbean.