All the clichés about the Dominican Republic are washed away when visitors discover Samaná. This peninsula located in the northeastern part of the country oozes character and authenticity – a natural paradise waiting to be explored away from massive tourism for a perfect getaway to Samana
What is it that makes visitors say that Samaná is the most beautiful place in the Dominican Republic? Well, in particular, an abundance of nature and the lifestyle of its unpretentious, hospitable and laid back locals.
All of the above and the highlights we reveal below:
• Los Haitises National Park
This national park alone makes the visit to Samaná worthwhile. Covering an area of approximately 600 square kilometres, the park is a paradise for bird colonies, in which nature displays beautiful biodiversity.
Los Haitises has it all, mangrove forests, tropical jungle and caves and coves and bays flanked by karst islets covered with dense vegetation. Boats from Samaná marina will take you to the national park, a natural spectacle that no visitor should miss out on a getaway to Samana.
• Cayo Levantado
This island sits just a few kilometres from Samaná Bay and is visited regularly by tourists on route to Los Haitises. Cayo Levantado is a small islet, which forms part of the national park, and offers visitors the possibility of enjoying some delicious fresh fish at the stalls next to the public beach. It’s also considered to be one of the most romantic spots in all of Samaná.
• El Limón Waterfall
This famous waterfall, one of the most photographed in the Caribbean and a must see in your getaway to Samana, is located in the interior of the Sierra de Samaná. The falls drop about 50 metres to form a natural pool that’s great for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Most tourists visit the waterfall on horseback, but you can also hike through the lush vegetation and get a closer look at flora and fauna in the area.
• Playa Rincón y Las Galeras
Just a little over half an hour from the capital of the province, Santa Bárbara de Samaná, crossing the sierra and the local coconut palm farms, you’ll find one of the most famous sandy beaches in all the Caribbean: Playa Rincón. The beach boasts several kilometres of pristine white sand beach peppered with palm and coconut trees to walk along, or you can kick back and relax in front of the ocean.
However, this is only one of the beautiful beaches in the northeastern part of Samaná peninsula, where the general reference is the old fishing village of Las Galeras. This place is perfect for nature lovers who can choose between hiking, snorkelling, fishing, or enjoying a quiet lunch at La Playita beach.
• Las Terrenas
Another old fishing village in the area that calls for a visit to enjoy the simplicity of everyday life in Samaná, and while you’re there you can shop for some crafts and sample the fish with coconut sauce, which is a typical dish in this region of the Dominican Republic.
• Santa Barbará de Samaná
The capital of the province is a laid back city surrounded by the picturesque Samaná Bay. Avenida de la Marina is notable for its brightly coloured wooden houses and is a regular meeting place for both locals and tourists.
La Churcha is the oldest building in Santa Barbara, which was originally built in the 18th century by African-Americans and remains a symbol of the city to this day.
• Whale Museum
Samaná is one of the most important whale sanctuaries in the world, every year whales flock here between January and March to mate and give birth, so it comes as no surprise that Santa Barbará also has a Whale Museum to promote the preservation of the species and the marine ecosystem. The principal attraction at the museum is the complete skeleton of a giant humpback whale.
