Las Terrenas Dominican Republic
Above :Las Terrenas is on the north of the Samana peninsula
Las Terrenas Dominican Republic is located on the North Coast of the Samana Peninsula and edged by the Atlantic ocean. The coastline features a blue and transparent sea, spangled with little islands (cayos), exuberant mountains and incredible flora.
The village is protected from the open sea by natural coral reefs and set apart by a mountain range that extends from Nagua to Samana.
Once a sleepy little fishing village, today it has morphed into perhaps the most popular destination on the Samana peninsula and it is a prime vacation destination for visitors to the Dominican Republic.
The transformation began in the late 1970s when Europeans began settling in the area. They came from a variety of countries including Spain, Germany, Italy and particularly France.
Las Terrenas Dominican Republic
The many cafes and oceanfront restaurants are fantastic for those who enjoy "people watching". Those who enjoy shopping could then head for the shops which offer a variety of arts and crafts, many of them unique handmade items unique to Las Terrenas.
The wide variety of restaurants provide excellent French cuisine and fresh seafood. [cont left]
This is one reason why it is referred to as the "Saint Tropez" of the Dominicans. Las Terrenas is away from the big tourist complexes, as is a subtle cocktail of preserved nature and genuine local life.
Whilst Las Terrenas was modernised it managed to retain the multicoloured houses of the villagers which resound to the rhythms of salsa and merengue.
The island's majestic terrain was described by Christopher Columbus as "the most beautiful land in the world," and today the Samana Peninsula is acknowledged as the jewel in the crown of the Dominican Republic.
Las Terrenas Dominican Republic [cont]
The weather
The temperature in Las Terrenas tends to be between 25 and 32 degrees all year long. This enviable climate means that there there is only a few degrees difference in temperature between winter and summer.
The trade winds are a feature of this area as is the warm temperature of the sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean. Occasionally in winter a "Northeaster" blows in from the North American continent, but you will not need to "wrap up warm" when it does!
There is no obvious "rainy season" in Las Terrenas Dominican Republic.
Las Terrenas Beaches
dominican republic map Las Terrenas has an extensive, shallow and beautiful beach, with crystalline waters and golden sand. Most of the time the beach is fairly free of significant waves however it does feature some snorkeling and stunning multicolor sunsets.
The beach itself is lined with tall palms and pastel-colored wooden fishing boats.
As well as Las Terrenas beach you have many other choices of beach: playa Popy, playa Las Ballenas, playa Bonita and playa Coson, to name a few.
Las Terrenas Dominican Republic [cont]
Getting There
This area was quite difficult to get to in the past and in some regards Las Terrenas Dominican Republic was, until recently, fairly isolated from the rest of the country.
By air
By plane Portillo Airport used to be the only real option for those wishing to land close to Las Terrenas Dominican Republic. This airport is primarily used for internal flights although there was some charter service. It is located only a 5 minute drive from the village.
In November 2006 however the region was really opened up by the Samana El Catey International Airport. El Catey also is open for international flights, mainly used for connections in Europe and Canada.
The airport is located near the village of El Catey, 8 km (5 miles) west of Sanchez, at the base of the mountainous peninsula Cape Samana. Local travel time is only 30 minutes drive to Las Terrenas.
If you are flying internally in the DR the flight to Samana from Las Americas [Santo Domingo], La Romana or Punta Cana is between 30 to 45 minutes.
Arriving by car
Las Terrenas must be accessed by one of two mountain roads. If you are coming from the west, you would turn left after the town of Sanchez. If you are arriving from the east, you would drive through Samana, and turn right on the road towards El Limon and El Portillo.
Once you are on either road it will take another 30-45 minutes to reach the town of Las Terrenas.
Since the new highway between Santo Domingo and Samana was completed, people from the capital can make the a 2 journey to Las Terrenas.
Las Terrenas Dominican Republic [cont]
Above: Las Terrenas beach
Activities and Excursions
Visitors to Las Terrenas have no shortage of things to do. If you going between about January and early April whale watching is very popular. Click here for more on the humpback whale.
Activity-wise, you can enjoy watersports like snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
The 4-wheel drive and horseback riding trips are popular because they allow you to see otherwise non-accessible areas of beauty.
Las Terrenas Dominican Republic
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