Dominican Republic, has there ever been a better definition of paradise than palm-fringed white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and rum-and-merengue-soaked nights? Santo Domingo offers architectural charm and historical gravitas, while the rugged mountain interior calls to adventure-seekers with world class rafting, trekking and wildlife-watching opportunities. Above all, it's the Dominicans themselves who make the DR tick, as fun-seekers throw themselves whole heartedly into all manner of neighbourhood parties, surfing and windsurfing contests, music festivals and not one but two annual Carnival celebrations.

Best time to visit

December to April.

Essential experiences

Discovering the New World in Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial; whale-watching on the Peninsula de Samana; windsurfing in Caberete, the DR's hippest beach town; hiking, rafting and bird-watching in the interior's mountainous national parks; taking part in a Dominican fiesta: one part rum, one part Presidente beer, one part sancocho and three parts dancing (salsa, merengue and the countrified bachata).

In a few words, the Dominican Republic is

Palm-lined beaches, plantains, merengue, rum, cigars that are better than but not as famous as those in Cuba and Sammy Sosa.

Did you know?

Dominicans are amazingly polite and tend to dress quite formally and they often refer to their island by its Taino name, Quisqueya.