Best Things To Do in La Romana

South of the mainland, Saona’s coral reefs, clear waters and powdery white ‘desert island’ beaches are some of the most idyllic in the Caribbean. Pirates once used the island to raid ships from in the 16th and 17th centuries; these days the only inhabited area is the village of Mano Juan, where locals work to protect the sea turtle population. There are stunning coral reefs for divers, and most trips include lunch and flowing cuba libre. Saona can be accessed by helicopter or boat from the Bayahibe boat launch area. The journey passes glorious coastline, sometimes stopping at the natural Palmilla swimming pool with its clear, waist deep waters inhabited by starfish. The diddy Catalinita islet is another stop off, though the ministry of tourism have recently put restrictions on visits.

Accessed from La Romana, this tiddly island is a diver’s dream. Pirates used it as a base to ambush Spanish ships going in and out of Santo Domingo, and the pirate shipwreck of Captain William Kidd is sunk just off shore. The island’s also surrounded by coral reefs, with the Wall being a fabulous snorkelling spot. There’s also a post-card perfect beach to relax on, and you might be able to persuade a tour guide to take you to a quieter beach on the other side.

La Romana’s baseball stadium, home to the Toros del Este. It’s within 30 minutes’ drive of most resorts and hotels, many of which run excursions or can order a taxi. Baseball season runs from mid-October to late January – Dominican’s are crazy about ball, and the atmosphere’s incredible.

The famous stone replica of 16th century Mediterranean village, Altos de Chavon is a popular wedding and day trip destination, with a fabulously arty feel to it. It was built in the seventies by a Paramount set designer and opened with a Frank Sinatra concert in 1982 – since then, numerous big name performers have graced the amphitheatre. Along the cobbled streets, you’ll find shops, restaurants, studios and galleries as well as an archaeological museum and the St. Stanislaus Church. The views of Rio Chavon are incredible. Though it’s part of the Casa de Campo resort, non-guests can book day tickets.

La Romana is one of the Dom Rep’s best beach destinations for day trips to the country’s capital, Santo Domingo, which can be reached in a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Visit the historic Zona Colonial – the first European settlement in the Americas, where you can see the New World’s first hospital, cathedral and university. There are museums, shops and parks galore and most excursions take you to all the main sites, including travel to and from La Romana.

Cigarphiles can tour the Tabacalera de Garcia factory, where fine Dominican brands like Romeo y Julieta and Montecristo are made. Watch the master rollers at work and buy souvenirs from the store. The factory is about 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre and within half an hour of most beach resorts. Other factories offering tours include La Flor Dominicana in La Estancia and the Tabacalera La Matilde

Half an hour’s drive west of La Romana city, the “cave of wonders” is a huge and fascinating cave, deep below the ground with hundreds of Taino paintings and engravings. Featuring well-lit paths, the tour takes around an hour to complete and shows glimpses of daily Taino life and their reaction to colonization. A number of operators provide transport and tours, but if you’ve hired a car it’s also easily reachable by the main road Autovia del Este.

Walk around the main square with its baseball player statues and or nab a bench and watch the world go by. There are some fabulous shops and cafes surrounding the park.

Experience Mother Nature’s beauty in the National Park of the East on a 3km trail passing flora, fauna and areas where the Taino Indians once lived. The route passes an ancient cave and natural pool.

Based on Washington DC’s George Washington monument, this smaller obelisk is covered in bright paintings of Taino Indians and modern day Dominicans.