La Romana, Punta Cana

La Romana is the capital of the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, a small city just 45 minutes away from Punta Cana by car that is inhabited by close to 140,000 people. Its economy is based on tourism, industry and commerce, which has made it the second city in the country when it comes to economic wealth, and the third in terms of resources. 

There is no shortage of reasons for visiting this region, where history, paradisiacal beaches, adventure and relaxation go hand-in-hand, wrapped up in a tropical jungle that you’ll be anxious to return to, after your trip is over.

What to see during your visit

La Romana is one of the main meeting points for tourists. The architecture of its buildings highlights the evolution from the more typical Victorian style to its European influence, where the romantic and Gothic architecture gave way to a Mediterranean style that is reflected in the high towers that stand throughout the city. 

This architectural wealth is highlighted in the area of Altos de Chavón, a Mediterranean-style village from the 15th century. At the top of a rocky plateau we find this dreamy village where its visitors can enjoy stunning views of the horizon where the Chavón River and the Caribbean Sea take centre stage.

The local Archaeological Museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in La Romana. Its more than 3,000 objects, some of which are more than 5,000 years old, provide an excellent snapshot of the history of this island, which owes its name to an ancient Roman scale that was used in the 16th century to weigh merchandise that arrived at its port. 

The third stop, without question, must be the Church of San Estanislao. Its architecture is some of the most beautiful in the entire Dominican Republic and inside it houses a collection of ancient relics delivered by Pope John Paul II in 1979. Currently, it is well-known throughout the world for the many celebrities who have gotten married here.

Juan Ponce de León y Figueroa was a Spanish explorer and conqueror who became the first ruler of Puerto Rico and who discovered Florida. The Ponce de León Museum is located in San Rafael del Yuma,  a building he built and that served as his home and that preserves many of the household items and artefacts. If you’re interested in soaking up the origins and history of this region, this pit-stop is mandatory during your trip.

And if you like baseball, you should know that this popular sport in the United States has thousands of fans in the Dominican Republic. So much so, that La Romana has its own team, the Toros del Este. This fun plan is the perfect way to end a day spent exploring. 

For sports enthusiasts 

The beaches in La Romana are one of the best places for diving in Punta Cana. Spectacular coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, tropical fish and even shipwrecks make for the best underwater scenery. Whether you’re an expert in this sport or just want to try it for the first time, in these calm waters you’ll be able to discover unimaginable sights and enjoy a fun and safe diving experience.

The most expert divers can find the adventure they’re looking for in the El Chico cave. Thanks to its structure, it has rooms of different shapes and sizes where stalactites and stalagmites are the protagonists. Excitement is guaranteed when you enter these crystalline waters, who transparency will allow you to truly enjoy this underwater maze.

If you prefer to play golf in Punta Cana, you should know that the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic has some of the best golf courses in the world, some of which were designed by the Dye Family dynasty. The idyllic area surrounding these golf courses will make your experience here playing golf truly memorable.

Don’t miss Bayahibe

The paradisiacal beaches near La Romana are one of the most outstanding tourist attractions on the Caribbean coast. Just 30 minutes by car is Bayahibe. This town has all the main attractions for those who are visiting the Dominican Republic and are looking to enjoy its tropical environments with palm trees and fine white sand, water sports and tourism in the middle of nature. 

Within this town and its privileged location is Playa Bayahibe. This beach, given the same name as the town, offers white sand, very warm and shallow waters, and lush vegetation overcome with coconut trees. Headings towards the south you’ll find the port, from where you can book tours that will take you to discover Saona Island and Catalina Island.

6 kilometres south of Bayahibe is Playa Dominicus, very popular throughout the region. Its warm and transparent waters are ideal for those starting out in diving, since it has a coral reef that can be seen from the shore and that makes for the perfect place to discover the marine life of the Caribbean. 

Bayahibe and part of the La Romana region are located in the National Park of the East, a protected environment that is home to 112 bird species, 8 of which are endemic to the Dominican Republic and 11 that are native to the Caribbean. During your visit, you can enter its caves and discover the country’s rock art.  

Already know what you want to see first when you come to La Romana?