La Romana is a coastal city in the Dominican Republic, located in the southeastern part of the country on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, approximately 110 km east of Santo Domingo, the capital.
It is a city known for its beautiful beaches, sugar industry, port, and nearby tourist attractions such as Casa de Campo—a luxurious golf resort—the famous Altos de Chavón, a Mediterranean-style village, and Saona Island.
Its humid tropical climate, spectacular cuisine, friendly people, numerous attractions, and wide variety of recreational options, among other things, make La Romana an appealing vacation destination for tourists visiting the Dominican Republic.
What to See in La Romana
La Romana, located about 45 minutes from Punta Cana in the southeastern part of the island, is one of the most attractive and spectacular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, thanks to the wide variety of activities available to visitors and the many places to explore.
Here are some of the best things to do for visitors to this city:
Beaches and Nature
La Romana is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, with turquoise waters and white sand:
- SAONA ISLAND: One of the most popular attractions in the Dominican Republic, a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and white sand, ideal for catamaran excursions and for those seeking nature, tranquility, and breathtaking scenery.
- CATALINA ISLAND: Known for its white-sand beaches and abundant marine life, it’s perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, where you can spot a wide variety of marine species and stunning coral reefs. It’s a less crowded destination than Saona Island, but just as idyllic.
- BAYAHÍBE BEACH: This is one of the most popular beaches, with crystal-clear waters, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent beachfront restaurants. It’s a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- CAVE OF WONDERS: Located between San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana, it is famous for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as for its Taíno petroglyphs, which are more than 500 years old.
- LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARK: Known for its mangroves, rivers, and bays. This place is home to a wide variety of bird and mammal species. It also features caves that contain pre-Columbian rock art.
Culture and Entertainment
If you’re looking for a combination of beach, adventure, and culture, La Romana is an ideal destination to visit:
- ALTOS DE CHAVÓN: A miniature Mediterranean village, located on a hilltop with breathtaking views of the Chavón River. Altos de Chavón is famous for:
- its unique architecture, which blends European and Caribbean styles. It features an open-air amphitheater with a capacity of about 5,000 people and a stunning stage where concerts and cultural events are held.
- It features a wide variety of shops, art galleries, and the Regional Archaeological Museum.
- CASA DE CAMPO RESORT & VILLAS: An exclusive resort featuring three spectacular, world-class golf courses. It also boasts a marina, facilities for other sports—including tennis, polo, and horseback riding—and luxury restaurants.
Activities and Sports
La Romana is the ideal vacation destination for those looking to enjoy activities such as golf, scuba diving, snorkeling, or boat rides. So be sure to visit:
- GOLF AT TEETH OF THE DOG: Considered one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean.
- CATALINA ISLAND AND BAYAHÍBE REEFS: One of the best places for diving and snorkeling.
- THE CHAVÓN RIVER: An ideal and picturesque spot for lovely boat rides along this beautiful river.
Local Cuisine
In La Romana, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants (La Casita, El Taquito Mexicano, Onno’s Altos de Chavón, El Castillo…), where you can enjoy its delicious and diverse cuisine, which combines Caribbean, Spanish, and African flavors.
Some of the typical dishes of Dominican cuisine include
- Sancocho: A thick stew that combines various meats (often seven different kinds) with root vegetables such as cassava, yams, and green plantains, all seasoned with local herbs and spices.
- The Dominican Flag: A national dish made with white rice, stewed beans, stewed meat (beef, chicken, or pork), and a side of salad or fried plantains.
- Fish with Coconut: Fresh fish cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce, typical of coastal regions.
- Mofongo: Fried and mashed green plantains mixed with chicharrón (fried pork) and garlic, shaped into a sort of ball and served with broth or sauce.
Its beaches, people, cuisine, and cultural attractions, among other things, make La Romana in the Dominican Republic a must-visit tourist destination.
