Travel and holiday in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Samaná, white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts
Craving immaculate white sand, turquoise waters, dream all-inclusive resorts and tropical nature in absolute abundance in the Caribbean?
The Dominican Republic, a jewel of the Caribbean Sea sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, captivates with its striking contrasts — the endless beaches of Punta Cana, the wild landscapes of the Samaná Peninsula, the lush green hills of Las Terrenas, and the colonial capital of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best time to visit the Dominican Republic runs from December to April, during the dry season, with constant sunshine, calm seas and ideal temperatures around 28–31°C—perfect for diving, water sports and long beach days.
Voyages Flammang will help you design a tailor-made trip to the Dominican Republic, from all-inclusive hotel resorts in Punta Cana to nature getaways in Samaná, fully adapted to your budget and your wishes from Luxembourg.
Why go to the Dominican Republic?
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, international-standard resorts, unspoiled nature, turquoise seas and Creole cuisine: the Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s most complete and accessible destinations. Each region offers a radically different experience, from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo.
Discover our best offers for your holiday in the Dominican Republic
Ready to discover the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches and the Dominican Republic’s dream resorts?
We have selected for you our most popular holidays in the Dominican Republic, designed to meet every desire: all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, romantic breaks in Samaná, cultural discoveries in Santo Domingo or nature immersions in Las Terrenas.
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable seaside stay, a honeymoon on the Caribbean coast, a nature adventure in the Dominican jungle or a cultural getaway in the Zona Colonial, each trip can be fully customized to suit your dates and your budget.
Choose your package; we’ll create for you a tailor-made trip to the Dominican Republic, turnkey.
When to go to the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic enjoys a pleasant tropical climate year-round, but the rainy and hurricane season (May–November) means you should choose your travel period carefully to make the most of the island.
December to April – Dry season, the best time to go
This is the peak tourist season. Plenty of sunshine, ideal temperatures (28–31°C), calm, crystal-clear seas. From January to March, it’s also the season for humpback whales in Samaná—an exceptional natural spectacle. Expect lively resorts and higher prices.
May to November – Wet season and hurricane risk
Heat and humidity rise, with often heavy downpours. The risk of hurricanes is real from June to October, peaking in August–September. Hotel rates drop significantly and the island is less crowded. November marks the transition to the dry season.
Our recommendation
Choose January to March for perfect weather and the whales in Samaná. November and December offer a good compromise. For tighter budgets, April and May remain attractive before the rains.
Santo Domingo / Punta Cana
| Jan | Feb | March | April | Mai | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our opinion | ||||||||||||
| Season | ||||||||||||
| Tourist peak | ||||||||||||
| T° max | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 33°C | 33°C | 33°C | 33°C | 33°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C |
| Rainy days | 5 d | 4 d | 5 d | 7 d | 10 d | 11 d | 10 d | 12 d | 14 d | 13 d | 8 d | 6 d |
| T° sea | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C |
| Beach | ||||||||||||
| Diving | ||||||||||||
| Hiking |
Where to go in the Dominican Republic? Must-see destinations
Punta Cana – dream beaches and all-inclusive resorts
Punta Cana is the Dominican Republic’s flagship destination, renowned worldwide for its white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms and its turquoise waters of absolute purity. Bávaro Beach, regularly awarded among the most beautiful in the Caribbean, and its dozens of international-standard all-inclusive resorts attract millions of visitors every year.
Ideal for:
- international-standard all-inclusive resorts
- Bávaro and Playa Blanca beaches
- water sports and snorkeling
Not to be missed:
- the natural lagoon of Hoyo Azul
- an excursion to Saona Island (national park)
- a sunset catamaran cruise
Samaná – whales, waterfalls and unspoiled nature
The Samaná Peninsula is the wildest and most authentic part of the Dominican Republic. From January to March, thousands of humpback whales come to breed in the bay—an unparalleled natural spectacle. The El Limón waterfall, reachable on horseback through the jungle, the secluded beach of Playa Rincón and the island of Cayo Levantado round out a picture of exceptional beauty.
Perfect for:
- humpback whale watching (Jan–Mar)
- wild beaches and unspoiled coves
- hikes and waterfalls in the jungle
Must-do experiences:
- a boat trip to spot the whales
- horseback riding excursion to El Limón Waterfall
- Playa Rincón beach (world top 10)
Las Terrenas – the bohemian secret of the northeast
On the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula, Las Terrenas captivates with its laid-back atmosphere, a unique blend of Dominican, French, and Italian cultures. Its fine-sand beaches (Playa Bonita, Playa Las Ballenas), ever-present coconut palms, unexpected gourmet restaurants, and authentic village life make it a popular destination for travelers in search of something different.
Ideal for:
- a bohemian and cosmopolitan atmosphere
- wild, uncrowded beaches
- Franco-Dominican cuisine
To discover:
- Playa Bonita and Playa Las Ballenas
- local market and beach restaurants
- excursion to El Limón Waterfalls
Santo Domingo – colonial capital and UNESCO heritage
Santo Domingo, founded in 1498, is the oldest European city on the American continent. Its Zona Colonial, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the first cathedral in the Americas (Catedral de Santa María la Menor), the Alcázar de Colón, and dozens of historic monuments. The Malecón, museums, and markets bring a vibrant, authentic capital to life.
For travelers in search of:
- colonial heritage and the history of the Americas
- culture, museums, and lively nightlife
- authentic Dominican cuisine
Must-see:
- Zona Colonial (UNESCO) and Alcázar de Colón
- the Malecón and a sunset over the sea
- Mercado Modelo and local handicrafts
Puerto Plata – surf, history, and the north coast
On the island’s north coast, Puerto Plata offers a different side of the Dominican Republic: colonial fortresses, a panoramic cable car up Pico Isabel de Torres, lively beaches in Sosúa and Playa Dorada, and Cabarete’s worldwide reputation as the kitesurfing capital. An excellent addition to a stay in Punta Cana to discover the island in greater depth.
For travelers in search of:
- kitesurfing and surfing in Cabarete (world class)
- San Felipe Fortress and the cable car
- Sosúa beaches and local vibe
To discover:
- Pico Isabel de Torres cable car
- Cabarete – the world capital of kitesurfing
- cigar factory and Brugal rum in Puerto Plata
Which trip in the Dominican Republic is right for you?
The Dominican Republic lends itself to many travel styles: an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, a romantic getaway in Samaná, a nature adventure in Las Terrenas, or a cultural immersion in Santo Domingo. Depending on what you’re looking for, each region offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Family trip – all-inclusive resorts & activities for everyone
The Dominican Republic is an ideal destination for families. The all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana offer kids’ clubs, water parks, and buffets tailored to younger guests. The catamaran excursion to Saona Island, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and evening entertainment delight families every step of the way.
You will particularly enjoy:
- all-inclusive resorts with kids’ clubs
- water parks and safe beaches
- catamaran trip to Saona Island
Couples’ trip – honeymoon & Caribbean romance
The Dominican Republic is a honeymoon destination par excellence. The Bávaro beaches and Punta Cana’s adults-only resorts, sunsets from the Samaná Peninsula, candlelit dinners on the beach, and private catamaran excursions create an irresistibly beautiful setting for an unforgettable romantic trip.
To experience as a couple:
- adults-only resort in Punta Cana
- private sunset cruise
- spa and beach massages
Trip with friends – kitesurfing, parties & Dominican adventures
With friends, the Dominican Republic is best explored to the fullest: kitesurfing in Cabarete, diving in Bayahibe, merengue and bachata nights in Santo Domingo, 4×4 excursions in the mountains of the Cordillera Central, and tastings of Brugal and Barceló rum. Punta Cana’s all-inclusive resorts also offer an unparalleled party atmosphere.
Don’t miss:
- kitesurfing in Cabarete (world capital)
- bachata and merengue nights in Santo Domingo
- diving in Bayahibe and the St. George shipwreck
Practical tips for your trip to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean, with more than 10 million tourists a year. It is also home to the Caribbean’s highest point, Pico Duarte (3,098 m), and the world’s deepest salt lake, Lago Enriquillo, where American crocodiles and rhinoceros iguanas live.
The official currency is the Dominican peso (DOP), but the US dollar (USD) is widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) work well in resorts and exchange offices. Use DOP for local purchases and markets. Avoid changing money on the street.
The official language is Spanish. English and French are understood in major hotels and tourist areas. In villages, Spanish is essential. A few useful phrases: “¿Cuánto cuesta ?” (how much does it cost?), “Gracias” (thank you), “Por favor” (please). In Las Terrenas, French is very widely spoken.
The Dominican Republic uses type A and B outlets (like the United States) with a voltage of 110V at 60Hz. A universal adapter is essential when traveling from Luxembourg. Check whether your devices support 110V; otherwise, a transformer is required. Power outages are common outside resorts — hotels have generators.
The Dominican Republic is accessible from Luxembourg via a stopover in Amsterdam (KLM/TUI), Paris CDG (Air France/Corsair), Madrid (Iberia), or Miami/New York to Punta Cana (PUJ) or Santo Domingo (SDQ). Total duration: 11 to 15 hours with 1 stopover. No visa required — a tarjeta turística (around 10 USD) is required on arrival, often included in the ticket price.
Between regions, the Caribe Tours bus is the most comfortable and cost-effective option. Guaguas (shared minibuses) and motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are typical local transport. Car rental (driving on the right, European license accepted) is recommended for exploring the island. Transfers from the airport to resorts are generally included in packages.
Tourist areas (Punta Cana, Samaná, Las Terrenas) are generally safe. Avoid going out alone at night in Santo Domingo outside the busy areas. No mandatory vaccines, but mosquito protection is strongly recommended (dengue, Zika). Drink only bottled water. Take out travel insurance covering medical care and repatriation.
Create your dream trip to the Dominican Republic now
Punta Cana, Samaná, humpback whales, white-sand beaches and Caribbean all-inclusive resorts.
We design a tailor-made trip to the Dominican Republic for you, fully adapted to your dates, your budget and your desires.
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FAQ: everything you need to know before leaving for the Dominican Republic
First, define your style: an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, nature in Samaná or culture in Santo Domingo. Book flights and accommodation in advance during high season (December–April). Prepare your tarjeta turística (often included in the flight), travel insurance, mosquito repellent and sunscreen. Our Flammang advisors can build your tailor-made itinerary from Luxembourg.
One week is ideal to enjoy Punta Cana. Two weeks let you combine Punta Cana, Samaná and Santo Domingo for a complete discovery. The island is large (48,000 km²) and transfers between regions can take 3 to 5 hours by road. Plan stopover nights to avoid long travel days.
The best time is the dry season from December to April: consistent sunshine, calm seas, ideal temperatures. From January to March you can also watch humpback whales in Samaná. Avoid August–October (hurricane risk). November and December offer good value for money with already pleasant weather.
An all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana generally costs €1,200 to €3,500 per person for 7 nights (flights included). A semi-independent stay with hotels, transport and meals comes to €1,000–€2,500 per person. Activities (whales, Saona, excursions) cost between €40 and €120 per outing. Local life (restaurants, markets) is very affordable.
No, Luxembourg and European citizens do not need a visa. A tarjeta turística (tourist card, around USD 10) is required on entry — it is often included in the price of the airline ticket. Check this with your airline before you leave. A passport valid for 6 months after your return is sufficient.
The Dominican Republic offers an exceptional range of activities: whale watching in Samaná (Jan–Mar), diving in Bayahibe, kitesurfing in Cabarete, an excursion to Saona Island, a visit to Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, a hike to Pico Duarte, a swim in the Hoyo Azul lagoon, a tasting of Brugal rum and bachata dancing.
Around 11 to 15 hours from Luxembourg with a stopover. The most frequent connections go via Amsterdam (KLM/TUI, ~11–12h), Paris CDG (Air France/Corsair, ~12h) or Madrid (Iberia, ~12h) to Punta Cana (PUJ). Punta Cana airport is the best served and the most convenient for beach stays.
Tourist areas — Punta Cana, Samaná, Las Terrenas — are generally very safe. Resorts are secured 24/7. In Santo Domingo, stick to the Zona Colonial and tourist neighborhoods. Avoid going out alone at night in less busy areas, don’t display valuables, and take official taxis or ones arranged through your hotel.
Yes, the Dominican Republic can easily be combined with Cuba (77 km away — maritime border), the Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico or Miami. In two weeks, you can combine one week in an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana with a week of discovery in Samaná and Santo Domingo. Our advisors can build this tailor-made multi-stop itinerary.
Absolutely. It is one of the best family destinations in the Caribbean. Punta Cana’s all-inclusive resorts offer kids’ clubs, water parks and varied buffets suitable for children. Catamaran trips, snorkeling in shallow waters, and calm, fine-sand beaches are perfect for families with young children.