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Beaches
 The best ones are on the Dominicus and Bayahibe beach strips which have some public access. They follow high standards for water quality, environmental education and management. La Minitas is the Casa de Campo's main beach. This is one of the most popular and frequented beaches because of its beauty. Playa Catalina is located on Catalina's island, it can be reached by boat in about 45 minutes. This beach has soft white sand and clear blue water. |
Climate
Daily temperatures usually hovers around 26C with little seasonal change. Coastal regions receive more rain between May and November with the exception of the south coast which is drier.
| Temperature in Celcius |
J |
F |
M |
A |
M |
J |
J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
| Maximum |
26 |
26 |
27 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
27 |
| Minimum |
24 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
27 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
25 |
| Rainfall (mm) |
50 |
40 |
40 |
50 |
110 |
110 |
80 |
90 |
70 |
110 |
120 |
80 | |
Flora & Fauna
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The Parque Nacional del Este comprises 420 km2 of flora and fauna. 539 flora species and 144 types of birds have been identified. The western side has also diverse coral formations.
The protected Saona Island has a sanctuary populated by turtles, whales and sharks.
Fun Fun Cave, in Hato Mayor, is the largest cave in the Caribbean, running 7 km long. Discover giant corridors, cave art, and the subterranean rivers. The Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) is located midway between San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana. The cave's 240 m path takes tourists underground where stalagmites and stalactites sand and about 500 rupestrian paintings by the ancient Tainos can be viewed. |
Geography
 La Romana lies southeast of the country. Today it is mostly a resort community resting on the shores of the Caribbean Ocean. A part of the coastal area is home to The Eastern National Park and the Catalina Island. The terrain consist mostly of farmland and groves. |
History
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La Romana's urban development began in the 19th centuries and became a thriving sugar port. The city quickly filled with Puerto Rican immigrants workers and they lived in the establishments near the villa of Puerto Rico Sugar Company. These workers developed their own particular culture mixing Puerto Rican and Dominican traditions.
In the first half of the 20th century, La Romana has become a prestigious center of tourism due to the development of the Casa de Campo. Artists began flocking to Altos de Chavon and soon after it became an international arts center. Accomplished professional artists from many countries and disciplines compete for residencies. |
Specialties & Characteristics
 La Romana has three 18-hole championship golf courses open to the public and they are all run by Casa de Campo. They are the Dientes de Perro, the Links and the Dye Fore, the last being designed by Pete Dye. | |
Airport : La Romana International Airport
Airport Tax : The departure tax of around US $20 is payable at the airport should it not already be included on your plane ticket, please verify.
Distance from Airport : 20 minutes
Tourist Office : Av. Mexico, corner of Av. 30 de Marzo, Santo Domingo. Telephone (809) 221-4660
Tourist Season : November through April
Local Festivities
Transportation
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Although taxis are available 24 hours a day, you can also travel in carros publicos (public taxis), buses, and moto conchos which are inexpensive.
Major car rental companies have airport and city locations. The country has an excellent bus system and Air Santo Domingo operates flights between Santo Domingo and the principal touristic regions. | | |
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Activities & Sports
 Resorts and beaches provide every water sports like kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and powerboats to name a few. All resorts have dive centers and a few diving schools are situated in Bayahibe, the departing point for scuba and snorkeling excursions. Catalina Island is best appreciated by experienced divers with its wall and large fish such as groupers. Shallow dives let you discover purple sea fans, orange, brown and grey gardens, and a variety of multi-coloured, fluorescent fish. In Bayahibe the large schools of fish are accustomed to bread feedings from local divers this practice is being discouraged. Other popular areas for diving are Saona Island, which can only be reached by boat, and the sunken St. Georges barge near the Club Viva Dominicus. La Romana has three 18-hole championship golf courses open to the public and they are all run by Casa de Campo. They are the Dientes de Perro, the Links and the Dye Fore, the last being designed by Pete Dye. Outside the town you will find more golf courses in Juan Dolio and on the East Coast. The Casa de Campo's Equestrian Center offers excellent horseback riding, as does the Rancho Cumayasa and Guavaberry Equestrian Center in Juan Dolio. Fishing excursions are offered where you can reel in your own barracuda, tuna or dorado. |
Archaeology
 Altos de Chavon has a Museum of Archaeology which houses the collections of Samuel Pion, the amateur archaeologist. It mostly exhibits Taino treasures, which were the island's first settlers. The Fun Fun Cave displays cave art and the Cueva de las Maravillas has about 500 rupestrian paintings by the ancient Tainos. |
Attractions & Museums
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Altos de Chavon, is a Mediterranean village with cobblestone paths, coral stone fountains and terra cotta buildings. It is right on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Chavon River. Reconstructed in the seventies, the town is home to artists of all types; other features of interest are a charming amphitheatre in Greek style, an archaeological museum dedicated to the island's aboriginal population. The Church of St. Stanislaus is the central attraction with its fountain of the four lions, a colonnade of obelisks and its panoramic views. Maybe you can catch a glimpse at one of its frequent wedding ceremonies. Take an excursion to the deep gorges interwoven with palm groves and a virgin, unspoiled atmosphere.
Towards Sabana de la Mar you will see the Plantacion Tropical, a lovely botanical garden.
If you head east from town you will be rewarded with the island's most beautiful farming areas: plains of sugar-cane plantations, orange and lemon groves. |
Day-tripper
 The uninhabited off shore wildlife reserve located on Isla Catalina can be visited if you book a small boat with captain in Bayahibe or at Rancho Cumayasa Catalina, it has coral reefs therefore ideal for snorkelling. Many dive excursions come to Catalina for the reefs and tropical fish. Its biggest selling point: no constructions, only unpolluted beaches. Take a holiday from your holiday by visiting the gorgeous Island of Saona. Tour companies will take you there by catamaran in a couple of hours. Spend the day on its beautiful white-sand beaches or go snorkeling. The Samana Peninsula, as one tiny beach after another who spring up before your eyes, your ears are charmed by the sweet beguiling sounds of unspoiled nature. This peninsula is rich in spotlessly white beaches, lakes, marble caves, vast palm groves and small islets studding the turquoise bay. Enjoy the fried fish and the specialties of the local cuisine made with coconut sauce. |
Entertainment
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Most hotels have themed nightly shows with usually the best ones at Casa de Campo.
Many discotheques are situated in La Romana's resorts like the La Locura and the Casa del Mar. The chic Genesis Discotheque is in Altos de Chavon.
The home of the Performing Arts Department has performances at the Altos de Chavon's amphitheatre. | | |
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Accommodations
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La Romana is mostly composed of top rated All Inclusive resorts located in the Bayahibe-Dominicus area. National Parks are also available for camping with the permission of the National Parks Office. |
Purchases
 The Saturday morning market is a must for your shoppings. La Romana largest shop is called Jumbo. La Marina located at Casa de Campo resort offers upscale Dominican crafts and apparel. Altos de Chavon's artist community is strongly dedicated to the Dominican culture. Many work in their shops and galleries where you can purchase these works of art and handicraft. |
Restaurants
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This destination attracts a richer clientele therefore you will find many gastronomical restaurants. More restaurants are located in Altos de Chavon (Cafe del Sol and Giacosa), La Marina de Casa de Campo (El Pescador and Lago Grill), and the towns of Bayahibe and Dominicus. | | |

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