Playa de Coco – Palm Coast
In the last 10-20 years, tourism in Punta Cana has undergone significant changes. What was once known as the best-kept secret of the best beaches and landscapes on the planet is now common knowledge among travelers.
Punta Cana Region:
Punta Cana Regions
Punta Cana, with a length of 50 km (30 miles), boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. The region is known for coconut trees extending to the sea, fine white sand beaches, and warm turquoise waters. The area is home to 60 large All-Inclusive hotels, with more expected to open in the future, making Punta Cana the Caribbean’s leader in hotel room numbers. The region’s infrastructure is steadily improving.
Strand Punta Cana:
Strand Punta Cana
The village Punta Cana, although small with only three hotels, is considered part of the larger vacation region on the east coast. This broader area includes Cap Cana (Juanillo), Cabeza de Toro, El Cortecito, Bavaro, El Macao, and Uvero Alto (from south to north). Of the nearly 4.0 million tourists visiting the Dominican Republic annually, 60% travel to Punta Cana.
International Airport:
International Airport Punta Cana
The International Airport of Punta Cana is located in the village of Punta Cana, serving as the main point of entry for many tourists. The airport, known for its unique architecture, is experiencing an increase in traffic each year. It receives approximately 100 flights per week from the U.S. alone, with the number rising steadily. Recent radar system upgrades have positioned the airport to compete with global standards.
Bavaro:
Bavaro Beach
The largest vacation destination on the east coast, with numerous hotels, is Bávaro. This area offers shopping centers and amenities such as Plaza Bavaro, Plaza San Juan, Plaza Punta Cana, Plaza Brisas, Riviera Plaza, Plaza Progresa, and Plaza Caney. Bavaro is also home to a modern hospital, banks, a supermarket, souvenir shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and various services. Visitors can access public transportation to other cities from Bavaro.
Macao – Uvero Alto:
Playa Bonita – Macao
In El Macao, visitors can enjoy Playa Bonita, a beautiful beach with a rocky hill overlooking the sea. With no hotels currently in Macao, the beach offers a serene backdrop for activities like swimming and surfing
Trip to Macao:
A popular excursion for tourists is the ATV trip to Macao, where visitors can explore the beach and lush surroundings. The highlight of the trip is a refreshing dip in a cave called Pozo Azul (the blue fountain).
Arena Gorda:
Arena Gorda Beach
Arena Gorda, translating to “fat sand,” features one of the widest beaches in the Dominican Republic. The beach offers shallow, calm waters ideal for swimming and relaxing, with Blue Flag beaches located at resorts like Barcelo Punta Cana, Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro, and Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro.
El Cortecito:
El Cortecito
In El Cortecito, a quaint fishing village, visitors will find shops, restaurants, and a beach lined with local vendors selling souvenirs. The village’s renowned restaurant, “Capitan Cook,” is known for its lobster and fish dishes cooked over a wood grill. El Cortecito has attracted notable guests like Bill Clinton.
Cabeza de Toro:
Cabeza de Toro
Cabeza de Toro is home to three large all-inclusive hotels and the Nautic Club of Santo Domingo. The Coast Guard’s Marina Guerra is based here, overseeing the beaches in Punta Cana. The area also offers fish restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and a private boat dock, showcasing the traditional fishing culture of the region.
Juanillo – Cap Cana:
Juanillo – Cap Cana Beach
Driving south along the coast from the airport leads to the picturesque fishing village of Juanillo. Juanillo boasts a stunning beach with shallow turquoise waters, perfect for families. The area used to be a popular spot for picnics and folk festivals, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Cap Cana:
Cap Cana Beach
Formerly known as Juanillo, the stretch of coast is now called Cap Cana. It has transformed into the Dominican Republic’s largest hotel and leisure complex, expanding over 4 km. The complex, including a marina, is set to become a luxurious destination surpassing other resorts in the region like “Casa de Campo” near La Romana.
