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Dokdo

Dokdo (독도, 獨島) is an island off the east coast of South Korea, next to the larger Ulleungdo island. It is made up of two islets, Seodo (서도, 西島, West Island) and Dongdo (동도, 東島, East Island).

The islands are also known as the Liancourt Rocks, a name given by a French whaling ship in 1849, and as Takeshima (竹島, たけしま) by the Japanese who claim sovereignty.

History
A political hot spot, this speck of an island has a complicated and contentious history stretching back to 512 A.D. Korean and Japanese fisherman have fished in nearby waters since time immemorial, and references to a Korean island that may or may not be Dokdo have been documented in historical records since the 6th century.

For a while now there has been a heated debate between Korea and Japan, with both staking claim to the island. In 1905 Japan incorporated the island into its territory by claiming that it was terra nullius (land belonging to no one). Korea was a Japanese protectorate at the time and in no position to object.

After World War II, the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1952 explicitly gave Korea control of Jeju, Ulleungdo and Geommun-do, but Dokdo was left out of the agreement completely and the islands have been under de facto Korean control ever since. To this day, Japan continues to claim their sovereignty which proves to be a very sore point in Japan-Korea relations.

Access to visitors was limited until Japan's Shimane prefecture declared a "Takeshima Day", inflaming the already volatile situation. The Korean government responded by opening the island up to tourists on March 24, 2005. Since then, an average of 80,000 visitors visit the island every year.

Inhabitants
A fisherman by trade, Kim Sung-Do and his wife Kim Shin-Yeol are the only permanent residents on the island. There are also a small dispatch of security police officers, representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and three lighthouse keepers who reside there on rotation. In addition, South Korea's navy, marines, and special forces conduct joint drills every year to defend Dokdo.

Get in
Japanese citizens should check in advance before attempting to travel to Dokdo. All other nationalities should have no issue.

Questions (in Korean) can be directed to the Ulleungdo and Dokdo Administrative Office under the telephone number 054-790-6645~6.

By boat
To get to Dokdo, you must first get to Ulleungdo. There is only one charter company that has boats ferrying you to and fro. The Dae-A-Express has two ports, Pohang in North Gyeongsang-do and Mukho in Gangwon-do. From Pohang, it takes about three hours to get to Ulleungdo from the mainland. It takes a little less time from Mukho, about two and a half hours. The boats leave once a day. From Pohang the ticket fare is ₩58,000. From Mukho it's a little cheaper at ₩49,000.

The Dae-A-Express and the Tour and Shipping Company operate ferries to Dokdo. There are three boats that leave daily. However the ferry schedule is subject to frequent changes. So it is advisable to reserve seats to Dokdo before reserving them to Ulleungdo. Prices range from ₩42,000 to ₩45,000.

Get around
The island is tiny, and you can access everything by foot.

See
Dokdo is an important part of modern Korean national identity, but doesn't actually have much, if anything, to offer foreign tourists. If you like the idea of a long and bumpy sea trip followed by views of a rocky outcrop in the middle of the ocean then it may be for you (it's not called "Lonely Island" in Korean for nothing), but be aware it is a rather niche destination generally.

The small island is mainly volcanic rock with patches of lush grass. The two islets that make up Dokdo, each have their own particular features. Seodo (West islet), the smaller of the two, is where the fisherman and his wife live. Their house is at the bottom of the steep cliffs. Dongdo (East islet) has a large crater at the top that runs right to the water. The other highlight is the "Hyeongje" Cave. It is also where the security officers are stationed. Between the two is another cave, the "Cheonjang-gul".

Because the warm and cool currents converge in the surrounding area, a great variety of fish thrive there. Also Dokdo is home to a multitude of birds. One of the reasons the island was closed off to the public was to preserve the natural ecology.

Do
Typically you would have just 20 minutes to look around, so just some limited walking is possible.

Stay safe
Since the island is so far from the mainland, the weather can get extremely erratic and at times the boats will not run because sea storms or choppy water. It is prudent to call ahead of time.

Many Koreans are concerned about the possibility of a military attack by Japan in order to reclaim the islands. Whilst Japan does indeed contend the ownership of the islands very strongly, any suggestion of military action is extremely farfetched.

Connect
The three main South Korean Telecom Providers (KT, SK and LG) offer fast LTE internet connectivity over their mobile phone networks, with dedicated base stations on the rocks.

Go next
On the same boat back to the island of Ulleungdo.

title: Dokdo


text:
Dokos

Dokos is in Attica of Greece.

Understand
Dokos (Greek: Δοκός) is a small Greek island of the Argo-Saronic Gulf, adjacent to Hydra, and separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait called on some maps "the Hydra Gulf." It is part of the municipality of Ýdra (Hydra) in Islands Regional unit and reported a population of 13 persons at the 2001 census. The island is populated only by some Orthodox monks and perennial sheep herders. The island is rocky reaching a height of 308 meters.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Dokos


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Dolgellau

Dolgellau is a picturesque little town in Gwynedd, North Wales. It is located within the Snowdonia National Park and is an important centre for Welsh traditional music.

By bus
Dolgellau is served by the Traws Cambria bus network from all across Wales.

By train
The nearest station is at Barmouth on the Cambrian Coast line. Traws Cambria and Bws Gwynedd services connect the towns. Machynlleth station is not much further away and is better connected to the main population centres in the English Midlands.

By bike
Dolgellau is on National Cycle Network route 8.

By car
Dolgellau is on the main A470 Trunk road which connects north and south Wales. The A494 comes from the north-east and the A458 comes from the east, joining the A470 at nearby Dinas Mawddwy.

By yacht
Yacht moorings are available at Barmouth harbour.

Eat

Connect
As of May 2022, Dolgellau has 4G from EE but only a scratchy signal from O2, Three or Vodafone. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next
Tucked away on the idyllic southern shore of the Mawddach estuary, the village of Penmaenpool is 3 miles west of Dolgellau. Penmaenpool can be reached by road (A493) or via the disused railway line footpath and cycle route which starts near the main car park in Dolgellau. The railway path "calls" first at Penmaenpool, but extends another three miles or so to Morfa Mawddach and the Barmouth railway bridge which can be crossed for a modest toll.

Continuing westwards from Penmaenpool, the main road turns to the south at Fairbourne. From here it twists and turns along the cliff tops through the pretty village of Llwyngwril to Rhoslefain. Just a few miles to the south lies the town of Tywyn, with miles of sandy beach. Tywyn is also home to the famous Talyllyn Railway.

If you fancy a day at the seaside, then Barmouth is easily reached by local buses or by walking or cycling along the Mawddach Trail.

title: Dolgellau


text:
Dolisie

Dolisie is a city in the Niari Valley of the Republic of the Congo It was named after Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza's lieutenant Albert Dolisie. In 1975, its name was changed to Loubomo, however in 1991, the old name was restored. Dolisie was nicknamed "green gold".

Understand
Dolisie is vibrant, though there are only paved roads in the center of the city. The economy revolves mostly around the logging industry, which is mainly run by Chinese and Malaysian companies. The drop in electric output and frequent power cuts have become a fact of life for residents of Dolisie. There are few travellers in the city. Most of the foreigners are in private vehicles, therefore walking on the street or taking public transport will draw a lot of attention from curious locals.

By plane
Dolisie's Ngot Nzoungou airport can be reached from Brazzaville's Maya Maya airport twice a day or from Pointe-Noire by Air Congo or Trans Air Congo (TAC), +242 811046.

By train
The Congo-Ocean Railway (COR; French: Chemin de fer Congo-Océan, CFCO), built in the 1920s, is the government-owned rail authority of the Republic of Congo. It links the Atlantic port of Pointe-Noire with Brazzaville, a distance of 502 kilometres.

By car
From Pointe-Noire, the city can be reached via a dirt road (National Road 1) 140 km in length. The journey will take at least 6 hours long and four wheel drive is necessary. Many roadblocks will be encountered along the way, with police asking for "jus" (a juice), which is basically a bribe. You may want to say that you will buy them one on the way back.

Get around
You may use local taxis. Unlike the green taxis in Brazzaville, or blue taxis in Pointe-Noire, they can identified by their red color. One trip anywhere in town is 700 FCFA (~US$1.50). However, Dolisie is a relatively small city and most destinations can be reached by foot (take caution at night).

See

 * L'arbre de Brazza, a giant baobab tree named after Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, located 8 km from downtown Dolisie towards Pointe-Noire.
 * Église Saint Paul

Buy
There are a few general stores run by Mauritanians, where you can buy cheap goods and snacks. The local market is worth taking a look, especially for the fresh fruit and vegetables.

Budget

 * La Benediction, Open 07:00-16:00
 * Airport Cafe, Open during flight operation times, serving drinks, cakes and pastries, sandwiches, omelettes, etc.
 * Patisserie
 * Café restaurant Le Ménuphar
 * G4

Mid-range

 * Le Mess Gaps, +242 520–9985, is the best food in the city. The owner, Gérard Athané, serves up his famous “le missala à la diable”, which consists of locally caught freshwater prawns, and various bush meat including antilope, pangolin (scaly anteater) and porcupine.
 * Kitoko Hotel, Avenue Ciavaldini, +242 557–3666. Fresh prawns, pastas, salads, etc.

Drink

 * Le Quatro Night Club

Budget

 * Kitoko Hotel, Avenue Ciavaldini, +242 557–3666. This hotel opened in 2000 by José, a very nice Portuguese man. There is a lovely  a la carte restaurant and bar on site. The beds are not very comfortable, but most rooms are big and are equipped with hot water, A/C, TV, soap and towels. 18 000 FCFA/room (~US$40).
 * Hotel Gabriella, 1 avenue Félix Eboué, +242 233494. This hotel has two locations: the first is situated near the airport and the second can be found in between the train station and central market. The second location has a restaurant on site. 15 000 FCFA/room.
 * Hotel de la Renaissance, 6 rue Mbinda, +242 527–8501, in front of Sala Ngolo. This hotel is located a walking distance to the airport and has a restaurant on-site. The beds are comfortable but rooms are small. They are all equipped with A/C, TV and hot water. 25 000-35 000 FCFA/room.
 * Sala Ngolo, near airport, +242 557–7907. Seven well-ventilated rooms at 10 000 FCFA/room, 13 000-15 000 FCFA for a room with a TV and balcony. Internet cafe on site.
 * Hotel Bayonne, 34 avenue de l’Indépendance, +242 705–7681. On-site restaurant. 15 000-30 000 FCFA/room.

Mid-range

 * Résidence Moutsinga. 30 000 FCFA/room.
 * Grand Hotel

title: Dolisie


text:
Dollar

Dollar is a village in Clackmannanshire in the Central Belt of Scotland, with a population of 2,800 in 2016. The scenic glen leading up to the castle is the reason to visit.

Understand
Dollar has no connection to the unit of currency — that word derives from silver mined in Joachimsthal in Bohemia, hence silver thalers. The village name may mean dolorous or gloomy — the ravine of the glen can certainly be a dark and draughty place in winter. Nearby Stirling likewise has no connection with pound sterling.

Visitor information

 * Dollar Community town tour website

Get in
Stirling is the most convenient railway station, with frequent trains from Glasgow Queen St and Edinburgh, then onward buses to Dollar.

First Bus X53 runs from Stirling to the University, Alva, Tillicoultry, Dollar (35 min), Yetts of Muckart and Kinross (another 20 min). They're every two hours M-Sa. The Stagecoach bus via Dollar to St Andrews has been axed.

First Bus 52 runs M-Sa every 30 min, hourly Sunday, from Stirling to Alva and Tillicoultry, then turns south to Fishcross and Alloa. It doesn't reach Dollar but you could walk the three miles from Tillicoultry, as A91 has a narrow sidewalk.

By car get on A91 which runs between Stirling to the west and Cupar (Fife) to the east. From Edinburgh leave M90 at jcn 6 to join A91, you can't exit at jcn 7.

Get around
Dollar is a small village and the castle is a short scenic walk. You need wheels to explore the countryside, such as Glen Devon.

First Bus H2 runs from Dollar to Tillicoultry, Fishcross, Alloa (25 min), Clackmannan and Forth Valley Royal Hospital at Larbert. They're every two hours M-Sa.

See

 * Dollar Academy is an independent school in the village, with some 1200 co-ed pupils, mostly boarders. The grounds are private but you should be able to espy the grand facade, built by Playfair in the 19th century.
 * : you can't fail to go to a place with such a name. Actually it's just a road junction, but A823 north through Glen Devon is one of the most charming glens of Scotland, especially when the gorse and heather are in bloom. You can cycle or walk up the side track to Frandy Farm but cars aren't allowed up there. Further north, A823 descends steeply down Gleneagles: famous name but not as scenic, and nowhere to pull over.
 * Dollar Academy is an independent school in the village, with some 1200 co-ed pupils, mostly boarders. The grounds are private but you should be able to espy the grand facade, built by Playfair in the 19th century.
 * : you can't fail to go to a place with such a name. Actually it's just a road junction, but A823 north through Glen Devon is one of the most charming glens of Scotland, especially when the gorse and heather are in bloom. You can cycle or walk up the side track to Frandy Farm but cars aren't allowed up there. Further north, A823 descends steeply down Gleneagles: famous name but not as scenic, and nowhere to pull over.
 * : you can't fail to go to a place with such a name. Actually it's just a road junction, but A823 north through Glen Devon is one of the most charming glens of Scotland, especially when the gorse and heather are in bloom. You can cycle or walk up the side track to Frandy Farm but cars aren't allowed up there. Further north, A823 descends steeply down Gleneagles: famous name but not as scenic, and nowhere to pull over.

Do

 * Dollar Glen is the scenic gorge between village and castle. The area and path are maintained by NTS, but free to enter any time. From the museum, go upstream through the park; the way becomes steep and narrow and is not suitable for anyone with impaired mobility. The gorge narrows to a cleft, with the path carried by boardwalks and catwalks over the foaming river; a short branch delves into a cul-de-sac side-cleft. Follow the route onto the hillside with the castle. Here you can either loop back by following another path down the gorge, or take the lane. The autumn colours are brilliant, and are better on the sunlit hill than in the dark defile.
 * King's Seat is ascended by branching west out of Dollar Glen over Bank Hill (343 m) then on to the main summit at 648 m. Either return the same way or circle the head of the valley over Tarmangie (645 m), Whitewisp (643 m) and Saddle Hill (523 m) then back to the gorge and village. Lots more hikes in the Ochils nearby.
 * Devon Way is the trackbed of the former Devon Valley Railway between Alloa and Kinross, suitable for hiking or cycling. The best of it is the 3 miles / 5 km from south side of Dollar heading west to Tillicoutry, with views of the Ochils. It then trends southwest to Alloa, another 3 miles. East of Dollar it only goes as far as the Academy playing fields then the route has been lost. When completed in 1871 the railway created a scenic alternative route between Glasgow and Perth. It closed to passengers in 1964 but continued to haul coal from the local mines, until those closed in 1973.
 * Dollar Golf Course is a 9-hole course at north side of the village on the Ochil slopes.
 * Alva Games are held in Johnstone Park in Alva on the second Saturday in July, with the next on Sa 13 July 2024. Parking is in Cochrane Park adjacent. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Buy

 * Dollar has a small selection of shops on Bridge Street, including a Co-op foodstore.
 * Asda in Alloa is open daily 7AM-10PM.
 * Asda in Alloa is open daily 7AM-10PM.
 * Asda in Alloa is open daily 7AM-10PM.

Eat

 * Takeaways on Bridge St are Mo's Plaice (fish & chips, daily 4:30-9:30PM) and Lee's (Chinese, W-M 4:30-10PM).
 * Takeaways on Bridge St are Mo's Plaice (fish & chips, daily 4:30-9:30PM) and Lee's (Chinese, W-M 4:30-10PM).

Drink

 * See the hotels and inns, the village is too small for a stand-alone pub.
 * Harvieston Brewery is at Alva, no tours. Belhaven have a distribution centre nearby but their brewery remains at Dunbar.

Sleep

 * Gleneagles Hotel: see Crieff.
 * Gleneagles Hotel: see Crieff.
 * Gleneagles Hotel: see Crieff.
 * Gleneagles Hotel: see Crieff.

Connect
As of July 2021, Dollar and Tillicoultry have 4G from all UK carriers, but the signal is patchy. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Stirling for the Castle, and Bridge of Allan for the Wallace Monument.
 * Dunfermline for the abbey, Andrew Carnegie's birthplace and Pittencrieff Park; and on the coast nearby visit the well-preserved old village of Culross.
 * Perth for Scone Palace.

title: Dollar


text:
Dolores (Colorado)

Dolores is in the heart of Mesa Verde Country, near the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and the Anasazi Heritage Center in Southwestern Colorado, and only 15 miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park.

Understand
Dolores is great for hunting, biking, fishing and boating. It is a quaint, historic western town, with no chain stores or Starbucks. Turn of the century western buildings still line Central Ave. housing Antique stores, The Hollywood Bar, and the Historic Rio Grande Southern Hotel B&B & Restaurant.

Dolores is halfway between Durango and Telluride, where the Dolores River forms McPhee Reservoir, the second largest body of water in Colorado.

With the Dolores River running through town and mountains on both sides of the valley, Dolores is one of the truly unique vacation spots in Colorado. You will find Gold Medal flyfishing, historic western buildings, the Railroad Museum featuring the restored Galloping Goose #5, spectacular scenery on the San Juan Skyway, boating, waterskiing, camping, hiking and mile after mile of the San Juan National Forest filled with Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer.

The expedition of Fathers Dominguez and Escalante was undertaken at the time the colonies were struggling to create a nation. The Dominguez-Escalante expedition left from Santa Fe and camped at Dolores August 13, 1776. Their goal was to explore unknown lands north and west of Spanish New Mexico, open a route to Spanish missions in California and convert Indians to Spanish culture and religion. The Franciscans journal and artillery Captain Miera's maps were the first record of lands and peoples in what was to become southern Colorado and Utah.

The town of Dolores lies on the San Juan Skyway, a state and federally designated scenic highway, so awe-inspiring, it has been called 'America's Most Beautiful Drive'. The 236 mile loop is a perfect one-day drive. The road will take you over and around the spectacular San Juan Mountains and through the historic mining towns of Telluride, Ouray, Silverton and Durango. Ridgway, Mancos and Cortez are also along the way.

title: Dolores (Colorado)


text:
Dolores Hidalgo

Dolores Hidalgo is a small colonial town of 67,000 inhabitants (2020) in the state of Guanajuato in Central Mexico. The town is famous as the "Cradle of Mexican Independence". The quiet atmosphere in this town makes it really charming and the absence of tourist crowds could make it a highlight in your trip.

Understand
The full name of this town is Dolores Hidalgo, Cuna de la Independencia Nacional (Cradle of the National Independence). This town was the starting point of the fight for Mexican independence from the Spanish empire in 1810. On the morning of September 16, 1810, the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called his parishioners to take up arms against New Spain and rang one of the bells of the parish. This event is called "the Grito de Dolores".

Get in
To reach Dolores Hidalgo you should be able to get a bus from Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende or León all of them are around one hour away. Taking a bus from Querétaro is also an option. From Mexico City you need to take a bus to any of the before mentioned cities and then to Dolores. The bus station for which includes Primera Plus and Coordinados is on Calle Hidalgo 26, north of the Rio Dolores. The other station for  is at Calle Yucatan 13e, on the corner of Calle Yucatan and Chiapas, one block north and one block west from Flecha Amarilla along Calle Tobasco/Chiapas.

Get around
The town is really small, everything is within walking distance.

Do
Every night there's a re-creation of the famous cry for freedom at the main square with light and sound effects.

Events

 * Feast of the Lord of the Afflicted (January 1): it takes place in the community of El Llanito. Masses, dances and fireworks are held, parishioners will give thanks for the new year.
 * Dolores Friday (Friday before Palm Sunday): celebration of the Virgen Dolorosa, patron saint of the town, monumental altars are made in various houses of the historic center and communities, a procession is held and water, popsicles and snow of fruits of season.
 * Feast of the Assumption (August 15): celebration of the Assumption of Mary in the Parish of the Assumption.
 * National Holidays (from September 4 to 20): during most of the month of September, commercial exhibitions, popular dances, cultural and sporting events are organized. At dawn on September 16, the cry of Dolores is recreated in the atrium of the Parroquia de Dolores, there are fireworks and concerts.
 * International Festival of José Alfredo Jiménez (FIJAJ) (November 19 to 23): festival where homage is paid to the singer-songwriter from Puerto Rico José Alfredo Jiménez. Artistic and gastronomic exhibitions, colloquia, film shows, lyrical composition competitions and tours of the town canteens are held.
 * Feast of the Immaculate Conception (November 28 to December 8): it is celebrated in the Temple of the Third Order. A great popular fair is held, with Mexican snacks, serenades with musical groups, fireworks burn and the artisans hold an exhibition of wax figures. Each workers guild makes a procession with large candles.

Buy
Dolores is famous for its Talavera ceramic (pottery) items such as tiles, vases, and pots. The majority of the city's ceramics stores are clustered along on the western edge of the centro.

Next to the parish, there are several stalls selling small cacti, local liquors such as honey liquor or cacti liquor, and other local crafts. Buying from them will make their day.

Eat
The municipality has a semi- arid climate and part of the local flora is consumed as food by the population, fruits such as tunas, xoconostles, chilitos, borrachitas and garambullos stand out. Among the most representative crops are beans, chili peppers, chickpeas, zucchini, corn and jet chili peppers.

Among the typical dishes from Dolo is the vitualla, a chickpea and carrot-based stew served at weddings and other family celebrations; and chiles de chorro rellenos, a variety of chili endemic to the region filled with beans, cheese or ground meat.

Dolores is famous for its exotic ice cream flavors. Try them at the main square, there are two vendors, offering strange flavors such as mole (chili and chocolate sauce), beer, strawberries and cream, and avocado. Each ice cream or "Helado" in Spanish is around M$15.

Drink
Some of the traditional drinks are the white atole de puscua, a preparation of ground cacahuazintle white corn cooked in water; the gruel black cocoa shell and colonche, an alcoholic beverage of tuna.

In Dolores there are clubs and bars that you can go to just ask taxi cab drivers and they would take you anywhere. The most famous are and Cabina de Cesar.

Wine
The climate of Dolores Hidalgo favors the cultivation of the vine and the production of wine, especially sweet wines such as muscatel, port, sherry and vermouth. Local wineries usually welcome visitors to tour the vineyards and winery and to experience a tasting of their different wines and vintages.

Stay safe
Dolores is a safe place by Mexican standards. Overall, people are nice and willing to help if you need directions.

Go next

 * Guanajuato
 * San Miguel de Allende

title: Dolores Hidalgo


text:
Domingos Martins

Domingos Martins is a city in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Apart from being a tourist destination on its own, it is a perfect base for a visit to the Pedra Azul State Park.

Understand
Known as the “City of the Green” because of the exuberant vegetation of Atlantic forest around it, Domingos Martins is the most notable destination in the mountainous region of Espírito Santo. It sits 542 meters above sea level, and within its borders lie mountains of up to 2000 meters, amongst which is the well-known Pedra Azul.

A salient feature in the history of the municipality is the presence of Pomeranian immigrants, who came from a region that is now part of Germany and Poland. Many still speak Pomeranian in the region, although today it is thought to be extinct in their homeland. Because it was colonized mainly by Germanic immigrants, Domingos Martins still has characteristically Germanic architecture and cuisine. This makes it a top tourist destination for Capixabas, as those born in Espírito Santo are called.

Domingos Martins is a town with excellent infrastructure to receive visitors, who mostly go there during the winter, when the local thermometers get to drop as low as to 0ºC (32°F). The town hosts many cultural attractions, including the well-known Sommerfest in the summer and the Festival de Inverno de Domingos Martins in the winter. The combination of the natural beauty of the Pedra Azul State Park, the hospitality of its people, and the colonial architecture grants a special charm to the city.

By plane
Vitória Airport (VIX) - also known as Eurico Salles Airport - in the capital city of Vitória, is the closest airport to Domingos Martins. It receives daily flights from most state capitals in the country. Among the main airlines serving the airport are LATAM and Gol. A number of smaller carriers also serve the airport, including Azul, TEAM, and TRIP.

By car
Domingos Martins is 50 km (31 miles) from Vitória, on the BR-262 highway, in the Vitória-Belo Horizonte direction. The other access way to the town is the BR-101 highway.

Get around
Domingos Martins is best explored on foot. A car might be needed though for a visit to the Pedra Azul State Park.

See

Apart from the Germanic architecture, some places are very worth a visit:

 *  Pedra Azul State Park  — The main attraction of this 12 km² park is its 1909 m high peak, Pedra Azul (Blue Rock), which got its name due to the blue tonality reflected on the rock at some moments of the day.
 * Lutheran Church — It is a national monument dating from 1887. It was the first Lutheran Church with a tower built in Brazil. During the Imperial Government in Brazil it was prohibited to build tower in temples which were not catholic. A harvest thanksgiving festival, still known by its German name of Erntedankfest, is held in June in the square in front of the church.
 * Lutheran Church — It is a national monument dating from 1887. It was the first Lutheran Church with a tower built in Brazil. During the Imperial Government in Brazil it was prohibited to build tower in temples which were not catholic. A harvest thanksgiving festival, still known by its German name of Erntedankfest, is held in June in the square in front of the church.

Festivals
Some of the many Domingos Martins' annual festivals are:

 * Sommerfest — It is the Festival of the German Immigration, always in the summer, attracting a great number of visitors to the area. In January/February.
 *  Festa do Vinho (Wine Festival) — In July.
 * Pommerfest — It is the Festival of the Pomeranian Immigration. In September.
 * Blumenfest — It is the Flowers Festival. In October.
 * Blumenfest — It is the Flowers Festival. In October.

Eco-tourism and sports
Many outdoor options are available in Domingos Martins, amongst them:
 * Hiking trips through the Atlantic forest
 * Bathing at the waterfalls
 * Rafting at the rapids of the Jucu river

Following is a list of local companies that organize such activities:

Buy

Eat
Most restaurants in Domingos Martins are specialized in German cuisine. A concentration of restaurants can be found at the following places:

Moreover, an exhaustive list of places to eat can be found at the municipality website.

Connect
The telephone area code for Domingos Martins is 27 (as well as in central and northern parts of Espírito Santo).

Go next

 * Vitória — The capital of the state of Espírito Santo, famous for its bay, beaches and nightlife.
 * Vila Velha — Famous for Convento da Penha (a 16th-century hilltop Franciscan convent), and the beaches of Praia da Costa, Itapuã, and Coqueiral de Itaparica.
 * Guarapari — A popular beach resort town. Famous for its lively ambiance, with many clubs and beach parties, especially during the summer months.
 * Santa Teresa — To get a taste of a town colonized by Italian immigrants.
 * Itaúnas — Famous for its dunes and forró, a Northeastern Brazilian dance.
 * Rio de Janeiro — World-known city famous for its breathtaking landscape and annual carnival.

title: Domingos Martins


text:
Dominica

Dominica is a Caribbean island country. It is referred to as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system. The most mountainous island of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest thermally active lake in the world.

Understand
Administrative divisions. 10 parishes: Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter.

Climate
Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall. Flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months and well into the fall.

Terrain
Rugged mountains of volcanic origin. Highest point Morne Diablotin 1,447 m

History
Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Kalinago people (called "Caribs" by Europeans). France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia Charles, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Kalinago Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Tourist information

 * Dominica

Talk
Languages : English (official), French patois.

Cities

 * — Capital
 * — The second largest town in Dominica. Ross University, a large American medical school was situated nearby but moved to Barbados after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and has not yet returned.
 * — Beautiful village at the end of the road on the southwest corner. Scott's Head wraps around the lip of a gently curved bay that happens to be the ancient crater of a volcano.  Luckily for divers you can bring your own snorkel or scuba gear and walk out and admire what remains, a 160 meter deep coral lined hole that stretches for hundreds of meters.  Several quaint shacks serve decent fare for decent prices.  Villagers are curious as visitors are few.  The main road ends at a small point on a  hill that provides stunning views of both Scott's Head below and Roseau to the north.
 * — Stretching from the rugged mountains of Pennville, through the picturesque fishing village of Calibishie to the crashing surf of the Marigot beaches, the Calibishie Coast is one of the few areas in the world where you can travel from the seashore to the littoral forest to the rain forest in little more than a mile. Experience palm-fringed beaches, freshwater rivers with secluded bathing pools, tumbling waterfalls and the soft wonder of the rain forest with its exotic birds and lush vegetation, all in a days' walk.
 * — Situated halfway up Dominica's West Coast, St. Joseph is one of the more urbanised villages on the island. Historically called "Senjo," the village is known for its fishing, cricket playing and vibrant festivals. While not typically on the tourist trail, it is near the popular Mero Beach and Layou River. St. Joseph was featured in the 1988 Demi Moore movie, The Seventh Sign.

Other destinations

 * Melville Hall
 * Hampstead (Dominica)
 * — A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it contains many attractions such as the Boiling Lake, the Freshwater Lake, Boeri Lake and Middleham Falls. Boiling Lake is a 12-mile round trip hike (8 hours), very steep mostly on steps and switchbacks. A guide is recommended for inexperienced back country hikers, the terrain is rough especially when wet (which it almost always is).  The trail is well marked most of the way.  The trail is indistinct in the Valley of Desolation but picks up again where vegetation begins. The hike is stunning and the bare volcanic mountain tops make for unforgettable views of rolling mountain tops and steamy volcanic vents.  Trail ends at the Boiling Lake, a 100 meter wide lake that is being heated by a volcanic vent and is boiling.
 * Champagne — A snorkelling spot on the southern coast, underwater volcanic vents emit continuous streams of bubbles making the place feel like a giant glass of champagne. The fish and coral are slightly below average.
 * Glassy — An incredible and short 2-3 hour day hike in the southeast of the island. The trail begins nicely enough through some farm land and then plunges into a deep jungle valley then approaches the coast skirting steep cliffs to one side (not for those with vertigo). The trail ends on an old volcanic flow that juts into the ocean, waves roll all around crashing on all sides, little ponds collect some of the water from the crashing waves and some coral and fish make the ponds their home.  When approaching the edges of the cliffs be aware waves have been known to throw people against the rocks or worse yet pulled them into the ocean to their certain death.
 * Jaco Steps — Ford the creek in Belles and hike into the a rain forest up the side of a nearly inaccessible forest plateau. In 30 minutes you will reach the Jaco Steps.  There is not a clear consensus of why these steps were constructed many decades ago. To do a circular route by following the river upstream will add an hour at least to your journey and will involve multiple crossings of the river en route.
 * Central Region — The lushly forested and hand-farmed central region is sparsely populated and considered by many to be the most beautiful region.  It consists of several villages:
 * Belles
 * Penrice
 * Dleau Gommier
 * Wet Area
 * Stone Hill
 * Jacco Estate: a rain forest with a few small farms, previously a coffee plantation, and prior to that, the headquarters of the Maroons.

Get in
The following persons do not need a visa to enter into the Commonwealth of Dominica:

Persons from the following countries wishing to enter into the Commonwealth of Dominica for a period not exceeding six months: Member States of the Commonwealth, CARICOM member states, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, United States of America;

Persons from the following countries wishing to enter into the Commonwealth of Dominica for a period not exceeding three months: Argentina, Belgium, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico Netherlands (including Netherland Antilles), Norway, People's Republic of China, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, United Kingdom and Venezuela

Passengers on tourist vessels, or any in-transit passenger or bona fide tourist, who is in possession of a return ticket and satisfies the Immigration Officer that he/she does not intend to remain in Dominica for longer than 21 days, are also exempt from visa requirements.

By plane
There are two airports in Dominica, Melville Hall (Douglas–Charles Airport) and Canefield. Most commercial flights land at Melville Hall. However, the airport cannot accommodate jet aircraft. The island can be accessed through San Juan, Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe and other Caribbean hubs.

By boat
The most extensive official service is operated by Express des Isles, which runs services to Martinique and Guadeloupe ferries on most days of the week. Arrival in Roseau. E.g. one way to Martinique (July 2019) is €69 online + EC$86/US$33/€35 harbour tax payable in cash only at ferry terminal.

Cruise ships increasingly visit. A large pier serves many directly in front of the downtown area. If already occupied, ships dock at the industrial port about 1.5 miles away.

Get around
As far as freedom of movement and exploration a car can be invaluable. Though small, the island's tightly turning mountain roads make for relatively long journeys and a hair-raising experience. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and there are various car rental agencies at both airports.

 * Honk horn on hairpin turns especially during the day.
 * Beware of large trucks as their width forces other drivers off the road.
 * Watch for large pot holes and crumbling asphalt as roads can be in very poor condition.
 * Ask directions if lost, the locals are very friendly and informative.
 * When in mountains in torrential rains, consider stopping for a bit or at least going very slowly.
 * A compact is sufficient for most situations but a small 4x4 might also be nice. A large 4x4 would be cumbersome on the small streets.

Other travel options include bus or taxi. If you are on a low budget and have plenty of time then hitch-hiking or the bus will be fine (except on Sundays), although sitting in a bumpy bus for long trips on winding mountain roads is not the most comfortable thing to do. Taxi is more comfortable than the buses and may not be expensive, particularly if the fare is shared with 2 or more travellers. Whether you use the bus or taxi, make sure that you clearly agree to the destination and price before you start the trip.

See
This lush Caribbean island is called "the nature island" for a reason. Its beautiful, tropical natural riches are by far its main attraction. Where other Caribbean destinations pride themselves most on their white, palm-lined beaches, Dominica shows another side of the region. Head to the mountain village of Laudat for a hike through the UNESCO listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park. It encompasses some of the island's finest mountainous terrain in a 17,000-acre protected area. A proper hike will reward you with gorgeous misty lakes, waterfalls, rivers, hot springs and fumaroles in a setting of volcanoes and thick jungle. Enjoy the sight and take a swim at the Emerald Pool or explore the Titou Gorge.

From the gorge, true hikers should set out for the challenging six-hour hike to the boiling lake, the second-largest of its kind in the world and an amazing sight.

The capital of Roseau is a pleasant place to explore, with many restaurants, small shops and wonderful views of the mountains (to the east) and the Caribbean Sea (to the west). The town hums with the sounds of vehicles, Caribbean accents, and minor commerce (e.g. sidewalk BBQs, vendors selling clothing in street stalls). Head to the Botanic Gardens to get away from the hussle or sip a coffee in a gallery.

An old British Fort is on the north-west coast at Portsmouth. A small fee may be charged. Expect to spend 1-2 hours at the site. A guided tour through the recreated village of Kalinago Barana Autê in the Carib Territory gives an interesting insight in traditional Kalinago culture.

Scotts Head is a small isthmus on the southern tip of the island. It is also the name of the small community that is there. It takes about one hour to drive from Roseau each way. Scotts Head is a great place to hike up the steep outcrop, which offers a wonderful view of the south-west coast of Dominica and the Caribbean Sea (and even the island of Martinique to the south).

The Sisserou Parrot, best known as the Imperial Amazon, is endemic to Dominica. As a critically endangered species, it inhabits in mountain forests at 2,100 feet. The bird is the island's official national symbol and is featured on its national flag.

Do

Snorkelling is particularly good at Champagne, south of Roseau, and at Scott's Head. Scuba Diving, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking or other water sports are also possibilities. Note that kayaking or canoeing provide an alternative to the ocean and lets you experience the rivers and inland bodies of water throughout Dominica.

Whale watching, dolphin watching, or boat tours can be arranged from Roseau.

Dominica's waters are also home to three species of marine turtles (Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Green turtle), and these gentle giants can be seen coming in to nest on shore during the months of April to October. Protected viewing sites are set up throughout the island, such as at Mangrove Bay on the Woodford Hill beach in the north east, or on the beaches of Portsmouth in the north west.

Hiking trip, biking, ATV tours, or zip lining are popular in forest areas. Hiking is one of the best ways to see Dominica and there are many wonderful hikes around the island of easy to challenging.

Dominica rock climbing and canyoning is an encouraging and motivating experience. It tests strength and agility while experiencing some of the most breathtaking views of Dominica.

Dominica is known for their many island events and festivals. The Caribbean Islands love food, music, and celebration. Whether it’s a cultural gathering or a music festival Dominica offers it.

Many of Dominica’s resorts offer spa vacation services on the premise for a convenient way to get rejuvenated for the next day of activities.

Money
The currency of the country is the East Caribbean dollar, denoted by the symbol: "$" or "EC$" (ISO currency code: XCD), which is also used by seven other island nations in the Caribbean. The EC dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. It is pegged to the United States dollar at an exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70.

Coins circulate in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents and 1 dollar. Banknotes circulate in denominations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

Shopping
The best local handicrafts are Kalinago-made baskets. The earth tone colors come from burying the fibers in the ground for different lengths of time. U.S. citizens (likely others) need to ensure that the materials from which they are made allow them to be taken back home.

Dominica is also well known for its music, so be sure to buy some local music while you are on the island. Genres range from jazz, reggae-dancehall, calypso & soca, to Cadence-lypso and Bouyon and which are popular Dominican genres. Visit during the last weekend in October and be treated to the World Creole Music Festival or if you can't make it, ask for the best local artistes, and be aware of pirated copies!

Many kiosks and vendors line the shore at the main cruise ship dock. One excellent leather store faces the dock on the other side of the road. Just a short block inland lies a packed, open-air market with perhaps the island's best selection of souvenirs.

Look out for cacao sticks to make cocoa tea as a nice souvenir to take back home.

Drink
Freshly squeezed grapefruit is ubiquitous and is perfect with every meal. Coconut water is cheap and readily available by the side of the road. Another local specialty is sorrel. This red refreshing drink is brewed from the flowers of a hibiscus species common also in Jamaica. The popular locally brewed beer is Kubuli. Ask your hotel to set up a tour of the brewery.

There are many vendors of fruit juice in Roseau. Almost without exception this is non-pasteurized fruit juice with water and sugar added. The added water is usually chlorinated tap water. A juice vendor known as Pal sells his juice by the area where one can find a bus to Portsmouth. Pal is one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable fruit vendors on the island. He sometimes has juice from rare fruits.

Quenchi is a local soft drink which comes in many different flavors. It can be found in every village (with diet varieties at the IGA in Roseau).

Sorrel, known as the Christmas drink for its red colour (and because it only flowers around Christmas) is made from boiled flowers. It tastes heavenly.

Avocado pear juice can be purchased in some small cafes and is certainly worth a try. Other flavours include soursop, passionfruit, grapefruit, orange, lime, beetroot.

The coffee is usually not very good, as most locals seem to prefer tea and juice, with the occasional exception. There are also a few coffee shops around the major towns.

Sleep
Many accommodations on the island are outside of the towns. For in-city accommodations, see the respective city articles.

 * Veranda View A small guest house in the north part of the Island, Veranda View is an ideal location to base yourself to tour the island. Located 15 minutes from the Melville Hall Airport, the guest house is easy to find on the main road in Calibishie.
 * Veranda View A small guest house in the north part of the Island, Veranda View is an ideal location to base yourself to tour the island. Located 15 minutes from the Melville Hall Airport, the guest house is easy to find on the main road in Calibishie.
 * 'Nature Island Eco-village', possibly the cheapest travel option. Only for adventure travellers. The site is only accessible by foot, including a river ford or zip line. Work trade can be arranged in some cases to cover cost of stay. Offers a hands on course in subsistence farming, organic farming and permaculture principles.

Work
All work permits are valid for one-year duration and can be renewed. An application involves the submission of two completed copies of the relevant form together with the following supporting documents;

 * Medical certificate;
 * Two testimonials;
 * Banker's financial reference/statement;
 * Police record/statement;
 * Proof of return ticket;
 * Two passport size photographs;
 * Marriage certificate (where applicable);
 * Letter stating duration and type of employment;

Work Exchange at Nature Island Eco-village Tourist permits do not permit work for money, however, work trade is not forbidden.

Stay safe

 * Dominica is one of the safest places to travel in the region.
 * There are no poisonous snakes or insects in Dominica

Take usual precautions when travelling around Dominica. Although rare, petty crimes are most likely to happen around Roseau. Elsewhere the island is extremely safe.

Stay healthy
Tap water is safe to drink, but since it is sometimes drawn straight from Dominica's many rivers, it has a tendency to turn brown after heavy rainfall. It's better to drink the bottled water available almost anywhere.

Basic healthcare is available at Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau.

North Americans moving to Dominica often experience boils for the first time and fingernail and toenail fungi. Stomach problems are rare among travellers.

Towns are sprayed with insecticides periodically to control the mosquitoes responsible for spreading Dengue fever. However, the spraying may not be done at the scheduled time and pesticides may drift into your home if the windows are open.

In the high lands and uninhabited central regions water is gathered at roadside springs. Sometimes the bus will stop and passengers will fill their water bottles. Locals prefer the taste of this water to bottled water.

Public water is bacterially safe to drink due to heavy chlorination and has the expected chlorine flavor.

Connect
Area code is 767, on the North American exchange.

Digicel is a local cellular company which provides prepaid plans for those visiting for short periods. Cable & Wireless and Orange also provide cell service.

title: Dominica


text:
Dominical

Dominical is a city in South Pacific Costa Rica. The number one attraction in Dominical is the beach. There's all the amenities to help you enjoy a safe and exhilarating time. Fishing and waterfalls tie for second in area attractions. Ziplines, caves, horseback riding, yoga, massage, socializing, and hiking are as well favorites here.

Get in
Usually people only need directions from the San José airport, SJO. There are three ways to get to Dominical, not counting the sea. The most common is from the east, via San Isidro (de General). San José is where you fly in and either bus or rent a car and head south to San Isidro. There you can buy some groceries at reasonable prices and head west (just ask for Dominical). This entire route takes you through cloud forests, mountain ridges, and river valleys and takes about four hours by car and six hours by bus (San José to Dominical). Coming in from the northern route now has a new, paved highway. From Quepos, Dominical is about a 1-hour drive. From the south what people do is fly into SJO, then make reservations for Sansa air flight to Palmar Sur and get a car rental to meet them there. From Palmar Sur to Dominical is the best road in the country, thought to support the future plans of an international airport in Palmar Sur. It only takes 45 minutes to drive from the airport to Dominical this way.

The best way to get to Dominical is using Easy Ride Shuttle service daily shuttles from San José downtown and SJO airport shuttle leaves at 09:30, and 15:00 rate is US$45 one way per person in modern vans with professional drivers.

It is also best to already know more about the area, places to visit and accommodation, the town is becoming more touristic as it is considered a great surf spot and many retired surfers live here.

Get around
The town is walkable but most roads are not paved. There is a tourist office just down from the main road, and also a couple of supermarkets.

See
Lifeguards are not a given in Costa Rica. Children aren't taught to swim and the Red Cross comes to the beach only 2 or 3 times a year for a few days (and then without ocean safety provisions). Funding continuously challenges the professionally trained Dominical Lifeguards program as they are wholly donation funded. This mean these shepherds of the sea are always happy to accept donations from travelers of surf fins, red swim trunks, sunscreen, floats, and cans. Preventative measures are strong (training, public awareness, manning the lifeguard tower and walking or running the beach) as strong waves require alert beach-goers and fortunately there are Lifeguards in Dominical, dedicated to serving both national and international visitors. The Annual 4th of July Sunday Lifeguards Fundraiser Extravaganza at Roca Verde Hotel/Bar/Restaurant has live music, auction, children's games, surfing, beach party, and a huge BBQ.

Being less than 8 km (5 miles) from Marino Ballena National Park, whales are seen along the shoreline 9 months of the year. Thus, whale watching tours are popular and normally successful. This piece of the Pacific Ocean is one of only two places in the world where whales from the Northern Hemisphere and those from the Southern Hemisphere meet (the other is in North Africa). The Humpback is the star of the show, but six other species are also common.

Do
Learning to surf is big here in Dominical. There are several businesses to help you accomplish this. Green Iguana Surf Camp is the oldest running full service camp, followed by Dominical Surf Camp with surf pro Rony Obando, next oldest is Alejandro Cerdes Costa Rica Surf Camp and pro Jose "Gato" Montoya's Gato Surf Camp. Tres Olas Surf Camp offers a slightly different package more tailored to good surfers wanting to get better. For one-on-one Steve Fergus at Jazzy's RiverHouse, Debbie Zec (+506 344-2582) was 2nd in the National Circuit Women's category and gives lessons to young girls wanting to learn. For surf tours, El Tubo Surf.
 * Hacienda Baru has very interesting eco tours including a night venture.
 * Hacienda Baru has very interesting eco tours including a night venture.
 * Hacienda Baru has very interesting eco tours including a night venture.
 * Hacienda Baru has very interesting eco tours including a night venture.
 * Hacienda Baru has very interesting eco tours including a night venture.
 * Hacienda Baru has very interesting eco tours including a night venture.
 * Hacienda Baru has very interesting eco tours including a night venture.

Buy
The only ATM is next to the tourist information in a corner under the area with the wooden roof. Just a small green machine without a cabin around. It provides US dollars and colones. To be safe, better bring some money with you, as credit cards are not accepted everywhere and the ATM can be out of order.

Eat
Restaurants are varied and many. "Typical Comida" is found in every restaurant.
 * The Gecko Restaurant at La Cusinga Eco Lodge - An organic restaurant, next to Ballena Marine National Park that aims to offer guests spiritual and physical sustenance.
 * San Clemente - Mexican American
 * Coconut Spice - Thai
 * Tortilla Flats - beach seafood
 * Rio Mar - steak and seafood
 * Nanyoa - budget Costa Rican
 * La Parcela - international cuisine in an exquisite setting
 * La Macha - seafood
 * The Soda - typical local restaurant, right behind the Cool Vibes Hostel has great smoothies and shakes from local fruits for reasonable prices. Also cheap local food. The surf guides eat there.
 * Que Nivel - great food and serves until 14:00. Their food is different from everywhere else.  Everyone goes there late night to drink and get a good late night meal.

All grocery stores have sandwich makings and dinner preparations.

Drink

 * Roca Verde. Most popular even if it is only one night a week (Sa) as the nearby San Isidro city parks itself there and Latinas sway in the moonlight.
 * Tortilla Flats closes at 21:00 but serves it up from breakfast till then and is perfect for a surf and a beer or three.
 * Maracatú has ladies' nights, reggae nights, and live nights.
 * Cocos is all about the Tico flavor and terrific for sports nights.
 * Confusione often has violin music on Saturday nights.
 * San Clemente has Friday night covered with a discothèque throb.
 * Que Nivel has happy hour every night from 18:00-20:00. Also they have weekly events: Monday Movie Night, Ten Thousand Tuesday (Costa Rican Dice Game), Thursday is Ladies' 80s Night, and Saturday they have the preparty for Roca Verde with Power Hour.
 * La Cascada on the Beach is a club with all the amenities on the beach.

There's even a delivery service, NightFlight, in town to get booze and food to your vacation home until three in the morning.

Go next
The tourist information at the entrance of the village (on the right side, 50 m from the junction) has bus schedules for several directions.

Backpackers: There are daily airport shuttles to San José (SJO) at 06:30, 10:45 and 15:45 for US$35 per person (that is the cost for a taxi in San José to the airport alone).

title: Dominical


text:
Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic (Spanish: República Dominicana) is a Caribbean country that occupies the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Besides white sand beaches and mountain landscapes, the country is home to the oldest European city in the Americas, now part of Santo Domingo. Due to its Hispanic heritage, the Dominican Republic is called the Cradle of the Americas.

History
Explored and claimed by Columbus on his first voyage on December 5, 1492, the island of Ayití, named by Columbus as La Hispaniola, became a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland.

The island was first inhabited by the Taínos and Caribes. The Caribes were an Arawakan-speaking people who had arrived around 10,000 BCE. Within a few short years following the arrival of European explorers, the population of Tainos had significantly been reduced by the Spanish conquerors. Based on Fray Bartolomé de las Casas (Tratado de las Indias) between 1492 and 1498 the Spanish conquerors killed around 100,000 Taínos. The first European settlement founded on the American continent was on La Isabela, founded in 1493 using a 15th-century style in La Isabela, Puerto Plata (19°53'15.08" N 71°04'48.41" W). The City of Santo Domingo was founded by Bartolomé Colón, on August 5, 1496 and was moved by Frey Nicolás de Ovando to the west side of Ozama river in 1502.

In 1606 the royal crown of Spain ordered the depopulation of the western end of the island due to high piracy and contraband. This led to the French invasion and the establishment of Haiti.

In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in 1821, but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for 22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844.

A legacy of unsettled, mostly non-representative rule for much of its subsequent history was brought to an end in 1966 when Joaquín Balaguer was elected president for his second, non-consecutive term (he had first served from 1960-1962). He maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years, until international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his last term, hold new elections in 1996, and give up power. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held every four years.

The Dominican economy has had one of the fastest growth rates in the hemisphere.

Climate
Tropical maritime with little seasonal temperature variation. There is a seasonal variation in rainfall. The island lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and is subject to severe storms from June to October. It experiences occasional flooding and periodic droughts.

Landscape
Rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed.

Visitor information

 * Go DR tourism website

Cities

 * — the capital city and the oldest European city in the Americas
 * — a luxury apartment resort with beaches, yacht harbours, golf courses
 * — a popular resort destination known for its pretty sandy beaches
 * — home to a coastline of sandy white beaches at the eastern tip of the
 * — a sugarcane, baseball, university and tourist city
 * — a cute harbor town on the Samaná Peninsula
 * — a city of old and classic Caribbean Spanish-style buildings
 * — a party destination for single men
 * — 3rd largest city  it has a charming replica of the Italian village

Other destinations

 * —secluded village
 * —secluded beach strip popular with Europeans and Americans in the know
 * —secluded beach strip popular with Europeans and Americans in the know
 * —secluded beach strip popular with Europeans and Americans in the know
 * —secluded beach strip popular with Europeans and Americans in the know
 * —secluded beach strip popular with Europeans and Americans in the know
 * —secluded beach strip popular with Europeans and Americans in the know
 * —secluded beach strip popular with Europeans and Americans in the know
 * —secluded beach strip popular with Europeans and Americans in the know

Get in
The Dominican Republic allows citizens of virtually every country in the Western Hemisphere to enter without a visa for up to 30 days (Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela are notable exceptions). Also visa-exempt are citizens of any of the European Union / European Economic Area member states, Australia, Bahrain, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, Macao SAR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. See Entry Requirements. The 30 day visa waiver can be extended once for an additional 30 days.

All arriving passengers regardless of citizenship or residency status must complete an eTicket online prior to departing for the Dominican Republic. This consolidates and digitizes the arriving passenger/ tourist card, customs declaration, and health declaration required to enter the country and produces a QR code that can be scanned by immigration and customs. Information requested on the eTicket application is fairly straightforward, traveler details, passport number, purpose and dates of trip, where you'll be staying, etc... In all likelihood you will not be asked to produce the QR code on arrival (it appears to be linked to your passport number), but your airline will ask to see it.

A US$10 tourism fee is payable by all arriving foreigners apart from returning residents. Formerly, this was paid in cash just prior to going through passport control, although since the eTicket system was introduced in 2019, it's now almost universally collected as part of the traveler's airfare or cruise package. Private aviation and yacht passengers must pay this fee on arrival in US dollars or euros (not Dominican pesos).

By plane
The main airports (in alphabetical order) are:

 * Samana, also known as "El Catey", located between the towns of Nagua and Samana on the north coast.
 * Samana, also known as "Aeropuerto Internacional Arroyo Barril" between Sanchez and Samaná
 * "La Isabela" airport in Santo Domingo, mainly for domestic flights but also receives some flights from other Caribbean islands
 * La Romana on the south east coast
 * Puerto Plata, also known as "Gregorio Luperon" on the north coast
 * Punta Cana International Airport in the east, the busiest in the country
 * Santo Domingo, also known as "Las Americas" on the south coast close to the capital city Santo Domingo
 * Santiago also known as "Cibao International" in Santiago de los Caballeros (the country's 2nd largest city).
 * Constanza, a domestic airport to all Dominican destinations.
 * Barahona, also known as "Aeropuerto Internacional María Montez" this airport was reopened during the earthquake in Haiti, in order to bring the primary aid to the Haitians.
 * Cabo Rojo, Pedernales, only for domestic use, located near Cabo Rojo port facility.

You can get flights from Europe via Frankfurt, Madrid or Paris  and seasonally from London-Gatwick. From the US, you can fly from New York, Boston, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Airport, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Juan, Atlanta Airport or Charlotte. Most European and Canadian cities have charter flight connections, which operate seasonally.

A departure tax of US$20 cash is payable on most charter and some scheduled flights, although all US and most European carriers include this as part of your airfare.

Taxi fares to nearby hotels are posted just outside the airports.

Taxi from the airport to Santo Domingo (Ciudad Colonial): it is about US$40. There are no hotel "courtesy shuttles" at airports in the Dominican Republic.

By boat
There is a ferry that travels between Mayagüez in Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The website says the journey takes 12 hours, leaves Puerto Rico on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 20:00, and arrives in Dominican Republic at 08:00 the next morning.

For prices and bookings, visit the Ferries Del Caribe English website.

Get around
Options for getting around the country include bus service, 'gua-guas' (pronounced "Gwa-Gwas": small battered vans or trucks that serve as a collective taxi running fixed routes that are very cheap but can also be very overloaded), domestic air flights and charter air service. There is a rail system operating only in the city of Santo Domingo. Most towns and cities have regularly scheduled bus service, if not by one of the big bus companies, then by gua-gua. The bus lines are most often simple, independently run operations, usually only connecting two cities within a region (Southwest, East, North) or between one city and the capital (with stops made for any towns on the route). Because of the geography of the country, to get from one region of the country to another you have to go through the capital. At horariodebuses.com you can check bus timetables between destinations in the country.

By car
Cars may be rented through Hertz, Avis, Prestige Car Rentals or other agencies in Santo Domingo and other major cities. Gasoline, however, is expensive often costing upward of US$5/gallon (as of June 2018). Some roads, especially in remote areas, are fairly dangerous (often without lane divisions) and many people tend not to respect oncoming traffic. Road conditions on most major highways are roughly similar to road conditions in the United States and western Europe. However, potholes and rough spots are not rapidly repaired and drivers must be aware that there are a significant number of rough spots even on some major highways. There are a number of very good roads such as DR-1 which is a four lane highway connecting the cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago and can be traveled with no trouble. Highway DR-7 is an excellent toll road from just east of Santo Domingo north to near Sanchez. From there, you can go east to the Samana peninsula or west along the northern coast of the DR and costs about US$11.

Probably the biggest challenge that an international visitor to the Dominican Republic will face if he or she chooses to rent a car is not so much dealing with automobile traffic, but rather avoiding accidentally running over pedestrians who cross poorly-lit streets and highways in the evening and nighttime hours. Lack of head/taillights on cars and especially motorcycles is also not unusual and with motorcycles this makes them extremely hard to spot. The best recommendation is not to drive after dusk. Outside of Santo Domingo, the motorbike (motoconcho) is an extremely common form of travel. If lost, you can hail a motorbike driver (motochonchista) and ask for directions. You will be taken to your destination by following the bike. A tip is appropriate for such help. Remember that many of these motorbike drivers look upon road rules as only recommendations. However, driving in the Dominican Republic should not be particularly difficult for experienced drivers from North America or Europe.

Guaguas (local buses) and metro
Guaguas are the traditional means of transport in the Dominican Republic. Guaguas will be filled to the brink with people and luggage; expect to squeeze to fit more people who will be picked up en route. If you prefer authentic experience over comfort, traveling by guagua is the right choice.

Guagua comfort can range from air conditioned with leather seats to a bit worn down with open window air breeze cooling. Traveling with guaguas is safe, and tourists are treated friendly and get helped out.

You can also hop on mid way if you know where to stand on the route and gesture the driver; tell the conductor your destination and he'll tell you where to get off and how to switch guaguas; sometimes you'll have to ride across town to another bus station.

Prices are modest: RD$100-150 for a 1-2 hour ride. Since most guaguas are minibuses, you might have to stow your luggage on a seat; in this case you might have to pay a fee for the occupied seat. Larger routes get serviced by normal sized buses with a separate storage compartment.

Guaguas stop operating at dusk. Plan your trip with enough slack that you will be able to catch your last guagua when the sun is still up.

The guagua network is organic and does not require you to go through the capital; you might have to change several times though, as guaguas usually only connect two major cities.

Long-haul buses
Caribe Tours, based out of the capital, is the biggest bus company, and has coverage in most regions that are not well-served by the other 'official' bus companies. Unlike taxis and gua-guas, Caribe Tour rates are fixed by destination and are extremely reasonable due to government subsidies. Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo is roughly RD$425. Caribe Tour buses typically run from 07:00 to 16:00 (with departures approx. every two hours) and cover most major cities. On longer trips, expect a 10-minute stop for coffee and lunch. Buses are fairly luxurious with movies playing for the entire trip and air conditioning (which can be extremely cold - bring a sweater). Another option is the slightly more expensive Metrobus bus company. Metrobus serves the northern and eastern part of the country. The 'unofficial' gua-gua system covers nearly every road on the island for some moderate savings (if you don't mind being packed in).

In short, bus services across the country are comfortable and a good value. The buses are clean, air conditioned (bring sweater), usually play a movie, and are pretty inexpensive, costing no more than RD$300 one way cross-country.

Taxi services are available but potentially dangerous when dealing with unlicensed drivers. In all cases, it's a good idea to go with a licensed driver and negotiate a price for your destination before you leave. Good drivers are often easy to identify by licenses worn around the neck, uniforms, and clean air conditioned vehicles. When calling a taxi company, you will be given a number to verify your driver. When being picked up, make sure your driver gives you the right number as 'false pickups' are often a prelude to robbery.

Another way to get out and about is to book an excursion with one of the many representatives at most local hotels and resorts.

Talk
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. You will find some Spanish-English bilingual locals especially in Santo Domingo and tourist areas. If you speak some Spanish, most Dominicans will try hard to meet you half way and communicate. If you have a problem, you can probably find someone who speaks sufficient English (or probably French and possibly German, Italian or Russian) to help you out. Dominicans are quite friendly and will be quite helpful if you are polite and respectful. Haitians living in the DR may speak Haitian Creole and you may hear a few African and Arawakan words interspersed with the Spanish, especially in rural areas. Communication should not be a problem even for those who speak only a minimum of Spanish. If you are traveling to one of the large all-inclusive hotels, you will have no language problems.

Dominicans speak a particular brand of Caribbean Spanish. As far as pronunciation, expect the letter S to often disappear at the end of words or syllables. In some areas, people with a strong Dominican accent may turn R's into L's. Some commonplace Dominican Spanish words you might not be familiar with from other countries include:

 * menudo means "change", as in coins or the money a vendor returns to you when you give them more money than the price of what you're buying (you're not going crazy - in Mexico, "menudo" is soup made from cow's stomach)
 * funda is a bag, as in a cashier asking "Do you want a bag?". The term "bolsa", commonly used in the rest of the Spanish-speaking world is a slang term for "scrotum" in the DR and can elicit chuckles or smirks, especially in younger and more irreverent circles.  "Bolsa!" can also be said as an expression of frustration, akin to "dammit".
 * colmado is a locally-owned neighborhood store, selling drinks, dry and canned foods, and sometimes more
 * banca is a window selling lottery tickets - not to be confused with banco, a bank
 * zafacón is a garbage can or wastebasket
 * concho means a taxi, including the ubiquitous motoconcho, a motorcycle taxi
 * pasola is a moped / motor scooter (i.e. a small motorbike with a covered body and a footrest directly in front of the seat)

See
There is one UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town of Santo Domingo which is the oldest European city in the Americas. In addition to that there are many national parks and beaches in the country.

Do
Climb/hike to the top of Pico Duarte. At 3,098 m it's not only the highest mountain in the Dominican Republic but in the whole Caribbean.

National parks

 * Los Haitises National Park
 * Jaragua National Park
 * National Park Isla Cabritos
 * Armando Bermudez National Park
 * Jose Del Carmen Ramirez National Park
 * Sierra del Bahoruco National Park
 * Parque Nacional del Este
 * Monte Cristi National Park
 * Parque Historico La Isabela

Money
The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso denoted by the symbol "$" or "RD$" (ISO code: DOP). Wikivoyage uses "RD$" for clarity.

Coins in the Dominican Republic are issued in denominations of RD$1, RD$5 (yellow ring with silver center), RD$10 (silver ring with yellow center) and RD$25. Banknotes in the Dominican Republic are issued in denominations of RD$20, RD$50, RD$100, RD$200, RD$500, RD$1,000 and RD$2,000.

At airports and harbors you can change your U.S. dollars, euros and any major foreign currencies into Dominican pesos, though the rates there are not great. It makes sense to get only as many pesos as necessary there and change more later on at your destination or to withdraw pesos from an ATM with your credit or debit card. You may not be able to exchange back Dominican pesos to U.S. dollars and euros in most countries, so do it before leaving.

In most cities you can find a Banco Popular and Scotiabank — their ATMs allow withdrawals with Visa, Mastercard and Maestro. They usually impose a very low limit but allow several withdrawals at once. Even though it is possible to withdraw money in the bank directly, most will flatly refuse this and point one at their ATMs. Unless you are very proficient in Spanish and willing to fight this out with the staff, you must pay a fee for every withdrawal — between RD$100 and RD$200. Depending on the season the limits change — in high season the limits are higher, in low season they go lower. It always makes sense to try a value that ends in 900 if the 1,000 don't work (e.g. if 4,000 is over the limit, try 3,900 first before trying 3000). Bank Reservas does not work for U.S.-issued Fidelity debit card and could cause errors in the statement. Banco Popular would decline withdrawals too, while Scotiabank has been very reliable.

Shopping
One of the best spots in the Colonial District of Santo Domingo to shop is the several blocks long outdoor mall, El Conde Street. It offers everything from street vendors (it is not recommended to eat off these) to knock-off name brand clothing for extremely inexpensive prices. There are some very pleasant outdoor restaurants that serve as perfect spots to people watch and drink Presidente (their most popular beer).

During the day, there are also several touristy shops where you can buy cheap presents for the family back home including authentic paintings and beautiful jewelry. There is also a very nice cigar shop at the end of the mall across from the cathedral. Clothes, however, are generally very economical and often of good quality. Most prices can be negotiated. US dollars are accepted in most areas.

Drink

 * Beer and Rum are ubiquitous.
 * Mama Juana: a mixture of bark and herbs left to soak in rum, red wine and honey.
 * Non-alcoholic: Morirsoñando, Piña Colada, Jugo de Chinola, Countryclub Merengue soda.

Additionally, other imported drinks are available for purchase—at least in the towns and cities—they might not be as readily available out in the countryside.

Do not drink tap water! Locals, even in the most rural areas, will either boil their water or purchase bottled water. Eating salads or other food that may be washed in tap water is not advisable. Ice is a bad idea as well, except in luxury hotels and restaurants (which produce ice from bottled water). If you plan on cooking or washing dishes for longer stays, it is a good idea to rinse everything with bottled or boiled water before use.

Eat

Food in the Dominican Republic is very diverse, a fusion of Spanish, African and Taino culture. The national dish, “La Bandera”, consists of rice, red kidney beans and meat. The most popular breakfast is called “Tres Golpes” and is made out of mangú (smashed green plantains, fried cheese, salami and eggs). Tostones are also very popular, and the fried pork mofongo. Lots of types of tropical fruits and seafood are eaten. Most restaurant meals will cost an additional 18% tax plus 10% service: for very good service, it is customary to leave an additional 10%.

Sleep
Lodging in the Dominican Republic is plentiful, with options ranging from huge, all-inclusive beach resorts to more personal options scattered along the coasts and in the cities. Hotels charge a 25% room tax, so inquire beforehand to determine if that tax is included (often the case) in the listed room price. The country has hostels which offer their shared rooms.

Learn
Many US universities offer study abroad options for the Dominican Republic. The two most common cities hosting exchange students are Santo Domingo and Santiago. Check with local universities for programs and prices. Spanish language schools are located in major cities and on the north coast as well.

Work
Most companies do not require anything more than a passport to work. There are a lot of US companies in the country, especially in Santo Domingo and DN (the National District). There are good opportunities for English speaking employees. The country has several free zones, lots of them in the call center area.

Volunteer
There are several volunteer opportunities in the Dominican Republic. Many worldwide organizations offer extended travel for anyone willing to volunteer their time to work with locals on projects such as community development, conservation, wildlife sanctuary maintenance & development, scientific research, and education programs.

 * Orphanage Outreach
 * Inter-American Foundation
 * International Student Volunteers Dominican Republic
 * The DREAM Project
 * Peace Corps Dominican Republic
 * IDDI

Stay safe
The Dominican Republic is generally a safe country. Although the major cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago have experienced the growth of a thriving middle class, construction booms and reached a high level of cosmopolitanism, the Dominican Republic remains a developing country and poverty is still rampant in many areas, so you need to take common sense precautions:

 * Relatively fewer streets, particularly ones that are not main thoroughfares, are lit after dark than you might expect or see back home, even in the capital of Santo Domingo. Those that are lit are subject to routine power outages is as the rest of the country.
 * Wild dogs are common throughout the country but largely ignore people (feeding these dogs is not recommended as this may induce aggressive behavior).
 * Western travelers should dress casually and avoid displaying ostentatious or flashy jewelry or other expensive luxury items when away from tourist destinations. Common tourist destinations, particularly the more expensive and the luxury hotels and areas, are very safe.
 * Sex tourism is prevalent in the Puerto Plata province of the country, so you may be hassled by young men or women trying to offer you 'services'. A firm 'No' is good enough. The age of consent is 18, and tourists who have sex with minors may also be prosecuted by their home country.
 * There are no laws dictating the maximum amount of alcohol that can be drunk prior to driving. However, there is a 0.05% limit for professional drivers. Be wary of vehicles, especially during the late evening, as there is a much higher possibility at that time that the driver is intoxicated. It is illegal for tourists and visitors to drink and drive and, besides it being a bad idea, you may be penalized for doing so.
 * The level of professionalism of the National Police is somewhat debatable. To protect income from tourism, the government has established the Politur or "tourist police" for the safety of foreign tourists. Travelers should contact this agency if any problems are encountered as they will have a much more positive response than with the national police.

Stay healthy
Malaria can be a rare issue around rainforests if travelers don't take protective measures such as repellents against mosquito bites. No cases have been reported over the past 8 years within the tourist areas. Be sure to consult with a physician before departure.

There is a risk of dengue fever and chikungunya fever which is contracted through mosquitoes that bite during the day and during some seasons of the year. No vaccine is available, so again using mosquito repellent is advisable.

Many of the local foods are safe to eat including the meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Visitors, however, should not drink any of the local water and should stay with bottled water or other beverages. It is important for visitors to stay hydrated in the hot, humid climate.

Sunburn and sun poisoning are a great risk. The sun is very bright here. Use at least SPF30 sunblock. Limit sun exposure.

The country's adult HIV/AIDS prevalence is reaching 2.0% or 1 in 50 adults, which is almost 3 times higher than the USA. Practice safe sex.

Respect
Dominicans are kind and peaceful people. Attempts at speaking Spanish are a good sign of respect for the local people. Be polite, show respect, and do your best to speak the language, and you will be treated with kindness.

Avoid talking about Haiti. Although relations have improved, many Dominicans, particularly of the older generations, harbor resentment towards Haitians. Santo Domingo was invaded and occupied by Haiti for a good part of the 19th century, and the Dominican Republic actually fought its first war of independence against Haiti, not Spain, after which the Dominican Republic faced several other invasions from its neighbor.

Trujillo's dictatorship massacred tens of thousands of Haitians in the 1930s, which fueled the resentment between both nations. The massacre is known as the "parsley massacre" as apparently the way the genocidaires distinguished the ethnicity of their would-be victims was by letting them pronounce the shibboleth "perejil", the Spanish word for parsley, which is difficult to pronounce for native speakers of French or Haitian Creole. Nowadays, about a million Haitians (which is a lot considering the small populations of either country) live in the Dominican Republic, most of them illegally. Some Dominicans' opinions towards illegal immigrants from Haiti are similar to some Americans' attitudes towards Mexican illegal immigrants, with the major difference that, unlike the US, the Dominican Republic is a small and poor country by world standards, but still much much richer and more stable than Haiti. Gang wars can erupt along the border, so stay cautious and be sensitive.

Still, the issues remain very complex and Dominicans often find their position to be misunderstood by foreigners. For example, the Dominican Republic was the first country to come to Haiti's aid in the 2010 Haitian earthquake and has made impressive efforts to help its neighbor during this crisis. This shows that despite their historical, linguistic, religious, cultural and ethnic differences, Haitians and Dominicans still consider each other to be brotherly, yet proudly independent, nations.

When staying at the luxury resorts or really any place in the Dominican Republic, it is advisable to tip for most services. The Dominican Republic is still a fairly poor country and tipping the people who serve you helps them better their sometimes dire economic situation.

It's a good idea to avoid talking about race in the Dominican Republic. Most Dominicans, even very dark-skinned Dominicans who would absolutely be considered black in Europe and the American mainland, will not self-identify as "black" (negro/negra), reserving that term for Haitians and folks from sub-Saharan Africa. Don't call a Dominican a "negro/a" (black person) as this may lead to your being called a racist. There are plethora of other designations and terms defining skin color ranging from "dark white" to "wheat color" (trigueño/a), "mulatto", "brown" (moreno/a), to, perhaps the most ridiculous, "Indian" (indio/a), despite the Taíno people being largely wiped out after the arrival of the Spaniards. Most Dominicans are of mixed-race heritage with Spanish/Iberian heritage as well as African heritage and even some (nominal amounts) native Taíno roots. Many Dominicans seem to take great pride in being mixed race and not black, unlike their poorer neighbors in Haiti. The notion of "good hair" and "bad hair" (straight vs. kinky) is very much a thing as well, and women who don't straighten their hair or who wear it in an Afro, dreadlocks, or other Afrocentric styles are often derisively called "shaggy" (greñuda) and are often unable to obtain jobs in office settings like banks, etc. due to their "unprofessional" appearance. Under the Trujillo dictatorship there was an entire color caste system developed, and its vestiges are still felt to this day. A particularly bizarre eddy of this racist current was that during the Holocaust, Trujillo offered to take in Jewish refugees as he considered them "white" and thus a "betterment of the race" – a view that is not widely shared by other racists, for what it's worth. This type of thing is best not discussed as, no matter how much evidence you may present that this notion of euro-centrism and colorism is backwards, racist, and post-colonial, you'll simply be told that you're an outsider and don't understand their culture.

By phone
Telephone numbers in the Dominican Republic use area code +1 (809) with +1 (829) and +1 (849) as overlay codes. Telecommunications in the Dominican Republic use the North American Numbering Plan country code, 1, followed by the area code as in the US and Canada.

When in the Dominican Republic and just like in the US and much of Canada, the 3-digit area code followed by the 7-digit phone number must be dialed. When calling the Dominican Republic from the United States or Canada, this must be prefixed by the digit "1", it will be charged at international rate. From other countries the international prefix used in the originating country must be dialed before the "1".

There are three phone carriers in the Dominican Republic, Altice, Claro and Viva. All networks have 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE coverage with Claro and Altice already implementing 5G in most urban areas.

title: Dominican Republic


text:
Dona Paula

Dona Paula is a city in India, where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian sea. Named after Dona Paula de Menezes, it's also called the Lovers Paradise. Dona Paula Beach is 7 km from Panaji.

Understand
The beach village is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, daughter of a viceroy (in colonial India), who died in the 1600s, and she was buried at the Nossa Senhora de Bom Viagem Chapel at the governor's residence now known as Raj Bhavan – Goa. The village was earlier known as “Odda-Vell” and was renamed after “Dona Paula” The two statues that stand at the jetty's cliff, were a gift from the Dutch sailors and were built in 1969. The idyllic location not only attracts tourists for its beauty, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters.

This beach has also been the location for many Indian movies, the most famous being Ek Duje Ke Liye. Given this dual attraction, Dona Paula Beach has become a popular tourist spot.

Climate
The climate is equable and moist throughout the year. While it is pleasant and temperate from October to May it is rainy from June to September. Temperature variations throughout the year are mild. May is the warmest month with a temperature of around 30°C and January is coolest with a mean daily temperature of 25°C. Due to its proximity of the sea, the territory is generally humid and even during the summer months humidity is generally above 60 percent.

By plane
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 36 km from Anjuna.

By train
Goa is connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram by train. The nearest railway station is at Karmali, which is 15 km from the beach.

By road
The Dona Paula Beach is well connected by road. Seven kilometers from the capital city, regular bus and taxi services are easily available. The Kadamba Transport Corporation (a Government of Goa undertaking), and Maharashtra and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporations operate buses from and to Goa.

Get around
Bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, and motorcycle services are the available means of local conveyance in the area. A bus or motorcycle-taxi from Panajim or the ferry service from Mormugao can be availed of to reach the beach. In fact, buses to Dona Paula leave every fifteen minutes from Panajim's Kadamba stand.

An interesting mode of conveyance in Goa is the motorcycle taxi. Unique to this state, these “taxis” carry only one passenger. However motorcycles can also be hired for personal use, on the basis of financial guarantee.

See
A picturesque spot, commanding a fine view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour. The main attractions near Dona Paula Beach are Reis Magos Church and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Approximately 10 km from the beach is one of the oldest churches built in Goa, the Reis Magos Church.

Two other beaches are also within the proximity of the Dona Paula Beach. These are the Miramar beach, which lies 4 km north of Dona Paula, and the Vainguinim Beach, which is situated 1 km west.

Do
Dona Paula is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. The most important attraction is the water sport facilities available here. The Dona Paula Sports Club offers water-scooter, cycle, and motorboat rides. Other water sports include windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting. Water scooter facilities are also available here.

The festivals of Janmashtami and the Feast of St. Lawrence are particular to the Dona Paula Beach. In addition, the beach also has a colorful water sports festival in November. The highlights of this festival are the water scooter and cycle races and surfing competitions.

Buy
There are several shops along the beachside, which sell variety of goods ranging from eatables to clothes. Fishermen-turned-local vendors also sell straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, and spices in these shops. Feni and port wine—the two Goan liquor specialties—are a must buy and local liquor is easily available. Indian handicrafts and jewelry are available at the Indian Arts Emporium in Dona Paula.

Eat
Eat a lot here.

Sleep
Dona Paula is very close to the Capital city Panaji. Therefore a Tourist or a Business Traveller who is on a official visit to the state of Goa can stay here and also be very close to the hustle bustle life of the Panaji city. Many 5 star resorts along with budget hotels are located in Dona Paula. One can stay in 5 star resorts like Vainguinim Valley Casino Resort Goa and Cidade de Goa for a luxurious stay in Goa. Besides there are many budget hotels like Swimsea Beach Resort, Prainha Cottage, O Pescador etc.

title: Dona Paula