La Romana

Altos de Chavón

A 16th-century Mediterranean village recreated in stone over the Chavón River, with a Greek amphitheater.

Altos de Chavón is La Romana's great tourist jewel and one of the most photographed places in the Dominican Republic. It's a spectacular recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, built entirely in stone and coral in the early 1980s, on a cliff overlooking the Chavón River. The result is an ensemble of surprising beauty, mixing European nostalgia with the tropical landscape. Touring its cobbled streets, its squares, its church (the church of St. Stanislaus, very popular for weddings), its artist and artisan workshops, its shops, restaurants and viewpoints over the river is a charming experience. The village also houses a design school, an art gallery and a Regional Archaeological Museum with Taíno pieces, which gives it genuine cultural content. Its most striking corner is the Amphitheater, a Greek-style structure with capacity for thousands of spectators, inaugurated with a famous concert and since then the stage for great figures of international music. Sitting on its steps, with the river and the jungle as a backdrop, is a spectacle in itself. Getting there: within the Casa de Campo complex, near the city; by taxi, car or excursion. Best time: morning or sunset, with good light for photos. Tips: comfortable footwear for the cobblestones; pairs very well with a boat trip on the Chavón River. Check the schedules and whether there's a concert or event at the amphitheater. Important: Casa de Campo's official 'Day Access' (which includes Altos de Chavón) costs US$ 50 per adult and US$ 25 per child for non-guests (10 AM to 5 PM), and is not available on concert days or holidays; many excursions organized from La Romana, Bayahíbe or Punta Cana already include that access in their price.

ℹ️ Distance: Casa de Campo complex, near the city (taxi, car or excursion) · Best time to go: Morning or sunset (good light) · Entry: Day Access to the Casa de Campo complex (includes Altos de Chavón) for non-guests: US$ 50 per adult and US$ 25 per child (4–12 years), Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Not available on concert days, holidays, long weekends, Christmas or Holy Week. Doesn't include guide, transport or meals (source: official Casa de Campo access requirements / museochavonarqueologico.org, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day

Chavón River

The jungle-and-mangrove river that served as the setting for 'Apocalypse Now' and 'Rambo', on a boat trip.

The Chavón River winds between walls of lush tropical vegetation at the foot of Altos de Chavón, in one of the country's most beautiful river landscapes. Its jungle setting, of mangroves and trees leaning over the water, gave it international fame: scenes from movies as famous as 'Apocalypse Now' and 'Rambo II' were filmed here, taking advantage of its wild tropical-river look. The best way to enjoy it is with a boat trip along its waters, which lets you contemplate the vegetation, the birds and, from below, the imposing silhouette of Altos de Chavón on the cliff. It's a calm and very scenic experience, contrasting with the open beaches of the coast and showing another face of Dominican nature. The boat trips are usually combined with a visit to Altos de Chavón on the same excursion. Some tours include stops and the chance to see the river's wildlife and flora up close. Getting there: at the foot of Altos de Chavón; the boat trip is booked in the area or as part of an excursion. Best time: morning or mid-afternoon, with good light. Tips: bring a cap, sunscreen and insect repellent; combine the trip with a visit to the village of Altos de Chavón. Check with operators what each tour includes.

ℹ️ Distance: At the foot of Altos de Chavón (boat trip from the area) · Best time to go: Morning or mid-afternoon (good light) · Entry: US$ 15–30 per person for the boat trip (source: local operators and Casa de Campo agencies, verified July 2026; depending on operator and duration) · Duration: 1 to 2 hours (trip)

Catalina Island

A small protected island off La Romana, with unspoiled beaches and reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Catalina Island is the marine excursion par excellence from La Romana, right off its coast. It's a small uninhabited, protected island, with white-sand beaches, coconut palms and a transparent sea, less crowded than Saona and highly valued for its underwater setting. It's ideal for a day of beach, snorkeling and diving. What sets Catalina apart is its reef: the so-called 'The Wall', a coral wall that drops to depth and is one of the country's most famous dive sites, with abundant marine life. The 'The Aquarium' area, shallower, is perfect for snorkeling and seeing colorful fish and corals without needing to dive. The typical excursion combines a short crossing from La Romana or Bayahíbe with beach time, snorkeling and, for divers, dives on its reefs. It usually includes lunch. It's a highly recommended plan, especially for lovers of the seabed. Getting there: from La Romana or Bayahíbe, with an excursion or dive outing. Best time: days with good weather, calm seas and good visibility. Tips: biodegradable sunscreen, snorkeling gear (usually provided) and respect for the corals (don't touch them). To dive 'The Wall', a certain level is required; check with the center.

ℹ️ Distance: Off La Romana; departure from La Romana or Bayahíbe · Best time to go: Days with good weather, calm seas and good visibility · Entry: US$ 85–110 per person for the full day with snorkeling and lunch (source: La Romana/Bayahíbe operators and dive centers via Viator/Civitatis, verified July 2026) · Duration: Full day

Saona Island (Cotubanamá National Park)

The paradisiacal island with its natural pool of starfish, within a national park.

Saona Island, although its most common departure port is Bayahíbe (a short distance from La Romana), is a must-do excursion from the area. It's an unspoiled island, protected within Cotubanamá National Park, with beaches of dazzling white sand, coconut palms and turquoise waters that look like they came out of a painting: the very image of the Caribbean. The classic full-day trip combines the boat ride —out by speedboat and/or back by catamaran with music and open bar— with a star stop: the Natural Pool, a sandbank in the middle of the sea where the water reaches your waist and where you traditionally see starfish (which, for conservation, must not be taken out of the water). It usually includes a buffet lunch on the island and free time on its beaches. From La Romana, the excursion includes the transfer to the pier (in Bayahíbe) and the boat ride. It's a long but unforgettable day, perfect for living the quintessential Caribbean postcard. Getting there: with an organized excursion, with a transfer to Bayahíbe and a boat ride. Best time: days with good weather and calm seas (year-round). Tips: biodegradable sunscreen, a cap, water and small cash. Respect the starfish and choose operators who are responsible toward the park.

ℹ️ Distance: Departure from Bayahíbe, near La Romana (excursion with transfer) · Best time to go: Days with good weather and calm seas (year-round) · Entry: From US$ 60 per person (approx. €55) for the regular tour; US$ 75–110 catamaran/VIP from La Romana/Bayahíbe (source: Civitatis and Viator, verified July 2026; full day, includes buffet lunch and open bar) · Duration: Full day

Casa de Campo and golf

One of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean, with world-class golf courses and a marina.

Casa de Campo is one of the most famous luxury resorts in the Caribbean, developed in the 1970s near La Romana by the Central Romana group. It's an enormous property with villas, hotels, a Mediterranean-style marina, restaurants, private beaches and, above all, some of the best golf courses in the region. Its most famous course is 'Teeth of the Dog', designed by Pete Dye, considered one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean and one of the most recognized in the world, with several holes at the sea's edge. After a complete renovation of its 18 greens and 82 bunkers in 2025, the course reopened with tee times reserved exclusively for resort guests, villa owners and their companions (no outside play allowed). Added to it are other Casa de Campo courses (Links and Dye Fore), of lesser exclusivity, which make Casa de Campo a benchmark destination for golfers. Beyond golf, the Casa de Campo Marina is a pleasant stroll, with its yachts, shops and restaurants in a well-kept setting, also open to visitors. The complex also houses Altos de Chavón, which makes it a world in itself. Getting there: next to La Romana; access to certain areas may require being a guest or a reservation. Best time: any day; for golf, it's best to book tee times in advance. Tips: if you're not staying there, you can access the marina and Altos de Chavón (with the complex access fee); to play Teeth of the Dog you must stay at Casa de Campo.

ℹ️ Distance: Next to La Romana (taxi, car or as a guest) · Best time to go: Any day; book tee times for golf · Entry: Teeth of the Dog green fee: US$ 400–550 per person/round depending on season (more expensive in winter), only for resort guests; mandatory caddie US$ 50–80 separate (+ tip US$ 20–40) and 18% tax not included (source: official Casa de Campo golf, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a full day

The city of La Romana and its sugar legacy

The working urban center, its central park, its market and the heritage of the Central Romana.

Beyond the islands and the luxury resorts, the city of La Romana itself deserves a look to understand the soul of the region. It's a working city, linked for more than a century to the sugar industry of the Central Romana mill, which shaped the city, attracted workers from all over the country and the English-speaking Caribbean (the 'cocolos') and marked its identity. In the center you can tour the Central Park (Parque Duarte), with its church, its everyday atmosphere and the life of the people; the lively market, where you see the local products, fruit and flavors; and the commercial streets that show the 'real' Dominican Republic, far from the tourist bubble. It's a good way to mingle with the locals and get to know the culture of the southeast. The 'cocolo' heritage brought particular cultural traditions, such as the dance groups and the 'guloyas' (declared intangible heritage by UNESCO), festive expressions of Afro-Caribbean root seen at certain celebrations. The city also has its coast, with a seafront promenade and areas to stroll by the sea. Getting there: the center is walkable; from the resorts, by taxi or car. Best time: during the day, for the market and the lively center. Safety tips: as in any city, watch your belongings and don't flash valuables. A walk through the center complements the beach-and-luxury days very well.

ℹ️ Distance: Center of the city of La Romana (on foot; from resorts, taxi/car) · Best time to go: During the day (market and lively center) · Entry: Free (to tour the city) · Duration: Half a day