Cabarete Β· SosΓΊa Β· Puerto Plata
Towns of the North Coast
Everything you need within easy reachΒ (and more beautiful than you'd expect).
something special going on
This part of the Dominican Republic is genuinely different.
The north coast sits at the base of lush mountains that slope toward the sea, with coral reefs offshore that shelter the coastline from rough weather β and, uniquely, from hurricanes. It's warm and sunny year-round, and the infrastructure here is a long way ahead of what most people expect from the Caribbean.
Restaurants, grocery stores, international banks, modern hospitals, good roads β it's all here. So is a large expat community of North Americans and Europeans who came for the climate and discovered they didn't want to leave. For buyers, this matters as much as the lifestyle: you won't be giving things up.
Three towns.Β Each one different.
the lively one
Cabarete
Cabarete is a cosmopolitan beach village with a bohemian flare. Its coral reef protected bay is dotted with diverse restaurants, as well as quaint shops; water sports abound.
Many local events are held along the beach, and nighttime is especially pretty as restaurants light up the night and bring tables onto the sand for starlight dining.
Cabarete is well known as a kite and windsurfing haven and hosts the world championships each year. Try your hand! There are many kite and windsurfing schools along the beach.
Other activities include stand up paddle boarding, enjoying lunch or dinner at great restaurants, exploring the local caves or protected lagoon, taking a tour or excursion, or simply relaxing on the beautiful beach.
This little town has grown up to be an active community with modern services, shopping, medical facilities, and community events.
What you'll find here
- World-class kitesurfing and windsurfing
- Beach restaurants and nightlife
- Protected lagoon, local caves, excursions
- Supermarkets, banking, medical clinics
the relaxed one
SosΓΊa
Enjoy a leisurely walk around town, shop, snorkel, take a dive, go fish, head out on a catamaran.Β It's the perfect town for real Caribbean life.
Expat-centred SosΓΊa, offers one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with powdery sand and crystal clear blue water. Vendors and restaurants run parallel to the beach and are available for shopping, food, drinks, and even on the beach service! Also in town is Playa Alicia β yet another lovely beach for tourists and residents.
Sosua also offers big box grocery shopping, a modern hospital and a huge variety of restaurants.
The history of this seaside town is very unique. In the early 1940s many Jewish settlers arrived here to escape the persecution of war. The refugees settled in the east part of Sosua known as El Batey and formed the successful Sosua Dairy co-operative (Productos Sosua), which exists to this day. There is a small Jewish museum detailing the history of the refugees.
What you'll find here
- SosΓΊa beach β powdery sand, protected bay
- Snorkelling, diving, deep-sea fishing
- Big-box grocery, modern hospital
- Jewish Heritage Museum
the historic one
Puerto Plata
Founded in the early 1500s, Puerto Plata was designed by Christopher Columbus and his brother, BartolomΓ©. Named for the silvery hues of its natural harbor, the city is surrounded by mountains. Visitors can enjoy the only aerial tramway in the Caribbean and ride to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres, a 793-metre-high mountain. The top features a botanical garden.
Another must stop is the Fortaleza San Felipe, a historic Spanish fortress used to protect the city from pirates in the mid 1500s. Today it is used as a museum.
The north coast is also called the amber coast. Check out the amber museum and see this ancient tree sap that has hardened into a semiprecious stone. Guided tours are available. Enjoy your day listening to merengue, the ever present music of the DR, as you stroll about the city. Be sure to stop on the Malecon (ocean drive) for a Presidente Beer!
What you'll find here
- Aerial tramway to Pico Isabel de Torres
- Fortaleza San Felipe β 1500s fortress museum
- Amber Museum
- Puerto Plata International Airport (POP)