La Romano vs Puerto Plata: The Dominican Republic has seen a large tourism boom in recent years. People can’t seem to get enough of this wonderful island. La Romana and Puerto Plata are two destinations on the Dominican coast that offer a wide range of experiences to tourists. They each have unique traits, which is why many people find it difficult to choose just between La Romano vs Puerto Plata.
This guide will arm you with all the information you need in order to make a clear decision between the two and plan your dream Dominican vacation!
La Romano Overview
La Romana is a world-renowned city in the Dominican Republic. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, its stunning scenery and its vibrant culture. If you’re looking for a lively city with plenty to do, La Romana is the perfect choice. There is no shortage of activities to keep you busy, from golfing and tennis to windsurfing and scuba diving, you’ll be on the go all day long in this vibrant resort town.
Puerto Plata Overview
Puerto Plata is a smaller, more intimate destination than La Romana. Puerto Plata is centered around one main hub, the Puerto Plata Cable Car. From the cable car, you can see all of Puerto Plata stretched out below you.
Puerto Plata is a great destination for those who want to experience the Dominican Republic without all the hustle and bustle of a bigger resort town. The city has a laid-back feel and the people are extremely friendly. You’ll find that most of the restaurants and bars are clustered around the port area, making it easy to explore on foot.
So, if you’re looking for a quiet beach vacation with plenty of opportunity to explore, Puerto Plata is the place for you.
Top Attractions and Things To Do in La Romano vs Puerto Plata
When it comes to choosing between La Romana vs Puerto Plata, there are a few things to consider. Both destinations offer stunning beaches and plenty of activities and attractions. But which one would be the best Dominican vacation destination for you?
La Romana:
If you’re looking for breathtaking beaches, La Romana is the place to be. The city’s Playa Bayahibe is widely considered one of the best beaches in the country, and it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing or simply taking in the stunning views. Nearby, Isla Saona is also worth a visit – you can take a day trip from La Romana to enjoy its white sand beaches, turquoise waters and lush vegetation. Other trip highlights include:
- Visiting the Altos de Chavon, a re-creation of a 16th century medieval village that’s home to art galleries, shops, restaurants and more.
- Taking a tour of the Casa de Campo resort, one of the largest resorts in the Dominican Republic, sipping a cocktail at the pool and enjoying the resorts world-class amenities.
- Explore La Romana’s ancient caves at Los Tres Ojos National Park
Puerto Plata:
Puerto Plata is also home to some beautiful beaches, including Playa Dorada, which is perfect for surfing, and Long Beach, where you can find excellent snorkeling and diving conditions. If you’re interested in learning more about Dominican Republic’s history and culture, Puerto Plata’s Colonial Zone is a must-see.
- Visit the historic Fortaleza San Felipe, a 16th century Spanish fort overlooking the city.
- Soak up the sun on Playa Dorada, one of Puerto Plata’s most popular beaches.
- Take a cable car up to Mount Isabel de Torres for stunning views of Puerto Plata and the surrounding area.
Climate in La Romano vs Puerto Plata
When it comes to climate, the weather in La Romana vs Puerto Plata differs slightly. La Romana has a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 22 – 32 degrees Celsius. The rainy season in La Romana runs from May to October, so you can expect some wet weather during those months.
However, Puerto Plata generally has a drier climate with average temperatures ranging from 18 – 28 degrees Celsius. The rainy season in Puerto Plata typically runs from November to April, so you may want to plan your trip around those months if you want to avoid the rain.
Best Hotels In La Romana
There are many great hotels to choose from when visiting La Romana. Here are a few of the best.
Casa de Campo Resort and Villas: Arguably the best resort in the Dominican, this luxurious establishment offers everything you could possibly want on a getaway, from world-class golfing and tennis to spa treatments and fine dining. There’s also a variety of activities for everyone in the family, making it the perfect choice for a group vacation.
Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort: This beautiful beachfront resort is offers guests a luxurious experience. With an on-site spa, casino, 11 restaurants, eight bars, four pools, the Hilton La Romana has everything you need for a wonderful vacation.
Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville: Luxurious, five-star resort with six restaurants, three bars, two tennis courts, a pool, a spa, a gym, and more. This resort is perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended stay.
Best Hotels in Puerto Plata
When it comes to choosing the best hotel in Puerto Plata, there are a few things you need to take into account. These tick all the boxes from price to location and vibe.
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa: This elegant hotel is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy stunning views of the ocean from your room or soak up the rays on one of the many sun loungers by the pool. The Casa Colonial also has an excellent spa if you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate during your stay.
Hotel Villa Taina: This hotel is located in the heart of Puerto Plata and offers ocean-front, contemporary accommodation with gorgeous views of the ocean from each suite’s balcony. The hotel offers a sundeck, restaurant, bar and windsurfing center plus a spa for some indulgent pamper sessions.
Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort: This hotel offers stunning views of the ocean, luxury accommodations, and world-class service. With a variety of room types to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect room for your needs. And if you’re looking for a little extra pampering, the Senator also offers a full-service spa.
La Romano vs Puerto Plata Verdict
So, after all that, which one should you visit? If you’re looking for a traditional cultural experience, La Romana is probably the better choice with plenty of cultural attractions to explore. It can get quite crowded though, especially during peak tourist season. However, if you’re just looking to relax on the beach and enjoy some stunning scenery, Puerto Plata is probably a better option. It can, however, be pricier than La Romana, especially if you opt for one of the fancier hotels.
See Also:
La Romana vs Punta Cana: The Ultimate Comparison
Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic: How to Choose your Next Vacation Destination
Cabarete vs Sosua: Which Dominican Paradise Is Best For You?