Home to more than 100 kms of pristine beaches, the largest collection of preserved 19th century Victorian-style buildings in the Caribbean and a jaw-dropping mountain range hugged by a glimmering coastline, Puerto Plata (aka La Novia del Atlántico) is certainly one of the jewels of the Atlantic…
Looking out at Punta Rucia Beach. Photo c/o Vacation Couple.
It’s a province I’ve visited before – responsible for some of my favourite travel memories, including my first mother-daughter vacation – and one I know I’ll return to time and time again. Here’s why…
8 Reasons To Visit Puerto Plata
1. Direct Flights & Affordable All-Inclusive Packages
It only takes four hours to fly direct to this tropical paradise from Toronto! Air Canada Vacations offers a weekly summer service to Puerto Plata via Air Canada Rouge (which bumps up to four flights/week in the winter) and some incredible all-inclusive deals. This time around we stayed at Grand Bahia Principe San Juan which is a sprawling resort about an hour east of Puerto Plata city…
The resort has 845 rooms, five restaurants, six bars, a spa, tennis courts, cute colourful shops, disco, casino and four pools! Although the main pool with the swim-up bar is where all the action is, I spent most of my time in the smaller, quieter pool. Tucked away on the grounds and surrounded by palms, it was the perfect place to relax…
With my lovely travel buddy Kristin. Photo c/o Vacation Couple.
Now let’s talk food & drinks. The buffet at Grand Bahia Principe San Juan is extensive with a large range of local and international dishes. DO NOT LEAVE without trying the fresh mango, pineapple, sangria and guacamole. When dining at the á la carte restaurants, make sure to grab a glass or two of vino (they serve some great international wines). Oh and it’s not really a vacation until you’ve sipped on some fun drinks…
Photo c/o Vacation Couple.
The best part? I know most of the time I say you need to leave resorts to meet the locals, but that’s not the case for Grand Bahia Principe San Juan — in fact, I felt like I saw more locals on this property than anywhere else in Puerto Plata! Expect Dominican music, families/large groups and good times, especially on the weekends…
2. Dreamy Beaches
From tranquil retreats to bustling surf enclaves, there’s a stretch of sand with your name on it in Puerto Plata province. While there are too many to name, here are a few of my favourites: Playa Dorada (go here for the golden sand), Cabarete (go here for the kitesurfing – more on that below) and Playa Sosúa (go here for a vibrant beach vibes and gorgeous landscape with Mount Isabel de Torres in the distance)…
The calm, glimmering ocean at Playa Sosúa is pure perfection.
Oh, and you’d be remiss if you don’t take a day trip out to Cayo Arena — go here for the snorkeling and because it’s the cutest little sandbar EVER…
Note: the trek to Cayo Arena is a bit of long one, but definitely worth it. Also known as Paradise Island, it’s lined with only seven beach huts and is where I spotted Dory (Blue Tangs) for the first time! Most tour companies also stop at another beach or two and navigate through the web of mangroves in Monte Cristi National Park so it’s a beaut day trip.
Photo c/o Vacation Couple.
3. The Food
With an abundance of fresh fruit, veg and seafood on the island, I promise you will eat well when in Puerto Plata. For a fab restaurant meal I suggest heading to El Bergantin, Mares Restaurant & Pool Lounge or Lucia…
El Bergantin has so much character! It used to be a lady’s social club. Photo c/o Entre 2 Escales.
Beyond restaurants, do yourself a favour and hire a local to take you to their favourite roadside eats — our guide took us to an almond stand, chicharrón stand, cheese (queso) stand, coffee stand and dulce de almendra stand (an addictive almond dessert)…
Vacation Couple taking a little snack break at the almond stand.
Mmmm chicharrón.
Coffee with the locals!
Fresh coconuts, avocados, bananas, pineapples, watermelons and mangos are also MUSTS while you’re exploring the area…
If only you could smell these mangos…
And whatever you do, don’t head to Puerto Plata without visiting this unmarked building on Jose Del Carmen Ariza for the best thing I’ve tasted on the island: dulce de coco con leche made by the sweetest old lady…
4. Instagrammable & Historic City Centre
Expect Victorian-style architecture, local vendors, bold street art and lots of little gems on the streets in Puerto Plata. Plaza Independencia (aka central park) has a beautiful gazebo, the famous Saint Philip the Apostle church and is where countless Instagrammable streets spoke off…
You’ll also find the historic Fortaleza San Felipe where the malecón ends. Built in 1564, it’s a great example of colonial architecture and offers beautiful views of the sea from the elevated vantage point. I made a new friend on my way out…
Photo c/o Vacation Couple.
5. Kitesurfing Mecca
You know what I love most about Puerto Plata province? It’s filled with surprises. For example, I had no idea that Cabarete is the Caribbean’s hub for windsurfing, kitesurfing and laser sailing. Yup, step foot onto “Kite Beach” and you’ll see hundreds of kite surfers riding the waves and dotting the sky. I could spend all day watching their mesmerizing dance…
6. The Rum
Rum (or ron as the Spanish call it) is an inherent part of culture in the Dominican so a visit to the family-run Brugal Rum Factory is a must. These guys are the largest producer of traditionally made rum in the Dominican and have been mastering the craft since 1888. They expanded their tour since the last time I visited so it’s even better than before! We had a chance to meet the Master Blender, Jassil Villanueva, and have a private tasting with her. It’s so great to see a young woman rocking the male-dominated industry. She’s so charismatic, passionate and hardworking!
7. Jaw-Dropping Landscapes & Epic Adventures
For a bird’s eye view of Puerto Plata and to truly appreciate how lush the province is, I suggest heading to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres via the teleférico. The only funicular in the Caribbean, you’ll glide above a dense tree canopy before arriving at the famous Christ the Redeemer statue at the peak.
Allow yourself plenty of time to explore the botanical gardens at the top of the mountain, try to visit in the morning before the clouds roll in and be strong when the persistent vendors approach…
If there’s only one excursion you do on the island, I really hope it’s jumping off the waterfalls at 27 Charcos of Damajagua — it’s one of my favourite adventures on the planet. The perfect combination of nature and physical activity, it’s an adrenaline-pumping trek that you’ll never forget. This was my second time at the falls and I highly recommend it (I took my mom last time — she left feeling so proud of herself). Although the experience is organized and has everything you’ll need (proper washrooms, clear paths, restaurant etc.) it doesn’t feel like a tourist trap. Within seconds of embarking on the hike I felt like a character from Survivor on a remote island…
Would you jump? We did! Photo c/o Entre 2 Escales.
Note: this adventure is not for the faint of heart since you do have to hike and jump off waterfalls/slide down rocks! That being said, the guides are knowledgeable, you’re suited with helmets and life jackets and your group will cheer you on the entire way so do give it a try! You’ll need the full day if you want to hike up all 27 waterfalls, but you can opt to do only seven or 12 if you’re not fit/are limited with time.
Photo c/o Entre 2 Escales.
8. Some Of The Friendliest People On The Planet
Arguably the best asset of Puerto Plata is its people. One kind gesture or smile from a local and you’ll know exactly what I mean. Even those who don’t have much still possess a beautiful energy, vitality and outlook. I think the world could learn a thing or two from this way of life…
I truly hope I’ve convinced you to visit Puerto Plata if you haven’t already. It’s a special province that gave birth to tourism in the Dominican Republic and has circled back into the spotlight once again. Forever changing yet always familiar…
A huge thanks to Air Canada Vacations for hosting me on this incredible press trip to Puerto Plata. I’ve visited on my own accord before and will continue returning to La Novia del Atlántico.
1 Comment
Gilbert
June 7, 2019 at 12:58 pmMonsenor de Puerto Plata premium cigar factory in the old town of Puerto Plata is a must visit for the best cigars from the Dominican Rep. Open from monday till saturday. Adress calle Separacion nearby central park.