Guide to Puerto Plata Region

Beaches

If you're after laid-back, Caribbean-style beaches, you'll be in your element when you see the Dominican Republic's northern coastline. Trimmed with ribbons of the crumbly stuff, the whole shoreline is like one giant beach, pronged with the odd tropical forest or rocky peninsula. So don't just stick to whatever impressive bay you happen to be staying in. Be greedy and shake your towel out on as many as you can cram in. If you fancy adding a little glamour to your getaway, try cutesy Cofresi. This tiny fishing village raised its public profile as the main filming location for the Hollywood rom-com, 'Lovewrecked'. And it's also twice hosted the Annual Dominican International Film Festival. Another golden stretch with a claim to fame is Caberete. The sweeping beach here hosts the annual Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Championships every June. And if you hop on a boat across to the cutesy island of Cayo Levantado you're in for even more of a treat. Lassoed with blonde sands, this coral reef isle was once the setting for a Barcardi advert. Also desperately vying for your attention are the typically Caribbean beaches of Bahia Maimon, Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada. With mammoth curls that sink down in to diamond-clear seas, you can forget the whole world exists at these beauties. Likewise, Samana Bay is a perfect spot to unwind with its serene, palm-lined shores. And you can hop on a boat from here across to the island of Cayo Levantado where you're in for even more of a treat. Lassoed with blonde sands, this coral reed isle was once the setting for a Barcardi advert.

Eating out

If you've come here expecting spicy Caribbean cuisine, you're in for a surprise. The food's more Spanish-Creole in style – largely due to the country's long years under Spanish rule. Think plenty of paella-style dishes, tasty meat stews and lightly spiced dishes with lashings of coconut cream. One of the best-loved meals is 'la banderas'. A hunger-busting platter of rice, beans, meat and vegetables, it matches the colours of the national flag. It's usually served with fried 'tostones' – plantains - and makes a great lunchtime filler. Another must-try is 'sancocho'. This hearty Spanish-style stew is made with chunks of meat, tender root vegetables, pumpkin and avocado. And don't leave without tasting coconut-flavoured dishes like 'pescado con coco'. A combo of fresh kingfish or mullet in coconut milk, it's best enjoyed barefoot on the beach. Save some space for the other seafood, too - spiny lobster, crab and squid are all popular choices. Then let yourself loose on desserts like 'aqua de coco' – coconut and fresh fruit smothered in super-sweet sugar cane juice. The ice-cream's really good here, too. Head to one of the many parlours for tingly tropical sherbet, macadamia and rum-infused scoops. And if you don't want to eat just local food, don't despair. Inside the hotels and out, you'll find plenty of international restaurants. Pizzerias. Chinese. Tex-Mex. They're all here. Last up, make sure you try the local drinks like crisp Presidente beer or a straw-punched green coconut. The local rum deserves a look-in, too. It's cheap, good quality and absolutely everywhere. Try it in a cuba libre – mixed with Coke or Sprite. Or enjoy a rum cocktail or two. Pina coladas straight from paradise. Divine-tasting daquiris. And banana mamas – blinding blends of rum, banana and coconut cream.

Nightlife

The Dominican Republic's northern shores have got something for everyone. Bahia Maimon, Playa Dorada, Costa Dorada and Samana all sit in the more traditional nightlife slot. Here, the pace tends to crank down rather than up, with evenings revolving around good food and good company. And of course, the hotels here tend to have plenty going on in the entertainment stakes. If you're seeking somewhere with a little more va-va-voom though, there are places you can party 'til the wee hours. Cabarete is well-known for its string of waterside eateries, lively bars and fun-filled discos. Or capture some of the energy in Sosua, which also has its fair share of buzzing bars. Whatever you do, you can't come to the island without giving the merengue a go. If you're a fan of the film with the legendary words 'I carried a watermelon', chances are you'll have a good idea how it goes. We are, of course, talking about 80's chick flick Dirty Dancing, where sultry dance scenes are the mainstay. The party dance of the Dominican, the merengue's fun, flirty and very easy to get the hang of as Baby Houseman soon discovered in the film. So what are you waiting for?

Shopping

The Dominican's northern shores aren't dubbed the Amber Coast for nothing. The honey-coloured amber mined here is among the best in the world, so you'll find plenty of eye-catching pieces that'll tempt you into parting with your pesos. Look out for larimar, too – a semi-precious blue volcanic stone that's only found on this island. Other good buys here include fresh-from-the-mountains coffee, wood carvings and hand-rolled cigars, which have been made here since the time of the Tainos. The region isn't known for its glass-canopied arcades and chic boutiques - shopping here isn't about blowing your budget on designer gear. Seek out a colourful Caribbean markets and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as you flit from stall to stall. Or take some time out from tanning on the beach and pick up an original piece of artwork at a colourful beachside shack. One thing's for sure – shopping here certainly won't hit your pocket, so you'll have plenty left in the holiday kitty.

Transfer time

Approximately 40 minutes from Puerto Plata airport (POP).