A short guide to the province of Puerto Plata and its cities
Puerto Plata Province is a tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, famous for its beaches, history, and culture. The province is home to several cities, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Let’s take a walk together through the province of Puerto Plata, its authentic towns and beaches. Interested in the northern coast of the Dominican Republic? Ideal for vacationing or as a real estate investment opportunity.
Amber Cove: A Must-Visit Cruise Port
Amber Cove is a popular cruise port located in the town of Maimon, just outside of Puerto Plata. It was built in 2015 by Carnival Corporation as a port of call for their cruise ships. The port is named after the abundance of amber found in the area, which has been mined and traded by the indigenous Taino people for centuries.
Amber Cove offers a variety of activities and amenities for cruise ship passengers, including a large pool, water slides, zip lines, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Puerto Plata: A City Rich in History and Culture
The city of Puerto Plata, also known as the “Silver Port”, is the capital of Puerto Plata Province. It was founded in the early 1500s by Spanish conquistadors and quickly became an important port for trade and commerce. Today, Puerto Plata is a bustling city with a rich history and a vibrant culture.
Historical Sites and Attractions
One of Puerto Plata’s main attractions is Fortaleza San Felipe, a 16th-century fort built to protect the city from pirate attacks. Visitors can tour the fort and learn about its history during guided tours.In addition, from the height of the fortress wall, there is a stunning view of the bay that is impossible to forget.
Cable Car: A Scenic Ride to the Top of Mount Isabel de Torres
Also, one of the most popular attractions in Puerto Plata is the cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres. The cable car, also known as the Teleférico, takes visitors on a scenic 15-minute ride to the top of the mountain, where they can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.
At the top of Mount Isabel de Torres, visitors can explore the botanical gardens, visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, and take in the breathtaking views of Puerto Plata and the Atlantic Ocean.
Another must-visit site in Puerto Plata is the Amber Museum, which showcases the history and significance of amber in the Dominican Republic. The museum features a large collection of amber pieces, including jewelry, sculptures, and fossils.Note the huge amber with flecks of fossils – this is the same amber you may have seen in the famous movie “Jurassic Park”.
Sosua: A Quaint Town with a Lively Atmosphere
Located just 25 minutes from Puerto Plata, the town of Sosua is a popular destination for tourists looking for a more laid-back and authentic experience. The town was originally founded by Jewish refugees in the 1940s and has since become a melting pot of cultures, with a large expat community and a lively atmosphere.
Beaches and Water Activities
Sosua is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. The main beach, Playa Sosua, is a long stretch of white sand with a variety of restaurants, bars and stores. Visitors can relax on the beach, go for a swim, or try out water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.
For a more secluded beach experience, visitors can head to Playa Alicia, a small beach located just a short walk from Playa Sosua. With a calm ocean and stunning views, this beach is a nice place to spend the whole day.
Nightlife and Dining
Sosua is also perhaps the most famous city for nightlife lovers. The town is home to a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance the night away, or try out some of the local cuisine.
Cabarete: The Capital of Watersports
Cabarete is the Caribbean capital of water sports. Located in the province of Puerto Plata, this municipality is the best destination in the Dominican Republic for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. This unique town, located in the bay of Cabarete, from which it takes its name, is very popular for having the best waves and the best winds on the entire island.
Along its coast there are different beaches and areas where you can practice different water sports. They are the following:
- Cabarete Beach: It is the most important and is located in the same town. It is perfect for windsurfing.
- Kite Beach: it is famous for its strong winds and huge waves, perfect for kitesurfing and surfing.
- Encuentro Beach: this beach is the most visited in the entire Caribbean thanks to its unbeatable conditions for practicing water sports.
Cabarete is not only known for its sports, but it is also a great place for tourists. Cabarete has top-notch hotels to stay in. Additionally, there are many beachfront apartment complexes, which certainly attracts property buyers. Cabarete’s diverse gastronomy is one of its many charms, reflecting the international atmosphere created by its influx of tourists. Beach restaurants are popular with tourists and locals because of their relaxing views of the Atlantic Ocean and tasty food. Be sure to go to La Casita De Papi restaurant, they have the most delicious shrimp and lobster in all of the Dominican Republic!
Conclusion
Puerto Plata, whether for travel or settling down, has a lot to offer. Why not plan your next vacation or consider buying a property in this beautiful place?
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