Although I have visited the Dominican Republic many times over the last 50 years, both by myself and with my husband, I had only been to the Samaná Peninsula once before. That was decades ago.
Curious about what may have changed in this ever-evolving country, we added the peaceful peninsula to our stay in bustling Santo Domingo.
The Journey to Samana
The Samana Peninsula is a 3 to 6-hour drive from Santo Domingo and the well-known resort areas of the southern and eastern coasts. But those hours are nowadays comfortably spent with good roads and immaculate rest stops.
I remember the days when rest stops were far and few between and not in the least restful. Today, these stops are right out of the book of good housekeeping.
Along the way to the peninsula, you’ll pass through the Dominican countryside, where you’ll see rice farms and various other agricultural products. As you turn to the east, the rice fields transform into coconut trees.
There are also now direct flights from Santo Domingo to the Samaná Peninsula. Specifically, flights fly to El Catey International Airport (AZS), also known as Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport.
The Allure of the Peninsula
“The Peninsula” is considered by many to be the most beautiful and lush area in the Dominican Republic. We chose to have a driver rather than rent a car so that we could best appreciate the scenery and look for birds. We did both.
The Samaná Peninsula boasts numerous delightful beaches, often described as mile-long and lined with palm trees. The landscape is characterized by rainforests and abundant coconut plantations, contributing to its natural charm.
With just a few large all-inclusive resorts, the Samaná Peninsula offers a more culturally immersive experience than the eastern and southern coasts.
Here on Samana, most tourists from all over the world are distinct as they individually search for their idea of the best beaches and best restaurants. One size does not fit all.
Nor does one language. Both tourists and residents in the major towns include Belgians, Croatians, Germans, Bulgarians, Americans, Spaniards, French and Italians.
The locals we met were often multi-nationals, residing on the Peninsula but with deep connections to other countries. Our realtor, for example, was born in India but resided in Trinidad before relocating to the Dominican Republic.
Best Samaná Tours & Excursions
Accommodation Choices
Years ago, when I visited the peninsula, my choice of hotel was in Las Terrenas, smaller than the colorful and larger Santa Barbara (which is on the bay of the Peninsula), and more of a beach vacation.
Las Terrenas still offers many beach options, as well as a nice variety of things to do, and now, thankfully, has quiet, ATV-free beaches.
But my husband and I wanted a more peaceful and natural escape this time around. So after a little bit of house hunting and a quick bite at Donde Valerio’s on lovely Coson Beach in Las Terrenas, we headed to Las Galeras, a bit further northeast.
Although Las Terrenas is very affordable, the slightly higher pricing in Las Galeras reflects the ambiance. It is worth every penny to get a glimpse of paradise.
Las Galeras: A Tranquil Retreat
Las Galeras is a smaller, more secluded village with a rustic and natural feel. Most likely, any hotel in Las Galeras would offer more quietude and tranquility than those in the busier Las Terrenas.
The enchanting Villa Serena hits those marks perfectly with a very comfortable price. A little more than $200 a night with breakfast is easy on the pocketbook, especially when it comes with fresh flowers every morning.
I cannot think of anywhere in the world that I have vacationed that has offered a more peaceful stay. Beginning with the spectacular view and warm welcome by staff, my husband and I had immediate gratification that we had picked the perfect spot to relax for a few days.
It was very quiet during our romantic retreat, but when we left, it seemed that many more people were arriving for the weekend. That said, with only 21 spacious and nicely decorated rooms, there would be a cap on noise. But there is no cap on views.
Rooms With a View
Our room, our balcony, the hotel’s pretty restaurant, and the common areas, including the yoga platform, all shared the same stunning and expansive vista.
The calm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean are irresistible and the hotel’s location in Las Galeras allows guests to enjoy the Caribbean waters from everywhere.
The resort also features a small front beach that is perfect for swimming and the large hotel pool complements the view rather than competing with it.
A Walk to La Playita
But if you want a bigger, more walkable beach, just make a right on the path in front of the hotel. You will pass many lovely plantings, lots of gorgeous birds and butterflies, some charming private homes and a few pastures with horses.
In 7 minutes, you will arrive at La Playita, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Samana Peninsula. It was an easy and eye-pleasing walk there and even though I got a little lost on the way back, I enjoyed the extra time roaming.
La Playita has beach chairs for rent and a real restaurant (not just a beach bar) for lunch right on the sand. La Playita Restaurant serves Caribbean, seafood, and international dishes, offering a waterfront dining experience with outdoor seating and table service.
Another sweet dining experience nearby is Le BDM restaurant in Las Galeras. Located 1800 feet from the beach, the food is inventive and beautifully prepared.
The Variety of Activities
You can just chill out on this quiet La Playita beach—reading, napping, getting a massage, searching for dolphins in the water, or staring at the mountainous scenery surrounding Cabron Cape. Or you can be more active.
La Playita offers snorkeling equipment rental and a volleyball court. And if you prefer to take it all in from the back of a horse, the highly-rated Rudy’s Rancho in Las Galeras can put you in the stirrups for a beach trot.
Dining Choices
After a well-deserved hot shower and a few minutes to watch the sky turn into night, the pressing question is where to have dinner.
Most often, we opted for Villa Serena Restaurant. Just a few steps from our room with a charming ambiance and good food, why go elsewhere?
However, a nice alternative is Marakana, a Restaurant and Pizzeria in the little town. We did not have a car, but the walk is short and easy. My husband found the pizza authentically delicious and I enjoyed the live music.
The Sounds of Las Galeras
Photo by Sylvia Guarino
Except for these musical notes and an occasional motorcycle, there is little man-made noise in “downtown” Las Galeras.
The sounds we did hear were delightful and life-affirming: the lapping of waves, the songs of birds, and a rooster crowing in the distance.
For Bird Watchers and Hikers
Photo by Sylvia Guarino
For bird watchers, there are some feathered treats easily observable. I saw them on the hotel grounds as well as on the beach path and the beach itself.
And hikers have several nice options to stretch their legs and delight their eyes:
- Playa Rincon: Several hiking trails lead to Playa Rincon, including loops from Las Galeras.
- Playa Colorida: A trail connects Las Galeras to Playa Colorida, offering views of a beautiful beach.
- Playa Madama: A coastal hike to Playa Madama involves a modest climb and lush forest.
- Mirador ‘El Punto’: A trail leads to a viewpoint with a nice view.
But if you just want to sit on your balcony and read a book, watch the birds, or sketch, there is nothing that will get in your way.
Ahhh, Samaná!
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- An Escape to Punta Cana: Recharging in the Dominican Republic
- The Dominican Republic: The Hidden Wonders You Haven’t Discovered Yet
Author Bio: Sylvia Guarino is a retired marketing executive, bird watcher/bird photographer, cat lover, cinema fan and life-long traveler.
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