Puerto Plata holidays uncovered – insider tips

Whether you’re on holiday in the Dominican Republic to relax and unwind on the beach, party or for a romantic getaway, lowcostholidays.com’s insider tips will help you get the most out of your time away.

When is the best time to visit?

The hottest time of the year is August, with most tourists visiting June – September. If you fancy a quieter time, there is still plenty of sun and fun to be had out of the main holiday season, in late April and late September. The weather forecast in the Dominican Republic is invariably sunny, perhaps with cloud and the odd 5-minute shower, all year round!

Where’s the best shopping?

For cheap souvenirs you don’t have to look beyond the beach where vendors will come to you selling local handicrafts. There’s the Playa Dorada Plaza and Puerto Plata for a wider choice of shops selling jewelry, clothes and souvenirs.

Hidden Gems on a Puerto Plata holiday

As one of the few places in the world where genuine amber can be found in abundance, you really will find some gems here! The Amber Museum shop offers a great selection of amber jewelry and the in the museum itself you can see amber fossils from millions of years ago!

Puerto Plata beach

The beach is undoubtedly the main reason people visit Puerto Plata. Whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in exhilarating sports, there is something for everyone. Some of the best scuba diving on the island can be found here and there are great facilities for golfers.

Getting on with the locals…

Here are some tips for when you’re on holiday in Puerto Plata.

Should I speak the language?

The official language is Spanish. A few phrases are always useful and polite but English is widely spoken, especially in all-inclusive resorts.

Shall I pack sun cream/anorak?

The sun shines all year round here so be sure to use plenty of sun cream. There are frequently rain showers but very rarely to they last more than 5 minutes! Locals own umbrellas but not raincoats.

What’s the currency?

The currency is the Dominican peso (RD$) but many places take US $.

Can I drink the water?

It’s best to stick to bottled water here, just to be on the safe side.