9 Best Sights in Southeast Coast, Dominican Republic

This replica 16th-century Mediterranean village sits on a bluff overlooking the Río Chavón, on the grounds of Casa de Campo but about 3 miles (5 km) east of the main facilities. There are cobblestone streets lined with lanterns, wrought-iron balconies, wooden shutters, courtyards swathed with bougainvillea, and Iglesia St. Stanislaus, the romantic setting for many a Casa de Campo wedding. More than a museum piece, this village is a place where artists live, work, and play. You can visit the ateliers and see the talented artisans making pottery, tapestry, and serigraphic art. The artists sell their finished wares at the Art Studios Boutique. The village also has an archaeological museum, a handful of restaurants, and a number of unique shops. Strolling musicians enliven the rustic ambience of ceramic tiles and cobblestone terrace, but there are now more bars and nightclubs geared to Casa de Campo's guests. Big names, including Elton John, perform at the amphitheater. Christmastime is sheer magic, with lights, music concerts, a giant Christmas tree, and a cameo appearance by Santa.

A 5,000-seat, Grecian-style amphitheater features concerts and celebrity performances by such singers as Elton John, Julio Iglesias, his son Enrique, Sting, and the Pet Shop Boys, who all share the amphitheater's schedule of events. Show dates vary to coincide with cruise-ship arrivals, usually Sunday and Monday nights. You can combine the show with dinner at one of the village's restaurants.

Cave of the Miracles is one of the island's most incredible cave networks with the requisite stalactites and stalagmites, and hundreds of primitive Taíno cave paintings to boot. There are walkways and ramps, a tram, and even an elevator that can accommodate wheelchairs. State-of-the-art lighting utilizes sensors, illuminating the artwork only as you approach. The cave can safely accommodate groups, which is the only way you can visit. If driving between, say, Santo Domingo and La Romana, make a pit stop and the multilingual staff will pair you up with others to form a group for a one-hour guided tour. The semi-arid gardens are well maintained, as are the restrooms, museum, shop, and snack bar.

This diminutive, picture-postcard Caribbean island lies off the coast of the mainland. Catalina is about a half hour away from Bayahibe by catamaran, and most excursions offer the use of snorkeling equipment as well as a beach barbecue. Some cruise lines also use it as a \"private island\" experience.

Off the east coast of Hispaniola and part of Parque Nacional del Este lies this island, inhabited by sea turtles, pigeons, and other wildlife. Indigenous people once used the caves here. The beaches are beautiful, and legend has it that Columbus once stopped over. However, the island is not nearly as pristine as one might expect for a national park. Getting here, on catamarans and other excursion boats, is half the fun, but it can be a crowded scene once you arrive. Vendors are allowed to sell to visitors, and there are a number of beach shacks serving lunch and drinks. Most boats traveling here leave out of the beach at Bayahibe Village. Most tourists book through their hotel or cruise ship. Please note that there is little to no refrigeration on the island and the sun is strong, so take caution when dining.

Playa Bayahibe, where several seafood restaurants are situated, is somewhat thin, with hard-packed taupe sand and no lounge chairs. However, as you move away from the village, a 10-minute walk along the shoreline, you'll reach the glorious, half-moon cove. Although you'll be able to get to the cove and the soft sand, bring a towel (resort security won't let you use the facilities). At night, when no one is on the playa and the silver moon illuminates the phosphorescence, it's the stuff that Caribbean dreams are made of. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

You can walk far out into warm, calm, clear waters protected by coral reefs here. On weekends, the strip with the mid-rise resorts is busy, drawing mainly Dominican families and some Europeans. But midweek is better, when the beaches are less crowded. Expect a parade of roving vendors of jewelry and sunglasses, plus hair braiders, seafood cookers, ice-cream men, and masseuses. The best section of the public beach is in front of Don Emilio's (the blue hotel), which has a restaurant, bar, decent bathrooms, and parking. You should go to one of the nicer waterfront restaurants—Boca Marina Restaurant & Lounge or El Pelicano—and skip the public beach. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.

Playa Dominicus has clear water, just a very few waves at the entrance, and absolutely no undertow. It's Caribbean idyllic and Blue Flag accredited. The Iberostar, Viva Wyndhams, and Oasis Canoa resorts all share this beach, and there's a small public section where the locals venture on weekends. The beach has two restaurants and some huts selling souvenirs. Of course, if you are a guest at one of these resorts or buy a guest pass, you will have access to their food outlets, restrooms, and nonmotorized water sports. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunrise; sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

This beach is now glorious, especially in the Villas Del Mar area. Its regeneration, which goes for 2½ miles (4 km), included the relocation of more than 14 million cubic feet of nearly white sand. It has led to the town's rebirth; the tourism authority's goal is to turn Juan Dolio into a major Caribbean destination—the next South Beach. The beach rejuvenation continued to the horseshoe-shape public beach in Playa (Old) Juan Dolio. Although the beach has no public facilities, like toilets, nearby restaurants cater to beach-goers. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: partiers; sunrise; sunset; swimming; walking.