In the Dominican Republic the area Las Terrenas is situated on the north east coast of the peninsula can be reached by the steep mountain road or by small private plane. The road is in pretty good condition and the views are so spectacular, the countryside with its abundant greenery makes for a delightful drive anyway. Local buses will take this route also.

Once a pretty fishing village with only Dominican families Las Terrenas was a relatively quiet rustic place until a couple of Europeans moved in around the 1980s. Word got around and before long the village was invaded by Germans, Italians, French and Swiss travellers who loved the beaches, tranquillity and natural wonders of this special place.

Soon restaurants, small bed and breakfast accommodations, cafe bars and bistros were set up attracting tourists from all walks of life. Hotels, small lodgings, luxury beach fronted bed and breakfasts and hotels to suit every taste and budget from the very basic to the sublime.

Everything is found around the centre of town which now boasts supermarkets, a bank, internet cafes, boutiques, and a wide variety of restaurants. All of this is fronted by glorious beach after beach.

A couple of the most famous beaches and attractions are Playa Bonita and Coson. Both are located on the western side of Las Terrenas with Playa Bonita being the first beach. Stunningly beautiful the water can sometimes be a little rough but excellent fun for boogie boarding.

A little further on to the west is Playa Coson is well worth the effort as it is practically deserted most of the year round and has an amazing six km stretch of white sands, edged with coconut palms leading up to wooded cliffs. The water here is shallow allowing you to walk and walk in the clearest crystal shallows you will ever find.

A great place too for eating fish, you should usually be able to find a couple of local shacks near to the beaches selling the catch of the day on make shift barbecues, but also try the coconut fish which is a speciality of the area.

Remember though there are beach vendors on the island selling handicrafts, food and drinks but they are extortionately priced. You might be well advised to bring some drinks of your own as well as your own handicrafts too.

The weather has two seasons and the climate is hot.