Magdalena Cuya Airport

Sugar, sea, and soul on the Dominican southeast coast.

La Romana is a mid-sized city on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, best known as the gateway to the exclusive Casa de Campo resort and the charming artists' village of Altos de Chavón. The city grew around the sugar industry and retains a working, authentic Dominican character that sets it apart from the more tourist-heavy north coast.

Beyond its famous resort, La Romana offers easy access to the pristine beaches of Bayahibe, the coral-rich dive sites of the Parque Nacional del Este, and the small island of Isla Saona, one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. It is a convenient base for combining luxury amenities with genuine local culture and natural beauty.

• •Altos de Chavón — replica 16th-century Mediterranean village with galleries, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, and river views.
• •Casa de Campo — world-class resort with the legendary Teeth of the Dog golf course open to day visitors.
• •Isla Saona — postcard-perfect island inside a national park, reached by catamaran or speedboat.
• •Bayahibe — quiet fishing village with calm turquoise waters and top-rated dive sites nearby.
• •Parque Nacional del Este — coastal national park rich in marine life, mangroves, and Taíno cave paintings.
• •Mercado Municipal — lively local market to sample everyday Dominican commerce and fresh produce.

Getting around: La Romana has no rail service. Within the city, motorcycle taxis called motoconchos are cheap and ubiquitous for short hops, while shared minibuses called guaguas run fixed local routes. Private taxis and hotel transfers are the safest option for trips to Bayahibe or the airport; rideshare apps like Uber have limited availability here compared to Santo Domingo. Car rental is practical for independent exploration of the region.

Best time: November through April offers the driest, sunniest weather with lower humidity, making it the ideal season to visit.

Local food: Try sancocho stew, fresh grilled fish with tostones at a Bayahibe waterfront restaurant, locally made Mama Juana herbal rum, and sweet coconut-based treats sold at roadside stalls.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.