La Romana beaches prospered as tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic until within the last two decades or so. Located on the south coast across from Catalina Island, the town was once solely dependent on sugar plantations and began flourishing only when Gulf & Western Industries invested in a local sugar mill and subsequently in other important industries like cement and livestock. Completely refurbished and ready to support tourism in the 1970s, La Romana Dominican Republic then became famous for the celebrated resort Casa de Campo, built on the east end of town in the later 1970s. Today, La Romana offers four area striking beaches to choose among when vacationing in the Dominican Republic.
La Romana retains much of its original charm post-renovations and has attributes that peg it as a sleepy seaside town. Nearby Altos Chavon, a sixteenth-century European-style village overlooking the La Romana area and coast, is a major attraction reminiscent of Medieval Europe. Another point of interest away from La Romana beaches is the center of town, called Parque Central. This central area is flanked by the beautiful church Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Lima. The central square is a fun spot to sit and people watch during the late afternoon and early into the evening. The location is also within easy walking distance to handicraft markets, the main outdoor market, restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Playa El Caleton
Calm and clear surf characterize the warm water at El Caleton Beach, an ideal beach destination for relaxing with the entire family. Drinks are sold along the beach along with fresh fish and other types of seafood. There are lounge chairs and beach umbrellas for rent which isn’t typical of La Romana beaches, except for at La Minitas.
Playa Caleta
Playa Caleta is one of the more rugged Dominican Republic beaches in La Romana with an enchanting deserted feel to it. Small fishing boats are a common sight and mixing with locals here can be interesting. The beach, a popular spot in the summer, is a golden-tan color and the beach stays shallow for a while, creating a safe haven for young children to splash around. There are numerous tall palms offering shade when most needed as well as a few seaside restaurants convenient to the beach.
Playa La Minitas
Get to one of the best La Romana beaches in just ten minutes by public transport and enjoy a wealth of privacy amid a tropical paradise. There is a resort tied to it though, and unless you enter and enjoy lunch or a drink, chances are you won’t be able to frequent the shore. There is an area for swimming that is roped off, and a breakwater too. Small fishing vessels venture in once in a while so it’s important to be careful when swimming. There is one restaurant and one shop on the beach and several watersport rentals available.
Bayahibe
Bayahibe is an area to the southeast of La Romana Dominican Republic that offers several top-rated beach strips without the crowds or obnoxious developments. It is frequented by visitors coming off cruises in the south yet Bayahibe is on the radar. It is bordered by stunning Parque Nacional del Este along the south side and is a popular departure point for tours to Isla Saona. Low-key and calm, Playa Bayahibe offers pristine white-sand beaches, and a large dose of tranquility along with great diving.
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