Not to miss

Santiago

The Dominican Republic's second city officially goes by the grandiose name of Santiago de los Caballeros (Santiago of the Gentlemen), and Santiago is indeed an aristocratic, if somewhat provincial, city. It is the commercial hub of the Valle del Cibao, the nation's breadbasket.

Factories here process raw sugar and tobacco into excellent rum and cigars. Santiago boasts a thriving industrial sector and one of the finest universities in the country, but its leisurely, refined tempo is a pleasant surprise to the few travellers who make their way this far.

The city doesn't offer much in the way of impressive monuments or exciting nightlife, but there are some nice restaurants and museums to while away a relaxing day. Possibly the most popular activity in town is taking a stroll on Calle del Sol, Santiago's main street and a pleasant shopping district. The residents of the city have a rather regal air, and many spend their Sundays surveying the central park from horse-drawn carriages. It's a nice tribute to tradition in a rapidly changing city.

Amber Coast

The northern coast of the Dominican Republic gets its name from the world's richest deposits of amber found in the hills near here. Its reputation is squarely based on the 120km (75mi) string of beautiful beaches stretching east of Puerto Plata.

It's the most developed stretch of the island, much of it geared toward the desires of package tourists, although there are some small towns where the laidback atmosphere of palm-thatched restaurants and local guesthouses still prevails over the concrete box architecture of the resorts.

Puerto Plata, the main hub of the coast, has its share of local streetlife, gingerbread architecture and tree-lined plazas, but it also has a bounty of ship-'em-in, ship-'em-out resorts that have overwhelmed its personality. Away from its over-trafficked beaches, you'll have fun promenading the Malecón or taking the funicular to the 780m (2600ft) peak of Mt Isabel de Torres, which towers over the town.

Jarabacoa

Residents of Jarabacoa like to describe their town as 'Switzerland in the tropics'. The nickname isn't exactly spot on, but the town does have character. The almost-temperate climate is perfect for growing cherries, apples and strawberries, all of which cover the mountainsides.

The town is also fantastic for people, providing a sort of year-round springtime. As befits the scented-spring ambience, weekend afternoons find Parque Central filled with young people looking for love. Later in the day, the streets surrounding the park turn into a full-blown cruise, where men and women in all sorts of vehicles make their way, slowly, around town.

Area attractions include waterfalls, swimming holes, and opportunities for hiking and horse riding. There's even a golf course. And, once you've worn yourself out, head back to town for a leisurely meal al fresco or a drink at one of the local bars.

La Casa de Juan Ponce de León

Conquistador Juan Ponce de León had a residence built in the countryside near San Rafael del Yuma and used it on occasion during the time he governed Higüey for the Spanish Crown. Nearly 500 years later, his two-storey stone residence still stands, now as a museum to a man who led a momentous life.

Born in Spain in 1460, León accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to America. He governed Higüey from 1502 to 1508, conquered and governed Boriquén (present day Puerto Rico) from 1510 to 1512 and become one of Spain's most trusted conquistadors.

Chasing a rumoured fountain of youth on the island of Bimini, Juan Ponce de León obtained in 1512 permission from the Spanish king to find, conquer and colonise Bimini. The next year he led an exploratory expedition, sighted and named Florida.

The conquistador spent most of the next seven years enslaving Puerto Rico's Indians and violently crushing rebellions, but never forgot the supposed fountain of youth. In 1521 circumstances allowed him to resume the search, and he set out to colonize Florida with about 200 people. The party landed on the west coast Florida, where it came under fierce attack from Indians and Ponce de León was wounded by an arrow. The expedition withdrew and sailed to Cuba, where he died shortly after landing.

Museo Alcázar de Colón

Once the home of Columbus' son Diego and his wife, Doña María de Toledo, the beautifully restored Museo Alcázar de Colón (Museum Citadel of Columbus) houses many objects said to have belonged to the Columbus family. The building itself - if not the objects inside - is definitely worth a look.