Two Months In Las Terrenas
Paradise- Two Months In Las Terrenas
“I think it’s time to take a break from the cold weather and spend two months in Las Terrenas. I have rented a cozy little house in Las Terrenas Samana, located in the Dominican Republic. The house is within a secure compound with 24-hour security and just a five-minute walk away from the beach. Depending on your destination, it takes anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes to get to town.
For grocery shopping, it’s a 45-minute trip one way, but some people rent a motorbike or a 4×4 to make things easier. I’ve noticed that the town and the beach are both very clean, and volunteers rake the beach almost every day.I’ve learned that all the dogs in town and on the beach have names, and receive regular shots and care from the locals.
I’ve even adopted two dogs from a cafe and fed them croissants and bacon, and we also have two guests at our house who love cat food and leftover shrimp. And yes, we have chicken too.
Laguna Dudu
My family and I had a wonderful time when my kids and grandkids came to visit. We rented a car and explored many new places, including Laguna Dudu on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
This natural lake is the only place in the world where you can dive 32 meters deep, surrounded by a lush forest on the cliffs. The water is crystal clear and truly magical to swim in.
Alongside the lagoon are caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that formed slowly over time.
Be sure to explore the area around the lagoon when you visit the northern region of the Dominican Republic.
We stop here on our way to the Laguna Dudu.
Please be careful of a man who might try to convince you to have a meal at his place.
He may be receiving a commission for this, even though he does not prepare the food himself.
Instead, I suggest trying out the #11 shack where two lovely ladies prepare everything. Moreover, their handmade Pina Coladas are truly delicious!
Playa Punta Popy
From our place, we can walk to Playa Punta Popy, it is about 45 minutes one way.The beach is gorgeous!
The water is nice and the place is windy ,lots of shade available too. The locals come here and it’s a public beach.
They charge 100 Pesos ($2.50) all day.
Playa Las Ballen
This particular beach is located on the opposite side of our residence, and it takes approximately 25 minutes to reach it on foot. You can simply cross the street to the restaurant and indulge in food and drinks. The beach appears peaceful, protected from excessive winds, and with minimal signs of erosion. The presence of towering coconut palms creates ample shade, and the beach is kept fairly clean, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing.
As it is situated towards the end of the beach road, the traffic is much lighter than other beaches, making it perfect for a stroll. The interior of the beach is composed of private residential homes and condo complexes.
The snorkeling is excellent, and the kids love it. You can wade into the warm waters and enjoy the sight of numerous large and small colorful fish. However, be cautious, as something in the coral may cause a sting. My son got stung on his knee, which caused discomfort for three days, and it was visibly red and painful.
The beach is safe and calm, and the clarity of the water is exceptional. There is a sizable reef that you can explore, or you can opt for the grassy areas, both of which have a rich variety of fish.
Fish Market
The Las Terrenas Fish Market is open all year. Here you can see what the local fishermen are catching and selling.
There are less frequent other fish there such as Tuna and Marlin, they come from deeper waters typically.
We got some shrimps and frankly, they were not that good, the cats got a very good treat.
Food Shopping, restaurants and coffee shop.
Every morning, we visit an Italian bakery for coffee where the staff is friendly and speaks Spanish or Italian. They already know my coffee preference, so I don’t have to order each time. The breakfast they offer is also delicious. Although there’s another coffee place that’s a bit far, they serve French bread and other goodies and can be reached by walking.
In Las Terrenes, there are two excellent supermarkets, namely Lindo and Pola, that are similar to stores in Canada and the US. In addition, there are mini-markets where you can buy fruits and vegetables from small mom-and-pop shops. The quality and variety of products may vary depending on the day, but the prices are reasonable, and you can pay with your debit card.
During my two-month stay, I relied on Super Pola which is a market store that accepts tips. Giving them your loose change can be helpful.
Pueblo de Los Pescadores
The charming beachfront restaurants offer a diverse selection of dining options to suit any taste.
The prices are reasonable, with an average entrée costing approximately RD$450, but keep in mind that a 28% surcharge is added to the bill.
The beachside location provides a stunning view to enjoy while you dine. Some restaurants only serve dinner, while others offer breakfast in the early morning.
Bars are open at night.
Take a moment to explore the options and find what suits your preferences. Additionally, there are happy hour specials where you can buy one drink and get the second one free.
Be sure to inquire about which drinks are included before ordering, as the list may be limited and unusual at some establishments.
Some Of The Restaurants
I recommend trying out local restaurants as they don’t add a 28% charge on top of your bill.
It’s customary to leave a tip, which they greatly appreciate. Among the restaurants I enjoyed were Panini, a small Empanada cabin with delicious and affordable food, and a great Mexican restaurant.
The pizza place does have a fee, but the pizza is excellent and cooked over an open fire by the beach, providing a breathtaking view.
Restaurents
Casa Azul
La Panaria
My favorite place in the morning for goodies and coffee.
La Catrina is centrally located.
Own and run by Mexicans, it is as authentic as it can get, offering both quality and outstanding flavors.
Try the margaritas, very authentic.
Two others places for good food.
**Boulangerie Francaise
Wonderful little French sidewalk cafe on main street. Lovely vibe and ambiance. Only con is the exhaust from the traffic.
**Bar Bruno…Paganini
The best panini ever and the plate is big is big, it can feed 2-3 person.
And Covid is Here
Unfortunately, our vacation had to be shortened due to the COVID-19 virus. Despite this setback, I thoroughly enjoyed my six weeks away from the cold and snow.
Nevertheless, I would love to return to Las Terrenas as it’s a charming and safe town with friendly locals. The beach is stunningly beautiful, and all necessary amenities are conveniently located nearby.
My almost two months in Las Terrenas flew by too quickly.
Some of the Flowers Around Here
In this town, most of the stores close for a few hours in the afternoon for a siesta, except on Sundays when some of them stay open.
The high-end stores are typically owned by French individuals, while the more affordable options are managed by the locals.
I prefer supporting local businesses not only because it’s less expensive but also because it helps the community.
The most popular types of stones here are Larimar and Amber, and currently, I am searching for some to use in my jewelry-making. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and quality before making a purchase.
