Two Months In Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is a popular tourist destination on the Samaná Peninsula in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and mix of French and Dominican influences, it offers a variety of activities and attractions.
1-Beaches
Playa Bonita**: Known for its stunning sunsets and calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Playa Cosón**: A long stretch of beach ideal for walks, surfing, and enjoying the natural beauty.
Playa Punta Popy**: A favourite spot for locals and tourists, with plenty of beach bars and water sports activities.
2-Whale Watching**: From January to March, you can observe humpback whales in the nearby waters of Samaná Bay.
3-El Limón Waterfall**: A popular excursion to a stunning waterfall, which can be reached by hiking or horseback riding.
4-Kitesurfing and Windsurfing**: Las Terrenas offers excellent conditions for these sports, with several schools and rental shops available.
5-Local Cuisine**: Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Dominican dishes in beachfront restaurants and eateries.
6-Nightlife**: Las Terrenas has a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues entertaining well into the night.
7-Markets and Shops**: Explore local markets for handcrafted goods, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
Covid is here
“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 a five-minute walk from the beach. Depending on your destination, getting to town takes 15 to 45 minutes.
It’s a 45-minute trip, one way to go grocery shopping, but some people rent a motorbike or a 4×4 to make things easier. I’ve noticed that the town and the beach are immaculate, and volunteers rake the beach almost daily. 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. 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 visited. 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 receive 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 cross the street to the restaurant and indulge in food and drinks. The beach appears peaceful, protected from excessive winds, and has minimal erosion signs. The presence of towering coconut palms creates ample shade, and the beach is kept relatively clean, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing.
It is situated towards the end of the beach road, so the traffic is much lighter than at other beaches, making it perfect for a stroll. The beach’s interior comprises private residential homes and condo complexes.
The snorkelling is excellent, and the kids love it. You can wade into the warm waters and enjoy the sight of numerous large and small colourful 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. 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 with 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. 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, it serves French bread and other goodies and can be reached by walking.
In Las Terrenas, two excellent supermarkets, namely Lindo and Pola, 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, a market store that accepts tips. Giving them your loose change can be helpful.
Pueblo de Los Pescadores
The charming beachfront restaurants offer diverse 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
Try out local restaurants, as they don’t charge a 28% surcharge to your bill, giving you a more budget-friendly dining experience.
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 pocket-friendly food, and a great Mexican restaurant with affordable options.
The pizza place does have a fee, but the pizza is excellent and cooked over an open fire by the beach, offering a view that will take your breath away.
Restaurents
Casa Azul
La Panaria
My favorite place in the morning for goodies and coffee.
La Catrina is centrally located.
It is owned and run by Mexicans and is as authentic as possible, offering quality and outstanding flavours.
Try the margaritas; they are very authentic.
Two other places for good food.
Boulangerie Francaise
It is an excellent little French sidewalk cafe on the main street. The vibe and ambiance are lovely. The only con is the exhaust from the traffic.
**Bar Bruno…Paganini
It is the best panini ever, and the plate is big enough to feed two to three people.
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, a charming and safe town with friendly locals. The beach is stunningly beautiful, and all necessary amenities are nearby.
My almost two months in Las Terrenas flew by too quickly.
In this town, most stores close for a few hours in the afternoon for a siesta, except on Sundays, when some stay open.
French individuals typically own the high-end stores, while the locals manage the more affordable options.
I prefer supporting local businesses not only because it’s less expensive but also because it helps the community.
The most popular stones here are larimar and amber, and I am currently searching for some to use in my jewelry-making. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and quality before purchasing.
