LAS TERRENAS (Samana) Dominican Republic
Las Terrenas on Samana Peninsula, is located approximately 250 km east of Puerto Plata. If you are coming from the west, you would turn left after the town of Sánchez. If you are arriving from the east, you would drive through Samaná, and turn right on the road towards El Limón (famous for its waterfall) and El Portillo. Once you're on either road it will take another 1/2 hour to reach the town of Las Terrenas.
The road from Sánchez is the most exciting route to take. This curvy, steep road takes you through the Cordillera Samaná mountain range. Go slowly and you'll see spectacular views of Samaná Bay and the national park 'Parque Los Haitises' on the south side, and the Atlantic coast on the north side.
Along the way you'll see brightly painted Dominican homes, as well as the unique farming and vegetation of the area, including 60 varieties of palms.
Upon arrival in Las Terrenas, you'll be awed with the calmness of the area and the beautiful white sand beach lined with tall palms and pastel-colored wooden fishing boats. The next thing you may notice is its Mediterranean-influenced atmosphere. There are plenty of cafés and oceanfront restaurants where people can be found sipping wine, over long, leisurely lunches, or having a mid-day break over a café latte.
Shops there offer a variety of arts and crafts, many of them unique handmade items that can be difficult to find elsewhere in the Dominican Republic. You can also visit closeby Playa Bonita, Playa Coson or Playa Las Balleras.