Discovering Paradise
Las Terrenas
Experience Las Terrenas' European influence and beautiful beaches on the Samaná Peninsula.
☀️March to May, December to February
🌡️27°C (81°F)
✈️El Catey International (AZS) — 20 min drive
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
27°C (81°F)
☀️
Best Months
March to May, December to February
✈️
Nearest Airport
El Catey International (AZS) — 20 min drive
Las Terrenas is the Dominican Republic's most cosmopolitan beach town — a place where French bakeries sit next to Dominican colmados, where Italian gelato shops share the strip with Haitian art galleries, and where the beach is so close to town that you can literally stumble from lunch to the sand.
Located on the Samaná Peninsula's north coast, Las Terrenas attracts an international crowd of expats, digital nomads, and travelers who want beautiful beaches without the all-inclusive factory feel. The town has genuine character — no chain hotels, no resort wristbands, just independent restaurants, boutique shops, and a community that feels both Caribbean and European.
The beaches here are consistently ranked among the best in the Dominican Republic: Playa Bonita, Playa Cosón, and Playa Las Ballenas offer white sand, coconut palms, and warm turquoise water with far fewer crowds than the east coast.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
21° — 30°
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Aug
23° — 31°
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Dec
21° — 29°
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Feb
20° — 28°
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Jan
20° — 28°
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Jul
23° — 31°
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Jun
23° — 31°
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Mar
20° — 29°
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May
22° — 30°
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Nov
22° — 30°
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Oct
22° — 31°
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Sep
23° — 31°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Las Terrenas is on the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula.
By Air
El Catey International Airport (AZS) on the Samaná Peninsula is just 20 minutes from Las Terrenas — the most convenient option. It receives flights from several US and European cities, though schedules vary by season.
From Santo Domingo
The drive takes about 2.5 hours via the Samaná highway. This modern autopista has dramatically cut travel time from the capital. Caribe Tours runs direct buses to Las Terrenas (RD$500-600, 3 hours).
Getting Around
The main town is walkable. For beach-hopping (Bonita, Cosón, Las Ballenas), rent a scooter (US$15-20/day) or use motoconchos (RD$50-200 depending on distance). A few taxis operate but aren't metered — negotiate in advance.
Las Terrenas specializes in independent accommodations — no mega-resorts, just character.
Beachfront Boutiques
Hotels like Alisei, Hotel Residence Playa Colibri, and Peninsula House offer direct beach access with European-influenced style. Rates from US$100-300/night.
Apartments & Villas
The rental market is excellent. Modern apartments with pools start at US$50-80/night. Villas with private pools and ocean views run US$150-400/night. Airbnb and VRBO have extensive listings.
Long-Term
Las Terrenas is one of the most popular expat destinations in the DR. Monthly apartment rentals range from US$400-1,000. The international community makes settling in easy, with Facebook groups and social meetups.
Budget
Small guesthouses in the Dominican neighborhoods behind the main strip offer basic rooms from US$20-35/night. You'll be walking distance to the beach at a fraction of beachfront prices.
Beach-Hop the Peninsula
Playa Bonita: The most beautiful beach near town — pristine sand, coconut palms, and a bohemian restaurant scene. Playa Cosón: Long, wide, and great for walks — fewer people, more surf. Playa Las Ballenas: Whale-tail shaped beach right in town, lined with restaurants. El Portillo: Northeast tip of the peninsula, quieter and more remote.
El Limón Waterfall
A 50-meter cascade in the lush jungle interior, reached by horseback or hiking trail (about 45 minutes each way). The swim in the pool at the base is the payoff. Tours from Las Terrenas cost US$30-50 including horse and guide.
Whale Watching (January-March)
Humpback whales migrate to the Bahía de Samaná to breed and give birth. Boat excursions from Samaná town (45 minutes from Las Terrenas) offer close encounters with these gentle giants. US$50-70 per person.
Food Scene
Las Terrenas has the best restaurant diversity in the DR outside Santo Domingo. French bistros, Italian trattorias, Japanese sushi, Lebanese shawarma, and Dominican comida criolla — all within walking distance.
Snorkeling & Diving
The reef off Playa Las Ballenas offers decent snorkeling. For serious diving, operators run trips to sites around the peninsula with good visibility and healthy coral.
- Playa Bonita is the must-visit beach. It's 15 minutes by scooter from town and genuinely stunning. Get there by 9am on weekends for a good palapa.
- Rent a scooter. It's the local way to get around and the best way to explore the different beaches. Most hotels can arrange rental.
- Try the French bakeries. Boulangerie Française and Le Pain de Jadis make croissants and baguettes that would be excellent even in Paris.
- Whale season (Jan-Mar) is the most popular time to visit. Book whale watching tours in advance — boats fill up fast.
- The Thursday night street market in Pueblo de los Pescadores has food stalls, artisan crafts, and live music. It's the social event of the week.
- Learn some French. Many business owners are French or French-speaking. It's as useful as Spanish in Las Terrenas.
Sample Itineraries
Las Terrenas Beach Day
Beaches, food, and the cosmopolitan village vibe.
🌅 Morning3h
Playa Bonita
Ride a scooter to the most beautiful beach near town. Pristine sand, palms, and a bohemian restaurant scene.
Playa Bonita
Midday1.5h
French Bakery Lunch
Return to town for lunch at one of the excellent French bakeries. Croissants and espresso that would impress in Paris.
Las Terrenas town
☀️ Afternoon2.5h
Playa Las Ballenas
Walk the main town beach, browse the shops in Pueblo de los Pescadores, and relax with a cocktail.
Playa Las Ballenas
🌙 Evening2h
International Dining
Dinner at one of the 50+ restaurants — Japanese, Italian, French, or Dominican. Las Terrenas has the best food diversity on the peninsula.
Las Terrenas
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Taxi from AZS(US$20-30)
20-minute ride from El Catey airport.
Motoconcho(RD$50-100)
Motorcycle taxis — the main way locals get around.
Rental ATV/Motorbike(US$25-40/day)
Popular for beach exploration.
Walking(Free)
Town center and main beach are walkable.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$35-55
Mid-rangeUS$70-140
LuxuryUS$200-400
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Las Terrenas is a cosmopolitan beach town — generally very safe
- ✓Strong currents at some beaches — swim where lifeguards are present
- ✓The main road can be busy with motorbikes — be cautious crossing
- ✓Keep valuables secure on the beach
📶 Connectivity
Good. 4G coverage. WiFi in most hotels and restaurants. Many digital nomads here.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Photo Gallery
an aerial view of a beach with palm trees
beach signage on beach shore during daytime
an aerial view of a beach with palm trees
an aerial view of a beach with palm trees
two people riding horses on a beach next to the ocean
Sunset in Coson Bay
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Las Terrenas beach
Sunrise on the Seaside - Dominican Republic
a group of palm trees with a blue sky in the background
Lush green jungle with palm trees meets a sandy beach.
Salto El Limon
Beautiful Beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Terrenas expensive?
Moderate. It's more expensive than off-the-beaten-path Dominican towns but much cheaper than Punta Cana resorts. Budget travelers can find apartments from US$40/night and eat well for US$10-15/meal. The French bakeries and international restaurants cost more but are worth the splurge.
Do I need to speak French?
It helps but isn't essential. Many business owners are French-speaking, but Spanish is the primary language and English is widely understood in tourist areas. Knowing a few French phrases will earn you smiles and sometimes better service.
Which beach is the best?
Playa Bonita is the most beautiful — pristine sand, coconut palms, bohemian restaurants. Playa Cosón is best for long walks and fewer crowds. Playa Las Ballenas is the most convenient, right in town with restaurants. All are excellent.
Can I see whales from Las Terrenas?
Whale watching boat tours depart from Samaná town, about 45 minutes from Las Terrenas (January-March). You can also sometimes spot whales from elevated viewpoints on the peninsula, though boat tours offer the best experience.
Is Las Terrenas good for living long-term?
It's one of the most popular expat destinations in the DR. Monthly apartment rentals from US$400-1,000, excellent international food, a welcoming community, and beautiful beaches make it an attractive long-term base. Fast internet is available in most areas.
Nearby Destinations
Explore more places near Las Terrenas
Plan Your Las Terrenas Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: El Catey International (AZS) — 20 min drive