Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata and the North is the Dominican Republic's third tourist region — the north Atlantic coast, washed by constant trade winds from the Atlantic. Less developed than Punta Cana (east coast, massive all-inclusive) but more accessible than Samaná (peninsula, ecotourism), it offers a balanced mix between classic Caribbean beaches, world-class water sports and preserved Dominican authenticity. The region takes its historic name from the Amber Coast (Costa del Ámbar) — the amber mines of the Cordillera Septentrional have provided precious stones since pre-Columbian times, and the famous Dominican blue amber (one of the world's rarest) is extracted here.

The region is structured around three complementary hubs. Puerto Plata (provincial capital, 320,000 inhabitants with its metro area) is the north coast's historic city — founded in 1502 by Nicolás de Ovando, it preserves a colonial historic centre with Victorian houses and the famous Pico Isabel de Torres cable car (the Caribbean's only cable car, ride up to 793 m altitude at the top of a jungle-covered peak, sweeping panoramic view over the coast). The Fortaleza San Felipe (1577) is the second oldest surviving military fort in the Americas after those in Santo Domingo. 6 km east, the Playa Dorada hotel zone groups some thirty 3-4 star all-inclusive resorts in a gated complex with golf.

Sosúa (20 km east of Puerto Plata) is the region's classic beach hub — village founded in 1940 by European Jewish refugees fleeing Nazism (President Trujillo, himself of mixed origins, offered them asylum and land), today metamorphosed into a cosmopolitan tourist resort. Its crescent beach (1 km of white sand, swimming in a protected lagoon, snorkelling from shore) is one of the country's most beautiful accessible public beaches. International atmosphere, varied restaurants, lively nightlife but sometimes too oriented towards sex tourism — some precautions needed.

Cabarete (30 km east of Puerto Plata) is the world capital of kitesurfing, windsurfing and wing-foiling — an official consecration (Kitesurf World Cup PKRA and GKA regularly organised here since the 1990s). Cabarete Bay enjoys exceptional wind conditions: constant 15-25 knot trade winds in the afternoon, moderate waves, warm water (26-29 °C), beach of golden sand without hazards. Over 30 kite schools offer lessons (€200-350 per week), and the international community (Germans, Argentinians, French, Brazilians) lives here year-round. It's also a surf hub (Encuentro Beach, intermediate-advanced 1-3 m waves) and wing-foil.

The region's pitch is clear: balanced alternative to Punta Cana, more authentic and sporty, more accessible than Samaná. Varied accommodation: 3-4 star all-inclusive resorts at Playa Dorada (€60-150/person/night), boutiques at Sosúa and Cabarete (€80-180/night), kitesurf guesthouses at Cabarete (€40-90/night), international restaurants in the three cities. International airport Gregorio Luperón (POP) 18 km from Puerto Plata — European charter flights in high season (TUI, Air Transat), scheduled flights from Madrid (Iberia) and New York.