You step off the road at Altos de Chavon and the stone underfoot is laid in the style of a 15th century colonial town, with the Chavon River dropping away below the viewpoint. It is a replica rather than a ruin, and it is the single sight most visitors to La Romana build a day around.
La Romana suits travellers who want a resort base with a town and a coastline within reach, and who are happy to spend a morning on architecture and an afternoon in the water. This guide covers the sights and experiences the destination is known for, plus how to string them together if your time is short.
Top things to do in La Romana
1. Altos de Chavon
Altos de Chavon is a village built as a replica of 15th century colonial architecture, and it is the sight most worth your time here. It holds many restaurants, a museum with Taino artifacts, and a view over the Chavon River. It was built as a gift from a man to his daughter, modelled on an Italian village.
Its large amphitheatre has hosted performers ranging from Sinatra to Cocoband, so it is worth checking what is on during your stay. Pair the village with a meal at one of its restaurants rather than treating it as a quick stop.
2. The local cigar factory
The local cigar factory is described as interesting to visit, and it gives you a look at a working side of La Romana rather than a staged one. It is a short, self-contained stop that fits easily into a town day.
Combine it with time in town, where you can also shop at the street markets and the local supermarket if you are staying in a local hotel rather than a resort.
3. Beach parties and games
On certain nights, resorts and locals host parties, activities and games on the beaches, and everyone is welcome, on the reasoning that more people makes everything more fun. This is the easiest way to spend an evening without committing to a venue in advance.
Ask at your accommodation which night is active during your stay, since the events depend on the time of year. When the beach winds down, head into town for the festivities.
4. Big Sur
Big Sur is a very popular club in the Bayahibe area, with merengue dancing and excellent food. It works as a full evening rather than a quick drink, since the dancing and the food are both part of the draw.
Because it is in Bayahibe rather than in La Romana itself, plan it as a deliberate trip out and arrange your return in advance.
5. Snorkelling and diving
Snorkelling and diving are among the daytime activities the area is known for, and they make the most of the coast. They suit a half day rather than a full one, leaving room for something else.
Build the rest of the day around the water rather than trying to fit a water session between two land-based stops.
6. Golf
Golf is one of the daytime options available to visitors here. It is a slower-paced way to spend a morning or afternoon and pairs naturally with an evening out.
If you are staying at one of the larger resorts, ask there first, since resort guests often have the easiest access to activities.
7. A spa visit
A spa is another of the daytime activities on offer, and a reasonable choice for a rest day between more active ones. It requires no planning beyond booking.
It combines well with an evening at the beach parties or in town, since it leaves you fresh rather than tired.
8. Street markets and the local supermarket
If you stay in a local hotel rather than a resort, shopping at the street markets and the local supermarket becomes part of the trip rather than an errand. It is also where you will meet local people, who are described as friendly and open to making friends.
Local hotels are much cheaper than the resorts, though resorts include food and activities in the price. Staying local is what makes this kind of shopping practical.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Altos de Chavon, giving yourself time for the colonial-style streets, the museum with Taino artifacts and the view over the Chavon River. Have lunch at one of the restaurants there.
Afternoon: Move on to the local cigar factory, then spend the rest of the daylight on the water with snorkelling or diving, or on a spa visit if you would rather take it easy.
Evening: Head to the beach for the parties, activities and games, then continue into town for the festivities. If you want a fixed plan instead, go to Big Sur in the Bayahibe area for merengue dancing and food.
Frequently asked questions
What is the one thing I should not miss in La Romana?
Altos de Chavon. It is the sight the destination is known for, with its colonial-style architecture, restaurants, a museum with Taino artifacts and a view of the Chavon River.
Should I stay at a resort or a local hotel?
A resort gives you food, games and activities on site, but does not cover activities outside the resort. Local hotels are much cheaper and the people are friendly and open to making friends, and staying local lets you shop at the street markets and the local supermarket.
What is there to do in the evening?
On certain nights, resorts and locals host parties, activities and games on the beaches, and everyone is welcome. You can also go into town for the festivities, or to Big Sur in the Bayahibe area for merengue dancing and food.
What can I do during the day?
You can snorkel, dive, golf, swim or go to a spa. The local cigar factory is also interesting to visit.
Decide how many days you have, pick the two or three items above that matter most to you, and start laying out your trip.