Las Terrenas

Travel Guide
Las Terrenas showing landscape views and general coastal views
With its picturesque coastline and beachfront hotels, this town looks like a typical Caribbean resort, yet it hides a diverse array of international influences.

A fishing village turned expat community, Las Terrenas has developed into a cosmopolitan town where restaurants and hotels run by people from all around the world inhabit classic Dominican architecture. Situated on the picturesque coast of the Samaná peninsula, Las Terrenas’ biggest attraction is its natural beauty. Lounge on gorgeous beaches and explore lush surrounds.

Las Terrenas is the perfect base from which to visit the peninsula and beyond. Discover the rainforests of the mountainous Parque Nacional Los Haitises (Los Haitises National Park), the Dominican Republic's most diverse national park. Covering 618 square miles (1,600 square kilometers), this protected virgin forest has everything from caverns covered in Native American pictographs to a vast array of birds including hawks, herons and pelicans, for the keen bird-watcher to spot. Look for dinosaurs too this was where they filmed some scenes of Jurassic Park after all.

Closer to the town is the spectacular waterfall of El Limón, which is about half-an-hour away by car. Plunge into the azure pools beneath the cascade, then ride home on horseback through banana and coconut plantations. This is a beautifully preserved area, so think green on your travels, respect nature and wear sturdy shoes you don't mind getting wet.

Stay in the town for some more relaxed options. Golden sands and crystal clear waters provide the perfect place to sunbathe and swim. Try the Playa Bonita for snorkeling, Playa Cosón for seafood and surfing or Playa Las Ballenas for watching sunset. Feast at the end of the day on Italian, French or Japanese food in one of the many eclectic restaurants that Las Terrenas has to offer.

Marvel at the magnificent humpback whales that visit the area in their thousands from January to March. These mighty mammals come to the waters of Samaná to mate every year. Try to spot them breaching, when they jump into the air and land with a giant splash.

Las Terrenas is located 30 minutes away from El Catey International Airport (AZS). You can also reach the town by bus from several locations across the country. The weather is warm year-round, so visit at any time to experience the diverse culture and landscape of this paradise-like destination.

Where to stay in Las Terrenas

Bella

Playa Bonita

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Playa Bonita and surrounding area, you can visit Playa Bonita and Playa Ballenas.

Playa Bonita
Cascada de limon is a trek worth taking!

La Iglesia

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

While visiting La Iglesia, you might make a stop by sights like Punta Popy Beach and La Iglesia Beach.

La Iglesia
Hermosa playa, paraíso terrenal!!

El Centro

While visiting El Centro, you might make a stop by sights like Beach Garden Plaza and Haitian Caraibes Art Gallery.

El Centro
Default Image

El Callejón

4/5(2 area reviews)

El Callejón might not have many top sights, but Playa Ballenas and Playa Bonita are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

El Callejón
Default Image

Come Pan

When in Come Pan, you can plan a visit to Punta Popy Beach and La Iglesia Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Come Pan
Default Image

La Ceiba

3/5(2 area reviews)

Though La Ceiba might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Playa Ballenas and Playa Bonita.

La Ceiba
Viva V Samana by Wyndham, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive
Viva V Samana by Wyndham, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Blvd Turistico, Bahia de Coson, Las Terrenas, Samana
The price is $397 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
$397
includes taxes & fees
$397 per night
Oct 31 - Nov 1
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Las Terrenas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Loved this property. The staff were approachable. Excellent services and gorgeous property."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024

Viva V Samana by Wyndham, A Trademark Adults All Inclusive
Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo - All Inclusive
Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Las Terrenas, Las Terrenas, Samana
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Las Terrenas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"All Team,Bar,Restaurant and Animations so good and are so Excellent"

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2024

Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo - All Inclusive
Hotel Alisei
Hotel Alisei
3.5 out of 5
Calle de la playa, Francisco Alberto Camaño Deñó, Las Terrenas, Samana
The price is $134 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
$134
includes taxes & fees
$113 per night
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Las Terrenas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (573 reviews)
"Pool was cloudy"

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2024

Hotel Alisei
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Residence Playa Colibri
Hotel Residence Playa Colibri
3.5 out of 5
Calle Caamaño Deño 31, Las Terrenas, Samana
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Las Terrenas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Playa Bonita and Playa Ballenas ...
9/10 Wonderful! (207 reviews)
"Very nice spot to relax and unwind the mind , body and soul.. All of the workers were all joyful and very attentive ."

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

Hotel Residence Playa Colibri
Albachiara Hotel
Albachiara Hotel
3.5 out of 5
C/27 De Febrero Camino Playa De Popy, Las Terrenas, Samana
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Las Terrenas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (364 reviews)
"Love Albachiara. Check in super fast. The Breakfast wonderful plenty options. The girls that serve super nice. The hotel is in front of the beach. You are next to a lot of restaurants, night life. We love it. Leidy from reception she is super nice and always willing to help and serve. Definitely ..."

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

Albachiara Hotel
Condo Hotel Playa Las Ballenas
Condo Hotel Playa Las Ballenas
3.5 out of 5
Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó, Las Terrenas, Samaná
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Las Terrenas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Playa Bonita and Playa Ballenas ...
7.8/10 Good! (47 reviews)
Excelente alojamiento en Playa Las Ballenas.
"Excelente alojamiento, la tranquilidad de la zona, la casa bien bonita, todo incluido para cocinar, la cama muy cómoda y amplia, la piscina estupenda, la playa a 2 minutos caminando, lugar para descansar y desconectarse de la ciudad, volvería de nuevo la atención de Polo y su esposa, los encargados ..."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2024

Condo Hotel Playa Las Ballenas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Las Terrenas

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
124
" "5 - Excellent 65.95744680851064%
4 - Good
55
" "4 - Good 29.25531914893617%
3 - Okay
7
" "3 - Okay 3.723404255319149%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5319148936170213%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.5319148936170213%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a beautiful Beach community. So far this has been my best experience since visiting different beaches all over the Caribbean. I plan to revisit and stay there for a few months.

5/5 - Excellent

Oscar

An excellence place for romance, family, and pleasure. Highly recommended.

5/5 - Excellent

AR

La Terrenas is a beautiful and unique place to go. There are no beaches like that. I loved the beach and the restaurants. It is a place to vacation and to live too. I love it

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful nature

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Punta Cana is a better option

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Not for everyone but if you like local culture, food and wonderful weather and aren’t afraid of all the crazy drivers this is a wonderful choice

Cities near Las Terrenas