With an 800-mile ribbon of sand running around its edges, the Dominican Republic boasts more than 200 beaches. So whether you’re seeking a family-friendly bay for paddling, a sweeping stretch for surfing or a tucked-away cove for a picnic, there’s a sandy spot for every mood.

You’ll find some of the Dominican Republic’s best beaches in Punta Cana, on the east coast. Bavaro Beach is classically Caribbean, with turquoise waters, talc-like sands and a large coral reef just off-shore. There’s a roped-off area where the calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, while the sea beyond is perfect for watersports.

Slightly further north, the Samana Peninsula also has its fair share of postcard-worthy beaches, but Playa Rincon is our pick of the bunch. Or you could head to Puerto Plata – the Silver Coast – on the island’s northern side. Playa Dorada is the main hub here, where the golden sands are backed by palm trees and green-clad mountains.

It might be hard to tear yourself away from the beach – but when you do, you’ll find lots of things to do in the Dominican Republic. Ride a cable car up to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres, where you’ll have panoramic views over lush forests. Play 18 holes on one of the island’s 26 golf courses, complete with sea-view fairways and immaculate greens. Or, if you time your holiday right, why not go whale-watching? If you visit the Dominican Republic between mid-December and the end of March, you’ll almost certainly see humpback whales in Samana Bay.

Alternatively, if culture’s more your thing, make sure you visit the island’s capital, Santo Domingo. Known simply as “La Capital” to the locals, this historical city was founded by Christopher Columbus in 1504. In its UNESCO-protected Zona Colonial, you can discover the first cathedral in the Americas, as well as Columbus Lighthouse and Alcazar de Colon – a stunning mansion built for the explorer’s son.

Most of our handpicked hotels are in the popular area of Punta Cana. On the island’s east coast, this scenic stretch is filled with fantastic resorts that make the perfect base for your holiday to the Dominican Republic.

If you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway, take a look at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana. Exclusively for adults, this five-star resort boasts a world-class spa, plush rooms and the largest free-form pool in the country. And, thanks to the hotel’s Unlimited Luxury® concept, you can enjoy complimentary drinks and à la carte dining, plus a long list of activities ranging from kayaking and snorkelling, to yoga and rum-tastings.

But if you’re planning an all-inclusive holiday with the kids, consider staying at Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa. On the powdery sands of Uvero Alto Beach, this family-friendly resort has a huge pool and endless entertainment for all ages, including watersports, volleyball, football and theatrical shows. Little ones will love the games and crafts on offer at the Explorer’s Club, while the Core Zone gives teens a dedicated space to enjoy sports, games and weekly parties.

Although it’s always warm in the Dominican Republic, the weather varies throughout the year. This Caribbean island has an average annual temperate of 25°C but, given its tropical climate, rain is always a possibility.

To enjoy the very best weather, try to book your Dominican Republic holiday between mid-December and March, when it’s sunny, fairly dry and not too humid. If you’re keen to avoid the rain as much as possible, it’s also worth remembering that easterly Punta Cana is generally drier than Puerto Plata on the north coast.

As you might expect, though, December to March is also the most popular time for Dominican Republic holidays. So, if you’re travelling on a budget, consider going between April and July instead. Although the latter is officially wet season, August to November is actually the wettest time of year. It doesn’t rain continuously, but you can expect frequent downpours, especially in the northeast corner of the island. Conversely, the north coast is wettest in November and December.

Visa: British citizens don’t need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic for less than 30 days
Language: Spanish
Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP) although American Dollars are also often accepted
Time difference: GMT -4 hours
Flight duration from London: A direct flight takes roughly nine hours
Capital city: Santo Domingo