Each tourist, when choosing a holiday destination, relies on his tastes and financial capabilities. After all, rest is a kind of our free time, which we need to spend, while receiving the most vivid emotions and good mood. Many tourists, having chosen the Caribbean islands, do not know where it is better to vacation in the Dominican Republic or Cuba?

If you think about it, there are a lot of similarities between these two countries. The Cuban Republic and Haiti were discovered by Christopher Columbus. They have almost the same ethnic population, culture and climate. However, both islands have significant distinctive features. Cuba accepts the socialist path of development, but the Dominican Republic, on the contrary, has retained patriarchal-colonial foundations.

Rest

Liberty Island is the birthplace of fiery revolutionaries. Here the tourist will be able to get to know the culture and way of life of the country better. Each resort introduces vacationers to a bright contrast: fairy-tale palaces mix with slums, beaches with lagoons and grottoes. The resort is famous among rebels, young people and all those who prefer a bright, reckless holiday.

The Dominican Republic offers tourists to plunge into the world of a relaxing, exotic holiday. Here you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises to the music of meringue. The island has many resorts for couples and families with children. Which is better for a family vacation: Cuba or the Dominican Republic? The choice is obvious.

Where is the climate better?

Liberty Island has a tropical climate. At the height of the tourist season, the air temperature is 25 - 30 degrees Celsius, with a water temperature of 24 degrees. Thanks to the high humidity, it can get quite chilly here, especially during the rainy season. But in the Dominican Republic, the air and water temperatures are 3-5 degrees higher than in Cuba.

Where are the best hotels?

There are many hotels of various star categories located in the Dominican Republic. 3-star hotels offer guests standard service at an affordable price. Most hotels are located on the first coastline. The buildings consist of several floors with a large territory. 4-star hotels offer various services to guests. These apartments offer high service at very affordable prices.

Cuban hotels are significantly inferior in terms of comfort, service and maintenance. For example, 5-star hotels or hotels in Cuba are on the same level of service as 3-star hotels in the Dominican Republic. Another distinctive feature is the number of floors of the building. There are practically no high-rise hotels on Liberty Island, but having a large number of rooms is a big plus. In 4* you may not get beach towels, the bed may be damp, some tourists are bitten by ticks, and all this is not cheap. It’s better to rent a room in a private house for 20 cookies a day - there will be breakfast and everything fresh. For an additional fee you can arrange lunch and dinner.

Nutrition

Where is the best food in Cuba or the Dominican Republic? The answer to this question depends entirely on the preferences of the tourist. Although the cuisine of both islands is similar, it has its own characteristics.

The main menu of Dominican cuisine consists of dishes made from fish and seafood. Meat, vegetables, fruits and a variety of spices are also used in large quantities. Among the drinks, coconut milk, cold beer and various cocktails are in demand. The most popular alcoholic drink, the same rum, is not a single feast without its participation.

African, Spanish, and Creole traditions have had a great influence on the traditional cuisine of Cuba. The menu includes dishes from pork, beef, and seafood. Among the drinks, the leader is various fruit juices. And of course, Cuban rum and Cuban coffee are a kind of symbol of the country.

Where is the best entertainment?

Where is the best holiday in Cuba or the Dominican Republic for entertainment lovers? Each of the directions has its own characteristics. There are many holiday destinations in Cuba. Tourists will be able to visit museums and get to know the culture of the local people better. In the evenings, a large number of bars and restaurants invite you to “embrace”. Popular beaches offer a wide range of water activities.

The Dominican Republic offers tourists ample opportunities for active recreation. In addition to standard water activities. Here you can book skydiving, enjoy diving, book buggy tours, or play a round of golf. Aerial jungle tours are especially popular. Children will also have the opportunity to visit various farms, amusement parks and much more. As dusk falls, popular nightclubs invite you to plunge into the mysterious world of the night to the rhythm of meringue and salsa.

Attractions

Where are the best attractions in Cuba or the Dominican Republic? History buffs will love Liberty Island. Since there, mainly cultural places of the revolution era are located. The most popular are:

• Capitol
• Museum of the Revolution
• Grand Theater of Havana
• National Museum of Fine Arts
• Havana Cathedral
• Ernest Hemingway House Museum
• Malecon promenade
• Memorial to Jose Marti
• Mausoleum of Che Guevara

The Dominican Republic is primarily home to natural recreational areas. Real oases, islets, secluded beaches, allowing you to spend an unforgettable vacation for two.

• Altos de Chavon
• Columbus Lighthouse
• Armando Bermudez National Park
• Samana
• Jaragua National Park
• El Choco National Park

Where is the best beach holiday?

The best beaches of the Dominican Republic are located on the Amber Coast. The coating is golden; these places are an ideal choice for vacationers with children, as well as divers. The Bavaro beach area is popular for its developed infrastructure, white sand and azure waters. Boca Chica Resort allows you to enjoy swimming in a shallow lagoon. Beach holidays are one of the advantages of the Dominican Republic, so local authorities pay special attention to this.

Liberty Island is also rich in all kinds of comfortable beaches. Here every tourist will find a place in the sun and have a great time. The main resort where everyone goes is Varadero.

Transport

The Dominican Republic is a leader in this regard. Almost every popular resort on the island boasts car parks. Public transport is well developed.

Cuban transport is a painful topic for tourists. Car fleets have almost dead foreign cars, although in recent years new Korean Kia and Hyundai have appeared, but public transport is really the choice of brave travelers. But, if you look for the pluses, then you have the opportunity to ride in an authentic car from the mid-twentieth century! Where else can you experience this?

Prices

Prices in the Dominican Republic are significantly higher than in Cuba. But it is worth taking into account the service and quality of rest.

Shopping

Souvenirs from both countries are similar to each other. The greatest demand is:

• Cane sugar
• Local crafts

When vacationing in the Dominican Republic, you can bring blue amber with you.

Holidays in Cuba are:

• Active pastime
• Incendiary discos
• Paradise for youth
• Rum and cigars
• Friendliness of the local people

Holidays in the Dominican Republic are:

• High level of service
• Luxurious beaches
• Romance
• Dream wedding
• Great opportunities for diving and surfing
• Beach holiday
• National dishes

The Dominican Republic and the “Island of Freedom” are a bright cocktail of emotions and good mood.

Cuba is considered the most important competitor for the Dominican Republic, and many tourists often think about which of these countries to give preference to. Indeed, these countries are very similar to each other, so it is difficult to immediately answer the question of which is better: the Dominican Republic or Cuba. Since our site is dedicated to the Dominican Republic, in this article we will briefly talk about the main advantages of this country over Cuba. This will allow you to understand the reasons why you should choose the Dominican Republic over Cuba.

The advantages of the Dominican Republic are as follows:

Tour costs

If you pay attention to the cost of tours to the Dominican Republic and Cuba, you will notice that trips to the first country are noticeably cheaper than to the second, and prices are an important criterion for choosing a vacation among many tourists. Although relatively inexpensive tours to Cuba may appear from time to time, in general the price level for trips to this country is higher than to the Dominican Republic.

Weather

Although the weather in the Dominican Republic and Cuba is approximately the same, winter in the Dominican Republic is still slightly warmer than on the island of Cuba located to the north. It is also worth noting that Cuba is more often affected by tropical cyclones than the Dominican Republic.

Beaches

Although Cuba also offers beautiful sandy beaches, many tourists prefer the beaches of the Dominican Republic because of the palm trees that stand close to the water's edge. But still, there is no dispute about tastes, so the beaches of Cuba also have many fans.

Hotels

Of course, hotels in the Dominican Republic are better than their competitors in Cuba in many respects. We are talking about comparing similar hotels. It is enough just to compare the ratings of hotels in the same price category to understand that hotels in the Dominican Republic are of a higher level. This is mainly manifested in the level of food, drinks, room decoration and service. It can also be noted that, in general, Dominican hotels are more spacious than Cuban ones. At the same time, hotels in the Dominican Republic are often part of some kind of complex, which gives guests of these hotels additional space and additional amenities.

Excursions

Both the Dominican Republic and Cuba offer quite interesting excursions, but the fact is that in the Dominican Republic many interesting places are located near popular resorts, so you don’t need to travel long to get to them. In Cuba there are even excursions for 2 or more days. So, if you do not like long trips, then the Dominican Republic will be a more preferable option for you.

Infrastructure and communications

Cuba, which has been under US blockade for many years, is noticeably lagging behind neighboring Latin American countries in some areas. For example, there may be problems with the Internet, or some products that you are used to seeing on store shelves may be missing. Let's hope that the situation will change in the coming years, but for now the Dominican Republic still looks like a more developed country.

Which is better: Dominican Republic or Cuba

By many criteria, the Dominican Republic looks like a better option than Cuba. If you are interested in a relatively inexpensive holiday in a decent hotel with a beach strewn with coconut palms, then, undoubtedly, the Dominican Republic will be an excellent option for you.

Nature has generously gifted Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Tourists literally create legends about the beaches of unearthly beauty and the warm, clear sea, which shimmers in shades of azure in the sun.

The thing is that these countries are neighbors: both are located in the Caribbean Sea and owe their geographical location to the similarity of weather conditions and natural landscapes.

In a straight line, the distance from Cuba to the Dominican Republic (from Havana to Santa Domingo) is about 1,400 km, but in fact from coast to coast it is much less.

But if the climate and nature of both countries are so similar, which one is better to choose for a vacation? Important criteria for every tourist will help determine how Cuba differs from the Dominican Republic: budget, leisure options and atmosphere.

Tourism for both Cuba and the Dominican Republic is an important source of income (the rest, not counting Cuban oil, is the export of sugar cane, coffee, fruit and tobacco). Therefore, in these countries tourists are greeted with sincere hospitality, and they generally say about Cubans that they are the most smiling and cheerful people.

Despite the fact that Cuba cannot be called a rich country, prices at local resorts are by no means low. For example, lunch outside the hotel will cost about 15 euros, a glass of beer - 1-2 euros, and rum - from 3 euros per bottle. However, when deciding where it is better to go, to the Dominican Republic or Cuba, keep in mind that in the case of a trip to Liberty Island, the lion's share of expenses will be on flights and hotel accommodation. Spending on entertainment, souvenirs and other pleasures will not be as significant compared to the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic has the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. True, the quality of recreation here is quite consistent with the prices. And if in Cuba they recommend deducting one star from a hotel in order to get an idea of ​​the real level of service, then if you choose the Dominican Republic, you won’t have to do this. As for prices, lunch in a restaurant starts at $20, rum starts at $8, and excursions start at $100 per person.

It is interesting that it is more profitable to take European currency to Cuba, and American currency to the Dominican Republic. Otherwise, the process of exchanging money will be difficult and unprofitable.

Leisure options

Which country is more colorful - Cuba or the Dominican Republic, which is better to choose for your vacation? The resorts of both countries are equally worthy of admiration. However, there are still nuances in leisure options.

The Dominican Republic is more “well-appointed” in all respects. There are many surfing and diving centers open at its resorts, and in general the beach infrastructure is very well developed. The TOP water activities include:

• snorkeling and diving;
• windsurfing, kitesurfing and just surfing;
• trips on yachts, boats and catamarans;
• swimming with dolphins and even sharks;
• whale watching;
• rafting and kayaking;
• fishing.

The Dominican Republic is also famous for its natural and architectural attractions, which you can visit on your own, by renting a car, or on a tour. This is an extreme cascade of 27 waterfalls, and the legendary island of Saona, and Los Haitises National Park, and the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, the Columbus Lighthouse and many, many other equally amazing places.

On the territory of the Dominican Republic there are many luxurious and unique caves, lakes, waterfalls, oceanariums, and zoos. Popular among tourists are helicopter tours, horseback riding and buggy safaris, which allow you to take a different look at the Dominican Republic. Add to this the standard set of clubs, spa treatments, casinos, shops and other “ordinary” entertainment - and it becomes obvious: the Dominican Republic has literally everything!

Spending free time in Cuba is also all right, although without the typical scope of the Dominican Republic. For example, the only Cuban golf club is located in Varadero, while the neighboring country is known throughout the world for its numerous courses for this game. First of all, Cuba is a resort for divers and surfers, who always come here with delight. The TOP of the best water activities includes:

• diving (in Cuba there are entire diving zones with sunken ships and military equipment);
• skydiving;
• windsurfing and kitesurfing;
• a trip on a glass-bottomed ship;
• jet ski safari;
• rafting and kayaking;
• fishing.

It’s worth choosing Cuba if only to see with your own eyes the Viñales Valley, Baconao National Park or Gran Piedra, as well as dozens of other unique natural places and historical attractions. Just like in the Dominican Republic, the beauty here is breathtaking. But with other entertainment the situation is more modest.

Varadero has a dolphinarium, Havana has a National Aquarium, a zoo and an amusement park. You can take a tour to a crocodile farm, a rum factory or a tobacco factory - but you probably shouldn’t expect much more.

Of course, a comparison between Cuba and the Dominican Republic would be incomplete without mentioning the famous colorful Cuban cabarets and dance clubs - they are concentrated in large cities such as Havana and Santiago de Cuba. You should also definitely pay tribute to the great Ernest Hemingway and visit the writer’s House Museum, as well as the hotel room and bar where he visited.

Atmosphere

In both countries you will find a special, incomparable atmosphere. This is especially felt in Cuba, which is, in principle, a very colorful country. For example, in Havana you will see colorful tourist streets, shabby houses in the Old City, and vintage cars. You will feel the fiery rhythms of salsa, taste the best rum in the world and fully join the free Spirit of the revolution.

It may seem that you should not choose these destinations for a holiday with children, but this is only partly true. With a small child, as before Cuba, things will almost certainly become difficult. But older children will be interested in finding themselves in a completely unfamiliar and exotic world and exploring it with you.

In contrast to Liberty Island, where one encounters stunning contrasts, Dominican Republic gives the impression of paradise on earth. Everything here is perfect: from the beaches, which are not inferior in cleanliness and beauty to Cuban ones, to the hotel infrastructure and service.

For example, local hotels provide interest clubs for children, a varied menu, and evening events. In general, the Dominican Republic is an atmosphere of magical soaring above the earth, unity with nature in harmony with the benefits of civilization.

So what to choose: the Dominican Republic or Cuba, where is it better to relax in these countries?

Choose Cuba– and you can’t go wrong. Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo - any of these resorts will make a lasting impression on you. From here you can take as souvenirs not only cigars, coffee and rum, but also atmospheric souvenirs with revolutionary symbols like a T-shirt with Che or a colorful painting (and maybe more than one).

So the publication of my stories about the Dominican Republic has ended. There is only the last post left and the most frequently asked question to me:
"What to choose? Where is it better to go - to Cuba or the Dominican Republic?"
Let's look at the pros and cons:

CLIMATE: Both islands are located at almost the same latitude relative to the equator, and both are washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In theory, the climate should be similar, but there are still significant differences. Cuba: Located closer to the mainland (USA), spontaneous cold cyclones come from Florida when the air temperature drops sharply for several days, but in general the climate is much more stable. A softer and more gentle sun. Incredibly beautiful ocean. Dominican Republic: Punta Cana is the extreme eastern point of the island, powerful internal currents of the Atlantic are combined with increased windiness, due to which there is no weather forecast as a concept - in one place it rains all day, and a hundred meters later the weather is wonderful, and vice versa. The sun is characterized by increased activity - I recommend everyone, without exception, to take 50 SPF protection - even blacks burn in direct sun. The beaches are often littered with algae, and the ocean in general is not that good.

MONEY: In Cuba it is the euro, and all prices are equal to the euro. EVERYTHING is unreasonably expensive. You have to pay for every sneeze. All toilets everywhere (except hotels) are paid, even on paid excursions. In the Dominican Republic - dollars, prices are more reasonable, and not a single paid toilet :)

PURCHASES: Cuba is a complete mess - even in the central supermarkets of large cities there is nothing except alcohol, water and plastic basins. Special attention to feminine hygiene products - girls! take it with you, you won’t be able to buy anything there, even at the airport. The choice of souvenirs is only in the markets - trinkets, plate magnets, shell jewelry, wooden figurines and good products carved from bull horns. You can find cards for a camera at exorbitant prices than in the smartest store in Moscow. The Dominican Republic has a huge number of shops and supermarkets with everything you need. Poor souvenirs, but you come across some interesting paintings.

EXCURSIONS: In Cuba, everything is sucked out of thin air, the flora and fauna are rather poor, there are few animals. State prices are the same for all tour operators. In the Dominican Republic there are a large number of very interesting programs, you will find one to your liking - one hundred percent. Prices and versions of tour operators may vary significantly. You can contact anyone and choose based on price-quality ratio; first find out what differences there are in routes and times, especially when visiting the island of Saona.

TOURIST CONTENT: Americans are prohibited from entering Cuba, but there are a lot of Canadians there who come to Cuba to drink hard. When they say that Russians drink a lot - hmm! Having seen comatose Canadians who are pumped out by ambulance doctors every other day, your opinion about the possibility and amount of alcohol consumed will change greatly;) The British, Italians, Germans and Russians also hang out there. Americans, Italians, Germans, Mexicans, Peruvians, Israelis and Russians travel to the Dominican Republic. The Germans drink louder than the rest. But overall more decent behavior.

LOCAL POPULATION: In Cuba they are greedy and lazy, which is why they are often angry and not particularly hospitable. They don't like to communicate. The main goal of life is to beg money from a tourist, and for everything - even for a photo of his ordinary car on the street, for example. It's a piece of cake for men to shed tears - as long as they give them money. They drink and dance in the evenings, at other times they are deeply unhappy. Life expectancy is low. The Dominican Republic has a hospitable, cheerful and hardworking population, they love to communicate like naive children, and ignorance of any common language is not a problem; with the proper sense of humor, you can easily communicate with gestures, very quickly achieving mutual understanding. They live one day at a time, but are completely happy, despite the low standard of living. There are many children and long-livers.

CONCLUSION: The overall verdict will depend on the purpose of your trip. If you want complete relaxation, a vegetable holiday for days on the beach, sexual adventures, fun grand drinking sessions and dancing until you drop - choose Cuba. Apart from booze, cigars and alcohol, there is practically nothing there. There is more relaxation there, but overall the costs will be more expensive. If you love active tourism, are interested in the diversity of nature, adore exciting excursions, and don’t particularly like getting drunk every evening, then definitely choose the Dominican Republic. There is more drive, more interesting and cheaper.

I hope you found it interesting, informative and useful. Have a wonderful trip! The end.

It is always difficult to choose between resorts, especially if you have never been to any of them.

Dominica and Cuba are two neighboring countries. They have similar climatic conditions, both are washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Of course, there are differences in why one of the countries is chosen for vacation.

Aeroflot plane flies 4-5 times a week, travel time is 13.5 hours, round trip ticket costs from 48,000 rubles. You can fly once a week with Azur Air, price from 43,000 rubles.

There are no direct flights to from Moscow; charters are launched during the high season.

About the climate

The Dominican Republic has comfortable weather all year round. Coral reefs protect the beaches from large waves. The sun is highly active, so when on vacation you need to use a factor of 50 SPF. In Cuba, the weather is influenced by cold cyclones. Hurricanes are possible in August and September. From May to October is the rainy season in the country.

The sun on the Cuban coast is not as “evil” as in the Dominican Republic, and the heat is easier to bear.

About currency

In the Dominican Republic you can use dollars and local pesos. It is advisable to have small money for purchases, since with a large bill you may not receive change.

In Cuba, when exchanging dollars for local convertible pesos for tourists, a large commission is charged (up to 20%), it is better to take euros with you, there is no commission when exchanging them.

About history

Both countries were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. After the revolution in the middle of the last century, Cuba chose the communist path, and the Dominican Republic remained a respectable colonial capitalist country. In recent years, the country's economy has been developing successfully, thanks to the injection of US capital. Now the Dominican Republic is the most visited in the Caribbean islands.

Neighboring Cuba, due to sanctions, cannot trade with its wealthy neighbor. This affected the economy and overall development. Here, time seems to have stopped: vintage cars on the streets, Soviet architecture, posters calling for freedom and equality.

Cuba is a very colorful country where different cultures and architectural styles are mixed. In educational terms, Liberty Island is a godsend for inquisitive tourists.

In the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santa Domingo, the house of the Columbus family has been preserved, which can be freely visited.

About service, infrastructure

According to reviews from vacationers, service in the Dominican Republic is higher than on Liberty Island. Resort areas in Cuba differ significantly from other areas of cities and towns. They house chain hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis.

In the Dominican Republic there is no difference between a resort area and a regular area. There are many luxury hotels, spas, and expensive restaurants. Most vacationers note a friendlier attitude and better service than in Cuba, where you can still find the “unobtrusive service” familiar to Russians.

Compare hotels

In Cuba, the standard of hotels is lower than in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries. Most hotels are 2,3,4 stars. Room price: from 150 CUC (local convertible pesos). There are few 5 star and 5*Deluxe hotels. All hotels in the resorts operate on an all-inclusive basis: , . Free drinks include several types of imported alcohol.

In 5* hotels, a certain amount may be blocked on a credit card. Upon departure, if there were no additional expenses, the card will be unblocked. Hotels with half board are only available in Havana. Also in the capital there are the most fashionable 5* and 5*Deluxe hotels.

For example, hotels of the Paradisus chain offer guests the most sophisticated service.

The Holguin resort is recognized by Cubans as the best on the island. It is little known to Russian travelers; the majority of vacationers are from Europe and Canada.

A new fashionable resort is developing on the island of Cayo Santa Maria, where the VIP hotel Melia Buenavista All Inclusive Royal Service & Spa 5* is located. These examples indicate that the level of accommodation and service for guests is gradually improving in Cuba.

In the Dominican Republic, all hotels have star ratings. Most work on an all-inclusive basis, including:

• Three meals a day;
• anytime snacks;
• beverages;
• some beach activities.

The hotel buildings are no higher than 4 floors, all have their own green area, through which you can travel by mini-train. Hotels do not have Russian-speaking staff, but almost all of them have representatives of tour operators.

You can stay in a comfortable bungalow for 8-16 people. In a 2* hotel, the price per room starts from 2,500 rubles; in a five-star hotel, a room will cost 10,000 rubles.

About communication

In Cuba, landline and mobile communications are provided by only one operator. Only Cuban citizens can purchase a SIM card. Foreigners can rent a card.

Roaming costs are huge, so you need to disable all automatic updates on your smartphone. Internet in the country is only paid; wireless access is possible in special places (embassies, US mission, etc.), i.e. It is not available for vacationers.

The speed of the available Internet is very low, the video does not open. Communication through many social networks is impossible due to blocking in the country. Standard mains voltage is 110 W, American standard sockets with flat connector.

A hairdryer or electric razor cannot operate at this voltage. Laptops and smartphones work. These are the problems that are possible with communications in Cuba.

In the Dominican Republic, things are better with communications. Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels. It is better to find out about data transfer speed and cost (free or not) before your trip in hotel reviews. With roaming, everything is also not simple; here, many tariffs may not function.

The most accessible way to contact your homeland is a pay phone. It is available in all resort and big cities. The cards are sold in supermarkets and newsagents. Mains voltage 110/120 W, sockets with flat connectors, an adapter is required to use electrical appliances. It can be bought at any store.

About the beaches

Both countries can be proud of magnificent beaches, beautiful views and clear sea water.

What do Donald Trump and Hollywood stars have to do with it?

The northern and eastern coasts of the Dominican Republic are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. For lovers of windsurfing and diving, this is a perfect place. But the place is not suitable for swimming due to high waves.

The northern coast stretches from Haiti to the island of Samana. The peculiarity of this area is that it is represented by several climatic zones. The “west” of the northern coast is very dry, so the vegetation here is not lush.

At the junction of the ocean and the Caribbean Sea is the resort of Punta Cana. Here the temperature stays around +30 for almost the whole year, and the rainy season is very short. World-class golf courses are located in the surrounding area of ​​the resort.

In the Dominican Republic, the beaches are free; an umbrella and a sunbed cost about $1. There are very few beaches where there are changing rooms, showers, and toilets. Fully equipped beach areas are located at all-inclusive hotels. The famous resort area of ​​Bavaro includes several beaches, the total length of the strip is 50 km.

On the territory of the beach belonging to the Barcelo Domnican Beach 4* hotel there is all the necessary infrastructure: restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, a mini-club. The beach is protected from large waves by a coral strip. You can only hide from the scorching sun in the shade of palm trees.

When choosing a beach or a hotel with a beach, you need to keep in mind that in the center of the beach there are smaller waves than on the sides. Fans of a comfortable beach holiday will enjoy the beaches of Caleton and Juanillo. Entrance is $30, you can use a sun lounger, umbrella, and towel all day. There is a cafe.

The area where these beaches are located is called Cap Can, by the way, its co-founder is Donald Trump. Accommodation here is not cheap; the main guests of the resort are businessmen and Hollywood stars. The Caribbean coast has higher sea temperatures and a lack of waves.

Relaxing next to a pink flamingo

Liberty Island is also washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The beaches of the coast differ in breadth, among them there are snow-white and black sand. Varadero is the largest resort in the Caribbean. Its beach on the Atlantic coast is the longest in Cuba and the cleanest in the world according to UNESCO.

The country's most popular resorts are located on the northern coast. For example, in Guanabo there are no hotels at all; beach houses are used for accommodation. On the opposite shore of the Caribbean Sea there are resorts with diving centers. The beauty of the underground world is simply fantastic.

There is not a single municipal beach on the island of Cay Largo. Everything is divided between hotels. The famous restaurant The Ranchons serves the best seafood on the island.

A luxurious, leisurely holiday is guaranteed by the Holguin resort. The beaches, of which there are about several dozen, occupy 40 km of the northeastern Atlantic coast. Among the famous: Playa Esmeralda (“Emerald Beach”), Guardalavaca and Playa Pesquero.

If you want a relaxing holiday among pristine nature, then choose the resorts of the island of Cayo Coco. Here you can observe the life of pink flamingos in their natural environment. The beach strip stretches for 26 km; the beach is protected from strong waves by coral reefs.

About the cultural program and entertainment

In terms of fun, enchanting nightclub programs, Cuba is in first place. At the resorts of Liberty Island, tourists plunge into the atmosphere of a constant holiday with dancing, rum, and cigars. In the capital, you should definitely see a colorful performance at the Tropicana club. Ticket price: from 75 pesos.

In addition, among the entertainment:

• numerous diving centers that offer to explore coral reefs and sunken ships with an experienced instructor;
• a boat ride among tropical thickets and underground lakes, as well as exploring caves;
• horseback riding into the mountains to an ancient Indian cemetery.

Curious travelers to Cuba will be able to get acquainted with the rich history of the country. Local guides are ready to endlessly talk about the revolutionary history of Liberty Island.

The Dominican Republic is famous for its natural attractions, including national parks. You can visit them on your own, with a tour or in a rented car. Helicopter rides, horseback riding routes, and buggy safaris are popular.

For lovers of water activities, there are many diving and surfing centers with instructors. You can visit spas at the hotels, and there are casinos at the resorts. Near the resort of Punta Canta, vacationers visit Manati Park. Here you can see dolphin performances and swim with nurse sharks.

For lovers of nightlife, there is the Imagine Punta Cana club, dance halls located in a real cave in the rock.

Excursions

The educational program is more interesting in Cuba. Here's what guests are offered to see:

• sightseeing tour of Havana, which has preserved the atmosphere of the 60s: vintage cars, shabby buildings;
• show cabaret "Tropicana" in the park, in the open air;
• the Viñales Valley, where the best tobacco for Cuban cigars is grown;
• Trinidad is a city recognized as a “Property of Humanity”. All buildings are built in colonial style.

The Dominican Republic is famous for its natural unique places. Interesting historical sites are mainly located in Santa Domingo. Among the excursions offered:

• Enriquillo Island, Bay of Eagles;
• Samana with humpback whales;
• waterfalls: El Limon, millionaires;
• island hopping tours with snorkeling spots on the south coast.

How to entertain children

In Cuba, little travelers are given the opportunity to release hatched little turtles into the sea. You can do this at the Turtle Farm on the island of Cayo Largo. In Santiago de Cuba, in the Baconao Park, 200 life-size figures of prehistoric lizards are installed.

The Havana Aquarium hosts performances with fur seals. In the vicinity of the capital there is a huge zoo, which you can get around by bus. It is better to stay with children in the resorts of Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin. The cost of living in family hotels is lower than in similar Dominican hotels.

The Dominican Republic, of course, is ahead in the number of water parks and amusement parks. For example, the Barcelo Palace Deluxe complex is designed in the form of a medieval castle and a pirate sailing ship. In Santo Domingo, the Chocolate Museum with a tasting and master class on making candy is interesting for children.

About shopping

In Cuba, you can’t even dream of any shopping. There are no fashion boutiques or shopping centers with popular brands. The assortment, even of stores in large cities, is reminiscent of the times of “stagnation” in our country. All stores are open from 9.00 to 18.00, closed on Sunday.

In the Dominican Republic the goods are much better, but there is no point in going here to buy things. In local shopping centers you can buy summer clothes from American brands. Tourists should be aware that a humid climate causes deterioration of seams, so it is necessary to check the quality of the product. Products can be purchased at discounts during promotions.

Tourists from both countries bring the same souvenirs. This rum is considered to be the best produced in the Dominican Republic. Cost from 500 to 1250 local pesos. Cuban rum is not inferior in quality, but its price is 20-25% lower than Dominican rum.

Cigars are another symbol of both countries. In the Dominican Republic they have a specific aroma. Real cigars should only be purchased in a specialized store. A handmade cigar in Cuba cannot cost less than 8 (≈520 rubles) convertible pesos in Cuba and no less than 500 (≈640 rubles) local pesos in the Dominican Republic.

Both countries also buy cane sugar and local coffee. The markets sell products from local craftsmen. In the Dominican Republic you can buy unique blue amber.

About safety and prices

Both countries are safe for tourists in recreation areas. Outside of it you need to be careful, especially in the Dominican Republic.

In Cuba, everything outside the hotel area is very expensive, you have to pay for every step. Toilets everywhere, except hotels, are paid.

In the Dominican Republic, prices outside hotels are lower and there are no paid toilets. Tours have the lowest prices in May, September, October. A trip to the Dominican Republic will cost more, but the service is much better than in Cuba.

The advantage of Liberty Island is its excellent healthcare system. If desired, rest can be combined with treatment. A doctor's consultation costs 120-180 convertible pesos.

Conclusion

After analyzing your financial capabilities and preferences, select one of the countries. The Dominican Republic is perfect for a comfortable beach holiday. Cuba is for those who love fun and nightly dancing until you drop. You can also choose a combined tour to two countries.

Cuba and the Dominican Republic are a piece of paradise with snow-white beaches, scorching sun, clear sea and unbridled fun. The choice is yours!

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