DK Travel : Dominican Republic : The Southwest : Editor's choice

Bahía de las Aguilas

Few visitors make it to this deserted spot, a sweeping bay surrounded by rocky and prickly terrain. It’s named after eagles, but there’re more gulls, waders, and pelicans on display.
Baoruco

The charming fishing village, now the venue for an all-inclusive hotel, is situated close to a wonderful white-sand beach (see Playa Baoruco), behind which steep wooded hillsides tumble down towards the sea.
Cabo Rojo

A desolate expanse of gray sand and rocky bluffs, this empty beach (see Playa Cabo Rojo) shows the scars of bauxite extraction. But it’s a wildlife paradise for pelicans and other seabirds.
El Aguacate

As remote a place as you’re likely to find, up a tortuous mountain road from Pedernales. The tiny border post of El Aguacate (Avocado) is almost lost among pine forests and clouds.
El Paraíso

The small seaside town called Paradise is aptly named, with a gorgeous, if somewhat unkempt beach. It’s shaded by sea grape trees (see Sea Grape) and bisected by a cool freshwater stream.
Larimar Mines

A rough track leads inland from the village of El Arroyo to the open-cast mines where semi-precious larimar is excavated. You can buy pieces of the blue mineral.
Playa Najayo

A favorite beach with residents of Santo Domingo and San Cristóbal, this strip of golden sand isn’t quiet, but it’s a good place for a drink and a meal.
Playa Palenque

Another popular hangout for locals, and rather noisy, the beach does have a quieter end towards the headland and lighthouse, where the sand’s slightly darker and the sea rougher.
Playa Quemaito

One of the first beaches on the long and scenic road south of Barahona, this is a lovely and little-known stretch of wild coastline, backed by rugged cliffs and woods.
Polo Magnético

Up in the hills from Cabral is a scientific enigma – a stretch of road that appears to run upwards, but in fact descends. Take off your handbrake and see.