WELCOME TO BARAHONA PT 2: CITY ADVENTURES
In our last blog, we talked about the province of Barahona and showed you everything it has to offer regarding its unique flora and fauna and beautiful nature. But this time, we’ll take you to the city! Read more about activities and sights that Barahona has to offer below.
Barahona city
As a small, industrial town, Barahona, also know as Santa Cruz de Barahona, is important because of its port access and trade, including coffee, sugar and textiles. While it doesn’t have a huge night life, you can find some nice spots in and around the city. If you’re going for a walk through the city, be sure to visit the historical cathedral built in 1948, and the Triumphal arch originating from the Rafael Trujillo era. Other iconic monuments include the clock tower, central park and the palace city hall. If you need a bit of cooling off, visit Litoral Maria Montez park along the Barahona seafront boulevard. Especially on weekends, locals come here to find a cool spot under the trees and hide from the burning afternoon sun.
Where to eat and drink
Barahona is known for its fresh fruit and veggies, so if you’re looking for a local Dominican meal you’re never far away! The local cuisine exists of seafood, casseroles, goat stew and rice dishes. Brisas del Caribe is known ultra fresh seafood (depending on the seasons), and has a great selection of tapas. Maria Montez is another local favorite, where you’ll find simple but good food, for a very good price. Also check out La Roca, which is a bit pricier but serves good seafood and has a great location by the beach. Want to relax with some great cocktails? Make your way over to Malecon de Barahona, where you’ll find bars and cafes where you can drink and dance the night away!
Where to sleep
While there are not many hotels in the city, you’ll find some good options at a 15-30 minute drive. Ecohotel Casa del Mar Lodge offers a great view onto the ocean and has very friendly staff, plus a pool and good restaurant. Hotel Pirates de Caribe is another good and comfy hotel in the higher segment. If you’re looking for an innercity budget option, Hotel y Casino Guarocuya offers a more cosy feel and is close to all restaurants and cafes in Barahona!
Where to shop
There’s no better way to discover a place than to walk around and do some shopping! As Barahona is known for its amazing fresh produce, it would be a shame if you wouldn’t visit the Barahona city market for some good plantains. If you’re visiting in June you can find some great arts and crafts at the FestiCafe organic coffee festival. A bit outside of the city lies La Cienega, a charming fishing village where you’ll not only find beautiful views and great activities like surfing and snorkeling, but also the local cooperative Cooperativa Para el Desarollo de La Ciénaga (COOPDECI). This is a group of women offering a number of cultural experiences like an artisan marmalade making workshop using fresh fruits from the Sierra de Barocuho. They also make beautiful art you can purchase and take home with you.
We realize you might be staying in Punta Cana. In that case it is a 5-hour drive to Barahona. But to make the trip more interesting spend a night in Juan dolio or in Santo Domingo.
Have you made plans to visit Barahona yet? Or do you have any pictures from your Barahona trip? We want to hear and see you! @bestofpuntacanaofficial
Picture: hotel Guarocuya