Cheap Flights to San Domingo

Captial of the Dominican Republic and home to more than 960,000 people, Santo Domingo is a vibrant, colourful city which entices thousands of tourists each and every year. The region was home to the ancient Taíno people before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. By 1496, the Spanish settled in the area but by 1502 Santo Domingo had been destroyed by an earthquake and the city was subsequently built on the opposite side of the Ozama River. The original site of the city is still visible and has been recently named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Santo Domingo boasts a fine selection of historical sites and attractions, and the year-round, temperate and sunny climate ensures that the region is a favourite destination for sun lovers. The city's restaurants are also hailed for their excellent menus of authentic and traditional cuisine. Additionally, an array of bright, flamboyant festivals occur each year celebrating religious and cultural events. The February Festival, for example, is held every Sunday during the month of Feruary and features parades along El Conde and the Malecón with participants wearing fabulous costumes and throwing inflated sheep bladders and balloons at each other!

Things to do

There is no shortage of interesting things to see and do in Santo Domingo; from dining at fine restaurants to beautiful sandy beaches, historical sites to shopping malls -- there is an attraction for everyone.

• For the sun lovers

Boca Chica, approximately 3 km from the city, is a popular beach with tourists and locals alike. Powder-white sand and safe, crystal-clear waters containing coral reef draw sun lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

• For the foodies

Restaurant Sully boasts an impressive seafood menu in a delightful and friendly atmosphere. Sample the lobster Thermador drizzled with passion fruit sauce or opt for the seafood risotto, the chef's signature dish.

• For the history enthusiasts

Visit the first cathedral in the new world, the Catedral Primada de América. Built circa 1540, this fine example of Gothic and Plateresque architecture is also home to a selection of artwork, paintings, sculptures and altarpieces from the same era.

Calendar of Events

Santo Domingo hosts a myriad of festivals and events each year. Although some of the events are religious in nature, others, such as the Festival de Merengue, entice both younger and older crowds.

• The February Festival. As the title suggests, the February Festival occurs every Sunday throughout the month of February. Participants gather in the streets wearing traditional costume and pelt each other with inflated pig bladders. The event also features live entertainment and competitions.

• Festival de Merengue. The Festival de Merengue occurs every July/August and is hosted in the Malecón section of the city. The event features traditional music and Jazz, and a real fiesta atmosphere prevails. Revellers can also indulge in traditional fare at one of the many food stalls.

• Colonial Fest. The Colonial Fest occurs in November and is hosted in the Colonial Zone of the city. The event is a celebration of the region's crafts, arts and cuisine. Festival goers are treated to live performances, firework displays and outdoor concerts and theatre.