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Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana

No. 93 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Punta Cana

Dominican Republic

Palm-lined white beaches and all-inclusive resorts on the Dominican Republic's eastern tip.

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Photo: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Punta Cana is No. 93 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The resort area on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic has more than 50 km of beaches facing the Caribbean and the Atlantic.

Most visitors stay in all-inclusive resorts around Bávaro, Cap Cana and Uvero Alto, with day trips to islands, cenote-like swimming holes and golf courses.

A palm-lined beach in Punta Cana
A palm-lined beach in Punta Cana. Photo: NoonIcarus, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to go

December to April is dry and sunny, and the busiest season.

The hurricane season runs from June to November; seaweed can reach some beaches in the warmer months.

Top sights

  • 1

    Bávaro Beach

    A long stretch of white sand and palms, lined with resorts.

  • 2

    Macao Beach

    A wilder beach popular with surfers.

  • 3

    Saona Island

    A protected island with beaches and natural pools, reached on catamaran day trips.

  • 4

    Hoyo Azul

    A turquoise freshwater pool at the foot of a cliff in Scape Park, Cap Cana.

  • 5

    Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park

    Trails through forest to freshwater lagoons.

  • 6

    Altos de Chavón

    A Mediterranean-style artists' village above the Chavón River, near La Romana.

Getting there

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is close to most resorts, typically 15 to 45 minutes away by transfer or taxi.

Getting around

Resort transfers, taxis and organised tours are the usual ways to get around. Agree taxi fares before you set off.

Practical tips

Currency
Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted in the resort areas; cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops.
Language
Spanish. English is widely spoken in resorts.
Safety
The resort areas are generally safe; use official taxis and swim only on beaches with lifeguards. The emergency number is 911.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK and EU countries, do not need a visa for a tourist visit. Everyone must complete the free online e-Ticket form for entry and exit.
Power
120 V, 60 Hz; plug types A and B.

Official information: Go Dominican Republic (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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