Things to do in Las Terrenas
-
La Yuca Caliente
A definite step up from the neighboring cookie-cutter restaurants, La Yuca Caliente is sophisticated and serene. Spanish, Italian, fish dishes and excellent pizzas are served by a professional and courteous staff. Tables are set out on the beach amid swaying palm trees and the low-key sound system is conversation friendly. Wi-fi internet is available.
reviewed
-
Canal Kite Club
Canal Kite Club rents windsurf boards, bodyboards, surfboards, kitesurfing equipment and provides lessons for all these activities. Six hours of kitesurfing lessons (really the minimum needed to have a sporting chance of making it work) cost US$200; a two-hour windsurfing lesson is US$60, the same time for surfing is US$40.
reviewed
-
-
Gallera
For those interested in one of the quintessential Dominican experiences, Las Terrenas has a gallera, located on Calle Principal just past Plaza Rosada. There are around a dozen matchups per night. Tourists are welcome, but the fights are certainly not watered down and betting is still an integral part of the event. Volunteers help explain the rules, strategy and wagering to cockfight neophytes.
reviewed
-
Brasserie Barrio Latino
Occupying the busiest corner in town, this casual open-sided eatery has a large menu of international standards like sandwiches, burgers, pastas and meat dishes. Breakfast may be the best meal of the day here and there’s a small bar that in addition to beer and alcoholic drinks mixes up smoothies and a delicious morir soñando (tasty combination of orange juice, milk, sugar and crushed ice).
reviewed
-
Paco Cabana Restaurant/Bar
Located just west of the main intersection in town, Paco Cabana makes great use of its beachside location. Beds and comfortable couches piled with pillows make for a breezy and beautiful place to lounge late into the night. The vibe is sophisticated Miami and, while drinks are the draw, there’s a kitchen that serves everything from basics such as hamburgers (US$8.50) to lobster (US$18).
reviewed
-
Primo Jeffro
For a change of pace, both in terms of cuisine and décor, head to this no-nonsense American-owned Mexican eatery. The open-air dining room couldn’t be simpler and unpretentious but the hearty tacos (US$1.25), burritos and chimichangas hit the spot. Almuerzos (set lunches; US$4) and combo dinners (US$4.75) are great deals.
reviewed
-
Restaurant Eden
Part of the Hotel-Residence Playa Colibrí, this pleasant outdoor restaurant is close to the end of the sandy beachside path from town, making it a perfect break before heading back. The menu and specials, from grilled salmon (US$10) to juicy burgers (US$7), are displayed on a chalkboard.
reviewed
-
Grecia
A step up from the average beachside shack, Grecia is a combo restaurant, café and bar. Picnic tables and cushions are set out on the sand and it can get crowded when Dominicans, expats and tourists hunker down for the afternoon with sandwiches and drinks.
reviewed
-
Prensa International
Towards the rear of the El Paseo shopping mall, this shop sells a variety of international newspapers and magazines – most are a day or two old and the majority are in French, though the International Herald Tribune is available.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Haitian Caraibes Art Gallery
For more of a selection of paintings, other than the ubiquitous cookie-cutter mass-produced ones, stop by the Haitian Caraibes Art Gallery; it also sells interesting crafts, jewelry and typical batiks and sarongs.
reviewed
-
Escuela Salsa Caribe
To hold your own on the dance floor, or at the very least to avoid embarrassment, stop by the Escuela Salsa Caribe for private (US$18 per hour) and group merengue or salsa classes.
reviewed
-
Nuevo Mundo
This discotheque, close to the heart of the tourist enclave, is popular with locals and is a good place to get down to merengue and bachata in a typically Dominican way.
reviewed
-
Opalo Dance Club
A stylish addition to the Las Terrenas nightlife scene, Opalo is a hip lounge-bar that ups the cosmopolitan quotient with plasma screens and the occasional DJ.
reviewed
-
Punto Italia
This is a small Italian-owned grocery, a vital resource for expats who demand high-quality meat, cheese, bread and brand-name European exports.
reviewed
-
Cafeteria Christian
A step up from the usual colmado, this place south of town is where locals eat and grab a pastry or two if they’re on the run.
reviewed
-
Supermercado Lindo
The largest and best supermarket in town, this is the place to go for canned foods, pastas, produce, snacks and any other supplies.
reviewed
-
El Pan de Antes
Delicious pastries are made fresh daily at this French-owned patisserie. Croissants go fast Sunday mornings.
reviewed
-
Safari Quad
Trips to sites all over the peninsula with guides for all skill levels; rentals also available.
reviewed
-
Casa de las Terrenas
Small, friendly, French-run operation run out of a little kiosk in front of Plaza Taína.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
-
-
-
-
