Puerto Plata or Punta Cana: Where’s Best For You?
They may be separated by roughly 500km of coastline, but that hasn’t stopped them from becoming two of the most popular holiday locations in the Dominican Republic. But, if you fancy a sunny escape in the Dom Rep, should you be choosing Purto Plata or Punta Cana?
You’ve decided that you need a fun Caribbean break and have even picked a winner between Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Now you’re probably facing another destination dilemma – do you pick Puerto Plata or Punta Cana?
How do you choose?
On the face of it, they might seem like super similar destinations – you know, dazzling beaches, great restaurants, local bars and plenty of luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
But when you dig a little deeper the differences start to shine through. Whether you opt for Puerto Plata or Punta Cana you’re guaranteed to have a good time. But let’s take a closer look at what both places have to offer and help you choose where’s best for you.
Puerto Plata or Punta Cana: The Quick Answer
Like with any top holiday destination, choosing the perfect place depends on what you’re after. If you want to get a more immersive holiday experience – drinking in the rich heritage, history and culture of the Dominican, then Puerto Plata is best.
However, if you’re happier filling your holiday with endless activities and lounging on the best beaches in the Dom Rep, then Punta Cana is better suited.
That’s the quick answer, but how did we come to that conclusion?
How Did We Pick a Winner?
Picking a winner between these two titans of holiday travel was never going to be easy. So we had to call on all our 20+ years of industry knowledge – as well as a fair few nights of lived experience in both destinations to overview them in four core areas:
- Location
- Beaches
- Things to do
- Nightlife
Read on to see which destination won in each area and why we came to that decision.
Discover more amazing things to do and top holiday destinations in our Dominican Republic Travel Guide
Which Has the Best Location?
As the title of the hit TV show says, location is everything. So, first things first, let’s talk about where in the Dom Rep you can find these beauties.
Puerto Plata can be found on the Atlantic north coast of the island. It’s surrounded by mountains and jungles, hence it appeals to nature enthusiasts and hikers. Puerto Plata is also the 3rd largest city in the Dominican Republic so expect lots of shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Punta Cana on the other hand is located on the eastern side of the island and therefore has a Caribbean coastline. It’s a much newer tourist destination than Puerto Plata, with luxurious hotels fulfilling the needs of every traveller.
So based on location should you choose Puerto Plata or Punta Cana? This one is hard to call, as it really depends on your holiday preference. But for the range of hotels we’d opt for Punta Cana.
Best of the Beaches
We wouldn’t get far comparing incredible sun-soaked holiday destinations without looking into the beaches right? But does Puerto Plata or Punta Cana lay claim to the best stretches of sand?
Punta Cana Beaches
Punta Cana offers holidaymakers beaches adorned with palm trees and powder white sand. Many of the all-inclusive hotels occupy prime beachfront positions along the coast so you won’t need to venture too far for a slice of paradise. However, if you do wish to explore a little further afield Macao Beach is worth a visit. It’s a public beach and was recently named as one of the Best Beaches in the Caribbean by Unesco. Another plus for Punta Cana is that the ocean here is calm and clear, making it perfect for swimming.
Puerto Plata Beaches
Over in Puerto Plata the beaches here tend to be made up of darker sand and the blue water of the Atlantic is a little less clear. The region is also much windier than Punta Cana, hence water sports are immensely popular here. Capitalising on it’s strengths, Playa Dorada Beach is home to some top-class kitesurfing schools. Whilst Cabarete Beach, also known as Kite Beach has become famous for attracting sports enthusiasts and is the kite-boarding capital of the Caribbean.
If a relaxing beach holiday is your thing then Punta Cana just edges it here for the picturesque beaches that are synonymous with the Caribbean.
What About the Best Activities?
Both destinations have a plethora of activities to fill your days if you can step away from the beautiful beaches for an hour or two. Let’s talk Puerto Plata or Punta Cana and explore both in more detail.
Best Things to Do in Punta Cana
Over in Punta Cana there’s also plenty on offer for those looking to explore. A firm-favourite is Saona Island. Take a day trip to this untouched island which is the epitome of paradise. You may recognise the island as it was featured in the famous Bounty adverts from the 1980s.
Chocolate-lovers should plan a visit to the Choco Museum. Learn all about the history of chocolate and its health benefits! Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for taste-tests too!
Or prepare for the adventure of a lifetime with an exhilarating ride through the Punta Cana countryside. Jump aboard your buggy and go off-road for the ultimate driving experience. This is one is not for the fainthearted.
Finally, Ojos Indigenas Ecological Park and Reserve is also worth a visit whilst in Punta Cana. Occupying 1,500 acres a guided tour is the way to go here. Look out for freshwater lagoons and view the natural habitats of indigenous wildlife.
So when it comes to activities we have to go with a draw. Choose either Puerto Plata or Punta Cana depending on what you want from your holiday.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Plata
Similar to when we reviewed the answer to La Romana or Punta Cana – La Romana provided the cultural experiences . Here, Puerto Plata does the same
The colourful city ertainly packs a punch when it comes to activities to keep you active and for this reason appeals to those looking for a sense of adventure.
Some of the highlights include Mount Isabel de Torres, a 2,600 foot mountain offering stupendous panoramic views of the city, beach and ocean. Visitors can ride up the cable car, the only one in the Caribbean and experience the views first hand.
Another firm-favourite and again appealing to thrill-seekers is Ocean World Adenture Park. Just a short drive from Puerto Plate this epic water park attracts families and couples looking for a fun-filled day out. Expect a variety of water slides, inflatables and pools.
If a more laid-back day out appeals then visit the Amber Museum with a range of fascinating displays. Amber is mined in the local area and is not only used in jewellery but also acts as a natural preserver. A must see is the huge lizard perfectly preserved in time.
Another one for the history buffs is Fort San Felipe, the only remaining colonial structure in the area. Built between 1564 and 1577 to defend the area against colonists and pirates on the lookout for silver and gold.
Or, for a glimpse into local life visit Parque Central. It’s adorned with gazebos and a great place for a stroll and to people watch.
Therefore, if you want to see island life coupled with some history then Puerto Plata makes a great base from which to explore.
Puerto Plata or Punta Cana for Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife should you choose Puerto Plata or Punta Cana?
Puerto Plata is home to a vibrant nightlife and is more party-oriented than Punta Cana. Nightclubs and bars line the streets in abundance and the area attracts a crowd of party lovers ready to dance the night away.
If you want to get out of your top Punta Cana resort of an evening, you’ll find the place is a little more reserved by comparison. However, if you do want to party the night away Coco Bongo is the place to be. With nightly shows expect a show-stopping non-stop party complete with dancers and live music performances.
Whilst Punta Cana is home to Coco Bongo due to the large number of bars and nightclubs catering for all music tastes, Puerto Plata is the deserving winner in this category.
Pick Your Winner and Get Away
So, Punta Cana might be the pick for all you beach lovers out there. But, of course, Puerto Plata is still an incredibly stunning holiday location. And, if you’re a culture vulture with more local immersion in mind, it might just be the better choice.
But whichever dazzling destination you choose to touch down in, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable holiday experience.
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