Welcome to La Romana! Tour cigar factories where hand-rollers move faster than machines, dive into turquoise waters filled with coral towers, and stroll cobblestone alleys lined with Italianate villas — La Romana is the Dominican Republic’s luxury gateway and home to Casa de Campo, one of the Caribbean’s most famous resorts.
☑️ La Romana Checklist
- Book your Flight: Land at La Romana International Airport (LRM), just 10 minutes from major resorts
- Reserve your Hotel: Stay at Casa de Campo or a beachfront all-inclusive for direct access to top sights
- Join your Tour: Book a catamaran cruise to Isla Saona or a guided Altos de Chavón walking tour in advance
🛥️ Day 1: Islands & Ocean
- Isla Saona Cruise: Set sail on a full-day catamaran trip to palm-lined beaches and clear sandbars — swim with starfish, sip rum on deck, and snorkel past coral fans and tropical fish
- Natural Pool Stop: Drop anchor in waist-deep, crystal-clear waters miles offshore — it’s like standing in a giant aquarium with a drink in your hand
- Beachside Lunch at Saona: Eat fresh grilled lobster, coconut rice, and fried plantains at a thatched-roof restaurant with your toes in the sand
- Mangrove Forest Tour: Wind through thick mangroves by speedboat where pelicans swoop and the water turns from turquoise to jade
- Return to Marina Casa de Campo: Dock at the private marina filled with yachts and sun-soaked terraces — perfect for a late-afternoon stroll
- Sunset Gelato at La Marina: Cool down with passion fruit or coconut gelato while sailboats sway behind you
- Dinner by the Water: End the day with grilled snapper or Dominican-style paella at a marina-side table as live guitar floats from nearby patios
🏛️ Day 2: Altos & Craft
- Altos de Chavón Morning Tour: Walk through this replica 16th-century Mediterranean village built of coral stone — now home to artists’ studios, craft shops, and galleries
- St. Stanislaus Church Visit: Step inside the rustic stone church where Michael Jackson once got married — still active and picture-perfect
- Archaeological Museum Stop: See Taino artifacts and colonial relics that reveal the island’s Indigenous and Spanish past
- Artisan Workshop Demo: Watch craftsmen carve wood, shape clay, or hammer metal in studios scattered throughout the village
- Lunch Over the Chavón River: Grab a seat with a view of the lush valley and canyon-like river below — order mofongo or grilled mahi-mahi
- Cigar Factory Tour: Learn how premium Dominican cigars are hand-rolled by artisans using local tobacco — and try one if you’re curious
- Sunset Cocktails at Altos: Sip a rum old fashioned or passionfruit mojito as the stone streets glow gold and music starts to build
🎣 Day 3: Markets & Marina Farewell
- La Romana Central Market: Start early and walk through rows of tropical fruit, woven baskets, Dominican coffee, and rows of plantains stacked head-high
- Larimar Jewelry Stop: Shop for the Dominican Republic’s signature blue stone — only found on this island and polished into rings, pendants, and beads
- Calle Francisco Richiez Street Walk: Explore the city’s local side with open-front bakeries, murals, and shaded park benches full of locals swapping stories
- Baseball Stadium Visit (off-season or tour only): Visit Estadio Francisco Micheli — home of the Toros del Este — where big league dreams take shape
- Souvenir Shopping at the Marina: Pick up hand-rolled cigars, Dominican vanilla, amber jewelry, or handwoven hats before heading out
- Sunset Horse Carriage Ride: Board a private carriage for one final loop past Altos de Chavón and the Chavón River cliffs just before dinner
- Farewell Dinner & Merengue Night: Sit under open skies at a terrace table with grilled lobster, arroz con coco, and tres leches cake — then follow the music to the plaza for live merengue and dancing until the last rum punch is poured
📅 La Romana Calendar
- Guloya Festival (January): Traditional Afro-Dominican street dancing, colorful masks, and drumming in nearby San Pedro
- Independence Day Parade (Feb 27): Patriotic parades, school bands, and Dominican pride on full display
- Semana Santa (March–April): Holy Week brings solemn processions and beach picnics across the country
- Casa de Campo Open Golf Tournament (April): Amateurs and pros tee off on world-famous Caribbean-facing greens
- San Juan Bautista Day (June 24): La Romana celebrates its patron saint with fireworks and food-filled block parties
- Merengue Festival in Santo Domingo (July–Aug): A short drive away — live bands and open-air dancing light up the capital
- Christmas at Altos (Dec): Stone streets filled with lights, choirs, and nativity scenes — plus warm Caribbean breezes
💡 La Romana Tips
- Use Pesos at Local Markets: Most small vendors don’t accept cards or dollars
- Book Saona Tours Early: Boats fill quickly, especially on weekends
- Stay Hydrated: The sun here works overtime — keep bottled water with you
- Tipping is Expected: Add 10% or more at restaurants and to guides
- Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Coral reefs are protected — regular sunscreen damages marine life
- Dress Smart at Altos: It’s casual, but flip-flops and beachwear feel out of place in the stone village
- Don’t Rush Dinner: Meals are meant to be long, relaxed, and enjoyed over conversation
🥥 La Romana Menu
- Mofongo: Fried green plantains mashed with garlic and chicharrón — often served in a wooden mortar
- Grilled Caribbean Lobster: Butterflied and flame-grilled, often served beachside with lime and coconut rice
- Mangú: Creamy mashed plantains served with fried cheese, salami, and eggs — a traditional Dominican breakfast
- Sancocho: Hearty stew made with root vegetables, corn, and chunks of chicken or beef — perfect after a long day
- Tostones: Twice-fried plantain slices — crunchy, salty, and impossible to stop eating
- Arroz con Coco: Coconut rice cooked down with sugar and spices for a sticky-sweet finish to any meal
- Tres Leches Cake: Soft sponge soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with whipped cream — rich, cold, and sweet enough to make you pause