Las Terrenas

Samaná Province, Dominican Republic

---

Las Terrenas is a lively beach town on the northeastern coast of the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic, known for its miles of white‑sand beaches, calm turquoise waters, and relaxed, resort‑free vibe.

It was founded in 1946 as a small fishing village under a government resettlement plan but began to grow quickly from the 1970s onward after intrepid French travelers and later Italian and other European visitors discovered its natural beauty.

The town’s main Playa de las Terrenas stretches along a protected bay with shallow, swimmable water and is lined with coconut palms, simple beach bars, and low‑key restaurants serving both Dominican and European‑style food. Today Las Terrenas is a popular destination for both tourists and expats, combining a Caribbean beach lifestyle with a noticeable European flair, boutique hotels, and a growing but still relatively small set of amenities and services. 

Its economy relies heavily on tourism, commerce, and fishing, and it is easily accessible by road from the Samaná El Catey International Airport and from Santo Domingo, making it feel both laid‑back and surprisingly well‑connected.