Samana Site Incorporated

SAMANA

Samana is beyond doubt one of the most beautiful regions of Hispanola. Caribbean beaches, finest sand, palms and a constant fresh sea breeze are only some of the fascinations of the Dominican Republic. The panorama is embossed through wonderful tropical hills and small fishing villages that reflect the picture of the inland regions.

Samaná is a province of the Dominican Republic and contains the peninsula of the same name.

Province capital is the city Samaná (Santa Barbara de Samaná) also of the same name with about 40,000 inhabitants.

Province capital: Santa Barbara de Samaná
Face: 854 km²
Inhabitants: 82.135
(2000)
Density of population: 96,2 inhabitants per km²

Interest in art or history can be explored here in the tracks of Christopher Columbus and his son Diego. The city reflects the discovery of the island by the Spaniards and the epoch of colonial domination. Palaces, churches and cloisters from the 16th century become alive in the old town.

Everyone should experience the rythm of Caribbean life at least once. This rythm creates an enviable tranquility and composure in the Dominican people which is not seen today in most other counries. Things which may be considered major problems elsewhere such as water and electricity outages after storms, are barely noticed by the local people as a result of their calm and peaceful nature. Rather still they are a completely spontaneous and cheerful nation, very open and helpful.
Caribbean rhythms such as Merenque gently drifting from houses will at times bring the people out to dance right on the street.


There are some of the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean at the north side of the peninsula. They resemble beaches of the South Pacific with their thick tropical vegetation and the coconut palms. Many prominent persons (such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt) have been enamored by this and have purchased homes here.

The largest town next to Santa Barbara de Samaná is Las Terrenas, with approx. 13,000 inhabitants. Located directly on the beach and equipped with many fine hotels, there is substantially less tourist traffic here than in other tourism cities such as Punta Cana or Puerto Plata. Conveniently in "El Portillo", just minutes east of Las Terrenas, there is a small airfield from which flight taxis can reach the capital of Santo Domingo in about 35 minutes. In addition, the new international airport El Catey (IATA code: AZS) opened in November 2006. Travelling by car, a journey from Santo Domingo to Samana lasts about 3.5 to 5 hours on relatively good streets. The view from the road crossing the Samaná peninsula which leads over a mountain ridge onto the bay of Samaná, is uniquely beautiful. With the new highway recently finished, you can now reach St. Domingo by car in about 1,5 hours!


In the bay of Samaná you can observe the Humpback whales which come here from December to March. The bay of Samaná is 14 km wide, and you can cross between the city of Samaná and Sabana de la mar accross the bay in a ferry boat. The ride lasts 1 hour and is scheduled twice daily (at 8:00am and 3:00pm). You can even take along small motorcycles onto the ferry boat to explore other locations. In addition there are many boats and companies specializing in whale watching tours.


The Bacardi-island Cayo Levantado

The island Cayo Levantado is in the southeast of the city Santa Barbara de Samaná. It is said that the Bacardi advertising song was created here. The white palm beaches make the real Bacardi-Feeling arise. From the harbor, Samaná's fishing boats and quiet water taxis shuttle frequently back and forth to this dream island. On this island you will also find one of the most exclusive hotels of the Dominican Republic with 5+ stars.


International airport Samaná/El Catey

Since the winter flight schedule 2006/2007 the Samaná peninsula is reachable through the new international airport. The international airport El Catey on Samaná, with the IATA-code AZS, was opened on the 1st of November 2006. The airport is capable of processing four jumbo jets hourly.
Las Terrenas is above the new airport, near Sánchez. It is now much more easily accessible than before. As a direct result of this, the region expects a rise of the overnight stay numbers in its hotels. Throughout 2006/2007 many of the local hotels were refurbished and modernized. Construction has also begun on a new connecting road between El Catey and Las Terrenas along the northern coast. When complete the prices for real estate will rise again, because the region will be more easily accessed by automobile. This is an important point for investors!


Las Terrenas

A small, yet significant town of the province Samaná is Las Terrenas in the northeast of the Dominican Republic.

The former fishing village has grown since the 1990's to an international tourist destination with an abundance of hotels, restaurants and discos, as well as diving-schools and similar sport clubs. In spite of this growth, this small town situated north of the national park Los Haitises, has preserved a good part of its former "fishing village" feel because of the way it gently winds along the beaches. Also, until recently the only access to Las Terrenas by car was restricted to the two lane provincial roads from Sánchez or Samaná, which likewise helped keep expansion in check.

Sánchez

Sánchez is a city in the province Samaná of the Dominican Republic.

The city, with about 25.000 inhabitants, lies in the northwest corner of the bay of Samaná. From there, a beautiful, winding country road leads over the mountain range to Las Terrenas. In addition, Sanchez is the starting point for boat excursions to the Dominican national park of Los Haitises at the south side of the bay of Samaná.