About La Romana

La Romana Province on the Dominican Republic's southeastern coast is a captivating blend of luxury resorts, authentic culture, and pristine natural beauty. The province is world-renowned for Casa de Campo, a sprawling 7,000-acre resort featuring the iconic Teeth of the Dog golf course, designer boutiques at Altos de Chavón—a stunning replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched on a cliff—and a vibrant marina. Beyond the gated luxury, the provincial capital, also named La Romana, offers a genuine Dominican atmosphere with its bustling central park, historic sugar mill, and lively Malecón waterfront. Nature lovers are drawn to the eastern border of Los Haitises National Park, with its mystical mangrove forests, limestone karsts, and ancient Taino caves, while the nearby Catalina and Saona Islands offer some of the Caribbean's most idyllic white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and relaxation. La Romana's unique appeal lies in its seamless fusion of high-end amenities with rich local history and breathtaking coastal and inland landscapes.

Capital CityMajor Hub

Travel Tips for La Romana

Getting Around

Within resort complexes like Casa de Campo, golf carts and shuttles are common. For independent travel, guaguas (public minibuses) and motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are inexpensive but can be crowded; agree on fares beforehand. Taxis are widely available but not metered; negotiate the fare before entering. Uber operates in some areas, including to/from airports. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the province and nearby national parks; an international driver's permit is recommended. Popular apps include Uber and maps.me for offline navigation. For trips to Saona or Catalina Islands, organized boat tours are the primary method.

Best Time To Visit

December to April is the peak dry season, offering sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rain—perfect for beach and golf activities. This period coincides with festivals but has higher prices and crowds. May to November is the wet season, with higher humidity, brief afternoon showers, and a higher risk of hurricanes (peak August-October). However, this period offers lower rates and fewer tourists. The shoulder months of May and November can provide a good balance.

Local Customs

Dominican culture is warm and friendly. A handshake is a common greeting. Dress is generally casual but modest when away from resorts; cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included; an additional 5-10% for good service is customary. Tip hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers a few dollars. Spanish is the primary language; learning basic phrases is appreciated. Respect is highly valued; use formal titles (Señor, Señora) when appropriate. Sunday is a family day; many small shops may be closed.

Safety Information

La Romana is generally safe for tourists, especially within the resort areas of Casa de Campo and Bayahibe. Exercise increased caution in the city of La Romana, particularly at night. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. Use hotel safes. Be wary of common scams like overcharging in unofficial taxis or fake tour operators—only use licensed providers. When driving, be cautious of motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) and uneven road conditions. Do not walk alone on isolated beaches or in poorly lit areas after dark. The tourist police (Politur) patrol major tourist zones.

Health Information

Medical facilities in La Romana are adequate for routine care, with the Hospital Municipal de La Romana being the main public hospital. For serious emergencies, medical evacuation to Santo Domingo or abroad may be necessary. Private clinics in the Casa de Campo area offer higher standards. Travelers should ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis). Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Zika, dengue, and chikungunya are mosquito-borne risks; use EPA-registered repellent and wear long sleeves. Traveler's diarrhea is common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food. Travel health insurance is strongly advised.

Languages Spoken

Spanish

Quick Facts

Currency

Dominican Peso (DOP)
$

Timezone

America/Santo_Domingo -04:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+1-809, +1-829, +1-849

Electricity

Type A, B; 110V, 60Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

344,000

Area

653.95 km²

Government

Provincial government, part of a unitary presidential republic

ISO Code

DO-12

Also known as: Ла-Романа, La Romana, Ròmàna, LRM, La-Romana, Romana, la romana, la rwmana, lalomana, lh rwmnh, luo ma na, לה רומנה, لا رومانا, لا رومانا، جمہوریہ ڈومینیکن, ला रोमाना, লা রোমানা, ਲਾ ਰੋਮਾਨਾ, ላ ሮማና, ラ・ロマーナ, 羅馬納, 라로마나

Frequently Asked Questions