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Pleasant, tiny, purpose-built holiday village, centred on a ½-ml stretch of beach. Continuing development of smart, modern all-inclusive operations and villas lends it a Mediterranean feel akin to the Canaries. Its main commercial focus is Columbus Plaza, a small, modern complex with basic amenities including a bank, hairdresser, restaurant and supermarket. The village apparently takes its name from a pirate who used to hang out here. |
| Suitability |
Those who prefer quiet locations to bustling resorts and are prepared to accept the limited amenities on offer. |
| Accommodation |
Steadily increasing numbers of middlemarket, all-inclusive club operations and a choice of smart luxury villas with their own pools. |
| Beach |
Generally unattractive sweeping bay of brown sand, lined with palms and gnarled old trees that offer some shade. The water and sand are clean and, although not the most aesthetically pleasing strip of coastline, it offers satisfactory views of low cliffs and is generally calm, thanks to reef protection. Sunbeds are in plentiful supply and a motley collection of thatched huts sell local handicrafts and snacks. Hotel guests can enjoy a variety of water sports, and a water-sports centre organises diving, windsurfing and boat rides for visitors without local accommodation. |
| Shopping |
Columbus Plaza offers basic souvenirs and a minimarket. Taina Plaza, formerly the principal retail outlet, now houses a bar/restaurant and simple gift shop only. Several handicraft shacks along the beach. Puerto Plata is a better bet. |
| Entertainment |
Daytime: beach and water sports or hotels' programmes.
Nightlife: fairly low-key. Most properties have local bands, dancers and nightly Tannoyed music; some with small, unsophisticated discos. |
| Eating |
Mainly limited to what's on offer in hotels and a handful of beach-based snack outlets. Don't drink the tap water (brush your teeth with bottled water) and avoid salads or cold meats that are displayed without the benefit of chilling devices. |
| Public
Transport |
Taxi, motoconcho (back seat of moped) or unreliable guagua (minibus). |
| Excursions |
See Puerto Plata. |
| Location |
On the Atlantic N coast, on a stretch known as the Amber Coast. 6 mls NW of Puerto Plata, 17 mls NW of its international airport. 140 mls NW of Santo Domingo. |
| Position |
On a rugged but picturesque stretch of coast backed by green hills. |
| Serving
Airports |
Airport : La Union
Airport Code: POP
Flight time from ther U.K.: 9 hrs
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