A popular, bustling seaside town with a definite Caribbean ambience. Comprised of 2 distinct areas, separated by a bay and linked by a beachfront promenade. El Batey, E of the principal beach and covering around ¾ ml from E to W, was developed as a tourist destination, although the area has somewhat degenerated into a shambling concentration of unsophisticated shopping streets, potholed roads, neglected buildings and patches of undeveloped land. Los Charamicos, with its narrow, traffic-choked streets and cockfighting ring, measures just ¾ ml by 500 yds and is home to most of the town's native inhabitants. Founded by German Jewish refugees after World War II, this area saw the establishment of several food-processing businesses (particularly dairy), which can still be seen today along with many of the original wooden houses. The ambience is relaxed and friendly, with much more of a Dominican feel than the sanitised, purpose-built complexes that nestle behind security gates.

Most ages and middlemarket types who want a more authentic Dominican atmosphere, leaning towards informality. Particularly popular with Canadians and Europeans.

A broader range than many in the country; from small budget pensions to well-equipped complexes, including a growing number of all-inclusive operations.

The ½-ml-long main beach, backed by a rough pedestrian promenade linking the 2 centres, has fine golden sand, plenty of shade and good views. La Boca, to the NW of Los Charamicos, is smaller, scruffier and none too clean. La Playita, separated from the main beach by a rocky headland, is short but deep, with soft sand and clear water but very little shade. A number of smaller stretches run E to Playa Chiquita. All manner of water sports, including sailing, scuba diving, water- and jet-skiing.

Unsophisticated and tourist orientated - one of the best places for a wide choice of Haitian paintings, carved stone and handicrafts. Stalls line the ways to the beaches and vendors peddle their wares without too much persistence.

Daytime: relaxing on the beach; water sports; souvenir shopping; hotel activity programmes. Nightlife: many small, unsophisticated discos in El Batey; casino 1 ml out of town at Playa Chiquita; plentiful music bars and pleasant spots for a sundowner cocktail.

A great many restaurants and quite a selection of bars, although few offer more than simple local cuisine. A handful of local fast-food eateries. Avoid salads or cold meats that are displayed without the benefit of chilling devices, and it is advisable to avoid drinking the tap water - use bottled water instead.

Motoconchos (back seat of a moped), taxis and guaguas (public minibuses) on the main road.

See Puerto Plata.

On the Atlantic N coast, on a stretch known as the Amber Coast. 15 mls E of Puerto Plata, 4 mls E of its international airport. 10 mls NW of Cabarete. 140 mls NW of Santo Domingo.

Wrapped around a curving bay, on fairly flat ground, with one part of the town forming a peninsula with the ocean on one side and River Sosua on the other. The inland countryside is tropically verdant and hilly.

Website: www.sosua.com

Airport : La Union
Airport Code: POP
Flight time from ther U.K.: 9 hrs