Sosua Sightseeing Tours - Dominican Republic
Just 16 winding miles east of Puerto Plata, nestled on a hillside, is the enchanting village of Sosúa. There, the fast pace of modern life comes to a screeching halt, giving way to the subtleties of shading palms and sunset breezes. The seacoast town is situated on a sheltered cove that forms a lovely beach.
Sosúa is actually two villages straddling the bay: Los Charamicos to the west and El Batey to the east. A walk from one end to the other is easy enough, and many of the early settlement buildings still remain. The original synagogue is open for weekly services and welcomes visitors of all faiths.
Los Charamicos has a typical Dominican village atmosphere, complete with lively Creole restaurants and bars, street vendors, loud music and cackling hens. El Batey is the hub of Sosúa's tourist activities. It is home to upscale restaurants, bars and boutiques; it's also where Sosúa's luxurious resort hotels and vacation villas are located. There's a significant expatriate community in that part of town.
Side trip from Sosua
For those who love the colors and exuberance of naïf art, a side trip to Samaná offers a glimpse of the real thing. Coconut-palm covered hills fringe the coastline, and the bay is dotted with tiny, idyllic keys. The most famous is Cayo Levantado , accessible by boat and noted for its magnificent beach. Officially called Santa Bárbara de Samaná, it was the site of the first battle between the indigenous peoples and the European explorers in 1493. The city itself, however, was not founded until 1756. There was an influx of freed black slaves from the United States in the 1820s. As a result, the locals there speak English--with the slight drawl of the American South.
Samaná is an excellent location for diving and a favorite spot for treasure hunters. Deep in the waters off Samaná, divers have found some of the most valuable treasures ever recovered from Spanish galleons. The incredible loot from one of these finds--the Conde de Tolosa --can be viewed at the Museum of the Royal Houses in Santo Domingo.
Sailing, windsurfing and deep-sea fishing are also popular in Samaná's waters. But Samaná's drawing power is its relative remoteness from the more frequented tourist destinations. It is the perfect getaway; the Samaná peninsula's isolated beaches, including Anadel, Rincón and Miches , offer unparalleled beauty, tranquillity and privacy. There are several hotels in and around the village center, as well as a few new resorts just outside town. |