Breathe the refreshing seaside air and savor a fresh oyster at Juan Dolio. This oceanfront town attracts visitors with its temperate climate and picturesque coastline, unspoiled by noisy crowds. Lay out a towel on Juan Dolio Beach and experience the restorative energy of the Dominican coast.
This small community was founded in 1884 and became popular with tourists in the 1980s. Visitors to the southern coast of the Dominican Republic will find it more peaceful and relaxing than other beach destinations, including the nearby Boca Chica, since there are fewer crowds.
Each morning, find a tasty breakfast along Juan Dolio’s main street, the Calle Principal. This thoroughfare runs parallel to the beach and is home to a wide range of shops, restaurants and cafés. Note that due to heavy weekend traffic, the street operates as a one-way avenue from west to east.
Walk to Playa Juan Dolio, the city’s main public beach, to find a Caribbean paradise of golden sand, crystal waters and coconut palms. Though busy on weekends, this idyllic shoreline provides a great spot to relax and work on your tan. The surrounding streets offer ample parking spaces for visitors with cars.
To the east, the Villas Del Mar district has a number of newly constructed luxury oceanfront resorts. Visitors here can enjoy drink service with recliners and umbrellas along the Playa Real.
To see some of the area’s marine life, take a diving or snorkeling tour with a local agent. Look for sea urchins and fish while floating in warm Caribbean waters.
Eat a snack or a fresh oyster at stalls along the beach. Street peddlers offer a wide range of goods. Pick up anything from shawls and jewelry to cigars from local vendors.
Juan Dolio is a 1-hour drive east from Santo Domingo. Get around town easily on foot.
