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Northern Coastal Plain
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The Llano Costero del Norte, or Northern Coastal Plain, stretches along the Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic between Puerto Plata and the Samaná Peninsula. This narrow but fertile plain is bordered to the south by the Cordillera Septentrional. Geologically, it is characterized by marine sediments and alluvial deposits from numerous rivers, including the Bajabonico and Yásica. Historically, the region is of immense significance as it was the site where La Isabela, the first European town in the Americas, was founded in 1493. The climate is humid tropical with high rainfall, supporting the cultivation of sugarcane, cocoa, and tropical fruits. Today, the plain is a tourism hub, particularly in areas like Sosúa and Cabarete, while the port city of Puerto Plata serves as the most important economic gateway to the north.
- Location: Dominican Republic
- Nearby: Gaspar Hernández (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 31 | 40 | 53 | 90 | 59 | 67 | 79 | 88 | 90 | 105 | 57 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Northern Coastal Plain is typically accessed via the main coastal highway that runs through the region. Local roads branching off this route usually provide straightforward entry points to various scenic coastal spots.
Best season
Visiting is generally most pleasant during the cooler, drier months between December and April. The hurricane season, from June to November, typically brings heavy tropical rains that can disrupt travel plans.
Terrain & paths
The area largely consists of flat, easy-to-navigate lowland areas interspersed with coastal vegetation. Paths are usually gentle and unchallenging, making the plain suitable for visitors of all physical fitness levels.
What to bring
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended to stay comfortable in the persistent humid conditions. Essential items include strong sun protection, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the varied environments.
Parking
Parking is usually easy to find in the small towns scattered across the plain or near prominent natural attractions. It is generally advisable to park in well-lit, populated areas to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Safety
Travelers should be mindful of regular local traffic on the secondary roads traversing the flatlands. Staying hydrated is constantly important as the open landscapes can reflect a significant amount of afternoon sun.
Time needed
Exploring the various distinct sections of this coastal plain usually takes anywhere from a few hours to a half-day. Many visitors combine their plain exploration with stops at nearby pretty beaches along the northern shore.
Geography
Facts
- The plain extends for a length of approximately 250 kilometers.
- Puerto Plata was officially founded in the early 16th century.
- La Isabela was the first permanent European settlement (1493).
- Tourism has been the primary economic driver since the 1970s.
- The region is famous for amber mining in the adjacent mountains.
- Cabarete is considered a world capital for kitesurfing.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Northern Coastal Plain?
A narrow coastal strip between the Atlantic and the Cordillera Septentrional.
What tourist spots are located here?
Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete are the most famous destinations.
What is Cabarete known for?
It is a world-famous spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Are there historical sites there?
Yes, for example, the San Felipe Fortress in Puerto Plata.
How is the plain used agriculturally?
Mainly for cattle ranching and the cultivation of sugar cane and fruits.
Northern Coastal Plain: where is it located?
Northern Coastal Plain is located in Dominican Republic.
Northern Coastal Plain: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Northern Coastal Plain: why is it worth visiting?
The Llano Costero del Norte, or Northern Coastal Plain, stretches along the Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic between Puerto Plata and the Samaná Peninsula.
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Nearby cities
Gaspar Hernández
A coastal town in the Espaillat province on the north coast.
Río San Juan
A charming coastal town, famous for the Gri-Gri Lagoon.
San Francisco de Macorís
An important city in the Cibao Valley, a center for agriculture and commerce.
Sosúa-Cabarete coast Playa Grande
An exhilarating stretch of the northern coast, renowned globally for kite surfing, vibrant nightlife, and expansive beaches.
Cabarete
Known as the adventure sports capital of the Caribbean, Cabarete offers world-class kitesurfing, windsurfing, and a vibrant nightlife.
🗺️
Las Guáranas
A municipality in Duarte province, in the fertile Cibao region.
Jamao al Norte
A municipality in Espaillat province, with rivers and mountains.
Cotuí
One of the oldest cities in the Americas, known for its gold mines.
Salcedo
Hometown of the Mirabal sisters, symbols of resistance.
Cabrera
A picturesque coastal town on the north coast, known for its cliffs.
Castillo
A municipality in Duarte province, named after a general.
Sosúa
A crescent-shaped bay on the northern coast known for excellent snorkeling, rich history, and lively nightlife.
Cevicos
A municipality in Sánchez Ramírez province, surrounded by hills.
El Factor
A municipality in María Trinidad Sánchez province, dedicated to rice cultivation.
Villa Riva
A municipality in Duarte province, near the Yuna River.
Nature
More places
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The Cacao Trail
A historic cacao plantation that shows the history and process of chocolate making.
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Mundo King Art Museum
An unconventional and surreal castle in Sosúa, filled with Haitian art and eccentric sculptures that also fascinate older children.
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Duarte Province Cacao Plantations
Duarte Province, especially the area around San Francisco de Macorís, is a leader in the cultivation of organic cacao, which is processed…
Banana Export Center
Central sorting and export center for agricultural products.
Vega Real Valley
An important valley in the center.
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Barrick Gold Mine Pueblo Viejo
One of the largest gold mines in the world.
Cordillera Septentrional
A mountain range that runs parallel to the north coast, known for its amber mines.
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Sierra Esmeralda
A green mountain range in the center of the country.